I first met Dillon and his family at his older brothers wedding (shout out to Brayden and Aeva!) he was in high school then. But I am not exaggerating when I say that this wedding stood out in my mind. Not just because Brayden and Aeva are awesome (because they are) but because their family is awesome. This translated into getting the chance to photograph Dillions senior photos. It was here I had the chance to meet Eden, get to know Dillon more, and his family. In both cases my impression of them and who they are only increased. And I genuinely loved talking with them. So when I found out that Dillon was going to propose to Eden, and that I was being asked to be there, I was so excited. Proposals are some of my favorite things, such excitement and emotion it feels so visceral.

Noe and Ellie's New York City Engagement

This would mark the fifth time I've had the privilege of going to New York City, although this is the first time in the last decade. It is my favorite major city in the US, it has culture, people, nature, and of course, it may be the most “epic” of all city’s. That said, being able to do engagement photos with two exceptional people in one of the greatest cities on earth was a huge privilege. I absolutely loved my time with these two, they were funny, easy to talk to, and so thoughtful. Their story was so good - from what I remember - although because of my location I didn’t get the chance to write it down as I normally would.

Romantic Historic Davenport Engagement in Spokane with Boone and Asti

If we're getting technical, Boone and Asti first met in Andy's office (shout out to Margeaux and Andy!). Asti thought Boone was "likely a law clerk" and was "way younger than her" and so she gave him her card, and offered to help introduce him around. Boone told me that he didn't even realize that happened, and all he was really focused on was how pretty she was. The reason I say this is "technically" the first time they met is because Boone doesn't really remember it. He remembers the second time, when they went to a hockey game together with some mutual friends. While there they talked and hit it off, but while Boone was very interested, he found out that Asti had a boyfriend. And so as she became more and more part of their friend group, it was always something he was interested in, but couldn't do anything about.

Lake Tahoe Engagement With Joe and Crystal

You would think that I would get Joe and Crystal's story before anyone else, as I have spent more time with them than the vast majority of couples by the end of their engagement. We've shared a zoom call together, two meals, several drives, and climbed a (small) mountain. We've been to Tahoe, Reno, and had some awesome chicken. But in all those moments, in all those beautiful places I never had the chance to fully get their story. I know Joe saw Crystal on the beach and told her that he loved her Tattoos. I know Crystal thought "I'm on vacation, why not? I'll hang with this guy for a little bit" and I know that interaction ended up changing their lives forever.

Coeur d'Alene Engagement: Brennan & Brooklon

If we want to get technical, Brooklon and Brennan met somewhere around third grade. They went to the same (small) school, and ulitmately had really just been around each other for a long time. But things don't always go the way you'd expect, and over time people start to notice each other in different ways.

Coeur d'Alene Engagement: Si & Jasmine

They met online, using an app called Hinge. I asked Jasmine what the difference was between things like Bumble and Tinder, and she said that Hinge had more in depth questions on the profile's, meaning you could see more about what that person wanted, and who they were, than you could on the other apps. The thing was, when both Si and Jasmine got in the app, they had terrible luck. No good matches, no good people (at least, for them).

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Brent Looyenga is a Spokane wedding photographer based IN SPOKANE WASHINGTON and Coeur d’Alene Idaho area. He loves people and specializes in wedding, engagement, family and senior photography. You can like Looyenga Photography on Facebook or follow them on Instagram.