About 1st & Laurel
1st & Laurel is a modern matchmaking and dating studio focused on helping clients build meaningful, lasting connections through clarity, strategy, and intention. We work with individuals who want to date deliberately—bringing structure, insight, and direction to a process that is often fragmented or unfocused.
Our work spans digital profile development, personalized dating strategy, curated date planning, and full-service matchmaking. For clients seeking comprehensive support, our concierge matchmaking offers a high-touch, discreet experience that combines thoughtful introductions with strategic guidance—whether you need focused, immediate direction or sustained support over time.
About Dr. Sorapuru-Mitchell
Dr. Davine “David” Sorapuru-Mitchell is the founder and principal matchmaker of 1st & Laurel. He holds a Ph.D. in cultural and linguistic anthropology from The Graduate Center, City University of New York, and is a specialist in the anthropology of love, narrative, and belonging—how people form intimacy, make meaning in relationships, and create a sense of connection and home with others.
For over a decade, Dr. Sorapuru-Mitchell has studied and written about the emotional, cultural, and communicative structures that shape modern relationships. At 1st & Laurel, he applies this expertise directly to client work, offering clear-eyed analysis, strategic guidance, and high-touch support. His approach is designed for people who want more than surface-level dating advice—clients who value discernment, intentionality, and relationships built to last.