Old-School Matchmakers Thrive Even in Internet Age

Despite the growing popularity of Internet dating sites—or perhaps because of it—many singles are fueling a revival of sorts in traditional matchmaking. The Miami Herald takes a look at professional matchmakers who cater to a clientele looking for tradition and certainty, often because they've gotten fed up with the out-of-date photos and not-so-honest descriptions in the online world. But love doesn’t come cheap, with some matchmakers charging up to $100,000 for their services.

''Would you rather have the thousand dollars sitting in the bank or have her sitting next to you at dinner?'' asks one matchmaker. ''It's the oldest profession, they say, after prostitution,'' explains another. “They both came around at the same time because people need someone else in their life, one way or another.” (More online dating stories.)