testimonials
✩
testimonials ✩
hear from our members
See how Throwback Dating transformed connections into success stories.
When it clicks, it clicks fast
FINDING A RELATIONSHIP
I Found My Second Chance at Love
Eden
Eden was skeptical at first.
After Megan interviewed her, Megan connected her with an incredible gentleman, someone with the very qualities she'd been praying for.
Through that connection, Eden found her second chance at love.
"To me, Megan Wessels is an angel. She has a true gift for connecting great, high-quality people."
Thirty dates later, we're still having a blast
Justin
After a long stretch navigating online dating, Justin was uncertain, confused, and frustrated, with far too much time wasted for too little to show for it.
He attended a Throwback Dating event at the Shedd Aquarium in August 2025. Ten minutes in, he caught the eye of a woman across the room, sat beside her, and talked for the next half hour straight.
Thirty dates later, they're still having a blast together.
“It was a truly organic, in-person meeting, just like the old days, where you can look someone in the eyes and really get a sense of who they are.”
I Found Myself Again
Rob
Rob doesn't name the exact struggle, but the shift he describes says enough: he needed to reopen himself to possibilities he didn't know existed.
Through the Throwback community and the people in it, he found his way back to that openness.
He found a connection with a very special person he says he never would have met any other way.
"I'm incredibly grateful for this community and for the way it helped me step into a new chapter of my life."
We Spent Three Months as Friends Before We Ever Called It a Date
Kate
Kate had been married twenty years and took several years after her divorce before dating again. She tried the apps for about a year, but never felt the process reflected who she really was.
She met Rob at the very first Throwback event either of them attended, a small charity poker night in February 2025. Megan's vision, meeting people as whole humans instead of dating profiles, felt like a relief.
They went out a month later and spent three to four months simply being friends first, giving trust and comfort room to grow slowly.
"We have a ton of fun together, we laugh a lot, there is a strong mutual attraction and we bring real joy to each other's lives, and that feels amazing. It feels like a gift."
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Not just more options, better ones
MEETING HIGH-QUALITY PEOPLE
I Can't Imagine Ever Joining an Online App Again
Jack
Jack doesn't spell out where he started, but the contrast does the work.
After attending the Kids Above All event, he's been texting with B. ever since.
They're going on their first date this week.
"Now that I've experienced Throwback, I can't imagine ever joining an online app. It seems like a colossal waste of time, unless you aren't looking for something meaningful."
Megan Connected Me With Exactly the Right Person
Ursula
A 55-year-old, self-employed woman in Chicago, Ursula was looking for a serious connection with someone empathetic, caring, generous, and fun.
She discovered Throwback Dating, created by Megan, and decided to give it a chance.
She met someone serious, handsome, fun, and a true gentleman.
"Her thoughtfully hosted events bring together incredible people and create genuine, meaningful connections. I'm so grateful for this experience."
I Got a Date With That Gentleman, and Another One Too
Gina
Gina walked into a Chicago Throwback Dating event not sure what to expect.
She left having met a room full of people worth talking to.
One night led to two dates.
"Megan Wessels has a knack for connecting people, it's just part of her genius."
It Even Inspired Me to Make Pasta On My Own Later
Phil
Phil showed up to the Pasta Making Class curious more than anything.
The night turned out to be well-organized and full of great people, men and women both.
He liked it enough that he started making pasta on his own afterward.
"I met tons of great people, and had a great time. It even inspired me to make pasta on my own later."
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throwback Dating?
What happens the very first time you show up
FIRST EVENT SUCCESS
Everyone Has a Significant Story
Steve
Steve had personally never done anything like this before.
He attended the Slow Dance Dating event, in a location he called truly unique, with hosts, food, and drink he described as superb.
He had good interactions all night and was surprised when time ran out
"So very interesting to observe how we all got to this place in time. Everyone has a significant story."
Way Less Pressurized Than I Thought
Rob
Rob expected the night to feel pressured going in.
Everyone turned out to be relaxed and chill instead.
It was easy to simply have fun.
"Thanks for arranging that, Megan. Everyone was so relaxed and chill it was easy to simply have fun. Everyone was very nice."
The Whole Night Was Such a Success
Henry
Henry showed up to 80's Night with the Sixteen Candles Band ready for a good time.
They got one: a packed floor, full of people jumping, screaming, laughing, and dancing.
It capped off an easy win of a night.
"We had so much fun on the floor with that flood of people jumping, screaming, laughing and dancing! The whole night was such a success!"
Ready to experience
throwback Dating?
Awkward at first. Glad they came anyway.
CONFIDENCE
I Felt More Like Myself Than I Have in a Long Time
Caroline
Caroline walked into her event without expecting much beyond a nice evening.
What she got instead was a room and a venue that put her at ease.
She left feeling like her most comfortable self again.
"I had a wonderful time yesterday. It was a great experience and I felt more like myself than I have in a long time."
You Show Up Alone but You Feel Like You're Not Alone
Ryan
It was Ryan's first singles event, and he felt awkward walking in.
The room's laid-back energy meant he could talk to whomever he wanted, no pressure.
He had a great time.
"You show up alone but you feel like you're not alone. Everyone is so laid back that you can talk to whomever you want."
If They Never Open That Door, They'll Never Know
Amanda
Amanda's seen the hesitation firsthand, especially in guys unsure about showing up to a social gathering like this.
What she's noticed is Megan making sure everything stays balanced, so people feel comfortable enough to actually talk to each other.
That openness is the whole point, whether or not it leads anywhere romantically.
"I'd love it if more guys could just feel comfortable coming and engaging in a social gathering. It may lead them to someone, or it may not. But if they never open that door, they'll never know."