Designing Love, Inc.—Planning Your Next Great Date

Neal Holmes is ready to plan your next dream date.

Whether it’s popping the question or setting the ambiance for a warm night in, Holmes of Regent Square is a resident romantic concierge focused on creating wonderful moments that last a lifetime.

“For me, everyone deserves love and everyone needs love,” Holmes said. “When it’s all said and done in this world that we live in, and everything going on with the economy and war, there’s so much that takes away from the things that really matter—it’s amazing to be there for the small moments and create reflections that last a lifetime.”

With his own company, Designing Love, Inc., Holmes already has created memorable date experiences with out-of-the box ideas and is continuing to build a local client base of diverse couples. This November, he is kicking off the company full-time with a grand opening luncheon. His goal—creating a romantic experience his clients will never forget.

In one instance called, “Text to Love,” one member of a couple receives text message instructions or clues for each step of the date. The dates Holmes plans all end with a final reveal.

“A reveal could be a party or a proposal,” Holmes said.

A former nonprofit professional with experience in concierge services, Holmes got his start in romantic planning and matchmaking simply through helping friends and colleagues with dating.

“These are services I used to do for my friends for free,” Holmes said. “They would come to me and say, 'I am throwing a birthday party but I don’t want it to be a typical event.'”

During one date, Holmes was disguised as a sales clerk at Macy’s and then later met the young woman at her job. Holmes helped her significant other plan a date that involved a limousine waiting outside of her office, which then took her to several stops—all including another one of her friends along the way—with a manicure, hair appointment, lunch and more.

At the end, a proposal and a diamond ring were waiting for her at the final reveal.

“What I am doing is not something typical of an event planner—it’s a very special niche,” he said. “It’s for those special moments in your life where you really want to create an ambiance that reflects the love you have for a person.”

Holmes plans dates, birthday parties, events or small weddings that can include up to 50 people and has a $300 flat rate for planning services, which could be spread out over the month with consultations. In addition to helping people plan creative ways to show their significant other how much they care, he also creates dine-in experiences at home, cooking dinner and setting the stage for love.

While a matchmaking component of the business will come into play next year, Holmes said he already has demonstrated success in bringing people together.

“I have an eye for people,” he said. “It’s matchmaking in a different way—I like meeting people and getting an idea of who they are, and then seeing what singles I know who are available who will mesh in light of an intimate dinner.”

After all—not everyone is looking for their soul mate in the club.

“I can help people find someone of substance and quality—they see me as a screener—I can get a sense of where someone is coming from, their ambitions and goals for the short-term and the long-term and then provide the perfect match,” Holmes said.

Holmes said it’s all about helping people to find that special someone and savor the moments they share.

“I want to be the partner that works with them,” Holmes said.

Designing Love, Inc. is offering specials for Valentine’s Day this February, as well as hosting a brunch event this April at Holmes' Regent Square home. For more information, visit www.designingloveinc.com, e-mail neal@designingloveinc.com or call 724-553-8703.