4,000 men applied after she put up billboard ads to find love. She chose the one who didn't apply
Lisa Catalano is finally ready to reveal how much her 'Marry Lisa' project cost her
Last September, 42-year-old Lisa Catalano went viral for her "Marry Lisa" billboards across California Highway 101. 9 months later, Catalano finally closed the application link because she's "in love and has a boyfriend." While speaking to KTVU, she revealed that she and her man (who she did not name, for privacy reasons) met on a dating app. He mentioned seeing one of her billboards, but did not apply. However, when they matched, they went on 19 dates over 3.5 months before they made it official. You can read Scoop Upworthy's initial report on her search: here.
He met her 'very reasonable non-negotiables'
Cataleno was extremely honest during her search. She listed her preferences and her non-negotiables. She wanted a man who was ready to settle down and have kids in the next 2-3 years. However, despite her thorough list, the man she met did not even apply. They met on a dating app. Cataleno's dream man fell under the age group she wanted. He was 35 years old, and she described him as a "kind, intelligent, attractive San Francisco Bay Area man who meets all of her very reasonable non-negotiables." She added, "He’s unbothered by my website and billboards and my very public search for a husband."
The expense to find love
Between September 2025 and May 2026, Catalano received over 4,000 applications. However, only 3,221 were serious. Furthermore, after personally reviewing the applications, she narrowed it down to only 20 men from the Bay Area. Surprisingly, out of the 20 men, she went on five dates. Catalano initially refused to comment on the cost of her "Marry Lisa" project, but now that it's all over with, she told the news outlet that the billboards, taxi advertisements, and the website cost her $1,980. Additional costs for her wardrobe, makeup, photo, and video shoots, including equipment, brought the bill to a whopping $4,750.
Dating apps are not for everyone
A Match survey from 2025 revealed that 46% of dating app users were ready for long-term relationships, 40% prioritized finding love, 35% were casually looking, and 25% were actively looking for a romantic partner. Americans were also polled by YouGov regarding their views on dating apps. Half of the American women (50%) complained that the matches they came across were not very appealing, and in some cases, not appealing at all. However, only 29% of men feel this way. Catalano was one of the lucky ones. Despite the overwhelming number of dating applications she received on her website, she met her dream man on a dating app.
An ambitious DIY project with amazing results
As for their future, the couple is excited and optimistic. She calls the "Marry Lisa" billboards her "most ambitious DIY project," adding, "I was really doing it all without much of a blueprint." Luckily for Catalano, everything worked out in her favor. She concluded the interview with the outlet, saying, "I accomplished my goal. I’m in a relationship! I’m so extremely happy and thankful I met such a wonderful man."
More on Scoop Upworthy
Woman who gave up on dating apps finds love at Home Depot: 'Best $13 spent'
Woman's video convinces the internet that LinkedIn will become a dating app by 2027
Share on Facebook
