In a rather unconventional approach to finding love, Lisa Catalano, a 42-year-old woman from California, gained widespread attention last year for her unique method of seeking a partner. She turned to billboards along Highway 101 in the San Francisco Bay Area to promote her search, featuring her own photo and a link to her website, “MarryLisa.com.”
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Catalano’s bold endeavour aimed at attracting potential suitors and connecting with those who aligned with her outlook on life. Each billboard provided a link to her site, where she detailed what she was looking for in a partner. Her criteria, which she described as “non-negotiables,” included being college-educated, free of a criminal record, and sharing similar political views. In addition, Catalano expressed her desire to marry and have children within a few years, if she found the right person.
The cost of her ambitious project was significant, amounting to nearly £3,900. This figure encompassed expenses for the billboards, taxi advertisements, and website hosting, which alone cost approximately £1,600. Further costs for wardrobe, makeup, and professional photo and video shoots brought the total closer to £4,750. Despite the considerable investment, Catalano’s commitment to find love through such a public means sparked curiosity and garnered her a considerable following.
Catalano’s efforts resulted in an impressive influx of responses, receiving around 4,000 applications for dates between September 2025 and May 2026. Out of these, she identified over 3,200 submissions as “actual, genuine” applications. However, her quest for love took an unexpected turn when, rather than matching with someone through her own website, she met her boyfriend on a dating app in January.
While Catalano’s partner did encounter her billboards at one point, he did not submit an application through her website. The couple’s romance blossomed through 19 dates over three months before they officially became a couple. Although she has chosen to keep his identity private, Catalano fondly describes him as a “kind, intelligent, attractive” man who fits her list of requirements.
In interviews, Catalano has provided insight into her boyfriend’s personality, stating that he is 35 years old, laid-back, and easy-going. Importantly, he has embraced her public quest without any reservations. Commenting on her unique dating journey, Catalano remarked, “This was my most ambitious DIY project, and I was really doing it all without much of a blueprint.”
Reflecting on the outcomes of her bold venture, Catalano expressed satisfaction with her efforts. In a recent update on her website, she joyfully announced, “Applications closed! Lisa’s in love and has a boyfriend.” This statement encapsulated a successful endeavour that garnered widespread media coverage and public interest.
Throughout her journey, Catalano has emphasised her gratitude for finding love. She expressed joy and appreciation for having met such a wonderful partner and was pleased with the direction her life has taken. Sharing her experience, she hopes her story inspires others to seek love in their own unique ways, no matter how unconventional they may seem.
Ultimately, Lisa Catalano’s story serves as a testament to the adage that love can be found in the most unexpected places, even through billboards on a busy California highway.