As a documentary producer for national television, Rachel Engleberg supervises, coordinates, and directs all phases of program production. She is now using those skills to plan her wedding.

Credit goes to Tali Laschover. Tali has amazing instincts and incredible people skills. No wonder — she is a trained clinical psychologist. She also knows how to seal a deal. No wonder — she currently heads the sales department for a gourmet gift empire.

Tali, who was born in Israel, and Rachel met about eight years ago. Rachel pretty much moved among three cities: Denver, where her parents live; Tel-Aviv, where she worked and vacationed; and New York, where she attended university and currently lives. Tali had a large network of friends, and Rachel was in one circle. Yuvi (Yuval) Moskovich, a long-time Israeli friend, was in another circle.

In 2001, Yuvi, Rachel, and Tali were all in New York, and Tali attempted to get her two good friends to go out. She figured that if you like your friend, then you will like your friend’s friend. Right? Maybe? But Yuvi, a straight-shooter, was getting his business started in the New York diamond market and didn’t want to be distracted. It would take three years before Yuvi and Rachel would become friends and begin to date.

In the meantime, Rachel, an attractive, energetic, likable, and warm 26-year-old, was developing her career as a documentary producer. At one point, she thought she had met Mr. Right, but, she was wrong. Yuvi still had not entered the picture.

In September, 2004, Rachel was working her way back into the dating scene. At the same time, Yuvi was recovering from a break-up with a serious girlfriend. Rachel and Yuvi were both at about the same point on the spectrum. Isn’t timing everything?

Tali was not a person to miss an opportunity. Though three years had passed, Tali was still on task.

“I knew that these two amazing dear friends should definitely get together,” she recalls. “I was sure they would like each other and had a feeling they could work as a couple.”

Tali broached the idea with Rachel. Rachel asked: “Did Yuvi say something?” She pressed. Did he or didn’t he? We’ll never know — sometimes it may be best to improvise a bit and come up with the right answer. Tali said: “Yes, he did.” And those three words changed the lives of Rachel and Yuvi.

Based on Tali’s “yes” the rest is history. They indeed really liked each other, and a couple was born. On Feb. 11, 2006, the day of the North American blizzard of 2006, Yuvi made the day historic for another reason. He seized the moment and proposed to Rachel.

Surveys confirm that a common way to meet potential partners is to be introduced by mutual friends. In business and in her personal life, Tali follows a cardinal rule — follow through! When you tell friends that you want to set them up, get back to them with a yes or a no, but keep them updated

In one survey of 800 single adults, the majority of participants said that friends make the best matchmakers. Sherry Zimmerman, author and relationship expert, explains: “The people who know us well often have the best sense of which people might be right for us. Our friends are attuned to our personal habits, what we believe is important in life, the direction we’re going, and the personal qualities we’re looking for in a life partner. Their suggestions are generally ‘in the ballpark,’ and many times are right on target. That’s why friends should become more proactive in setting up the people they know and care about.”

According to Jewish tradition, the reward for making three matches is a place in the world-to-come. This was Tali’s second match.

Rachel and Yuvi are to be married on Sept. 3, 2006. Mazal tov!