They met in elementary school. They weren't really friends, even though they went to a small school (think class sizes of 45, instead of 400). So they knew each other existed, but never talked. This was true until around Olivia's 7th grade year, when Matt started noticing her, and he decided to try and pursue her - something his cousin had been doing very unsuccessfully for a while. He would get her number, and they would start to talk. It wasn't a long time (but also notably, not a short time) before they would start to like each other.

Chance and Lily's Beautiful Overcast Engagement in Coeur d'Alene

They met around 7th grade. According to Lily he was the "guy that knew everyone" He played sports, was kind, and just generally got along with everyone in his class. I asked Chance if he noticed Lily to which I got a little chuckle from both of them. Because Lily didn't really get to know Chance right away, rather, she was friends with his friends. So by nature, she was around, but they never really hung out, they were never really all that close.

Slovarp Family Photos

I feel like sometimes I’m a record on repeat. Because each time I get to see the same couple again, or the same family, I reflect on how great it is to see them. But it’s hard not to say it, because it’s so true. It’s an incredible honor to be asked to be at someones engagement, or their wedding, but in my mind I feel like that honor increases each year you see a family, each year those little kids grow into bigger kids. To watch a family grow, not just in size but also number, is something I absolutely love. That is 100% true of the Slovarp family.

Joel and Alyssa's Engagement on Tubbs Hill

Joel and Alyssa met at work. They were working in Buffalo New York, although neither of them were from there. Alyssa came from Michigan, and Joel had flown in from Colorado. Both were there to do some type of construction job (both are engineers), so when Alyssa showed up that day with her bright orange vest on, she wasn't really thinking she was going to meet the man she was going to marry.

Michael & Katie's Winter Tubbs Hill Engagement

Just like so many couples these days, Michael and Katie met because they both swiped right. In fact, when we met for their engagement shoot, we were only a couple days before their "swipaversary" - Mike likes dates. Anyway, it's been almost exactly 2 years since they both swiped right and had their lives changed forever.

Sean and Tyler's Rainy Engagement Downtown Coeur d'Alene

They met as so many other couples do these days - in an app. Sean told me that he was first drawn to Tyler because she "seemed like a normal, genuine, human" which is not very common in the dating apps. In their case though, it was on Bumble, which means the girl needs to reach out. So Tyler reached out to Sean and said something like "Oh you play music? That's awesome! What do you play?" Which immediately grabbed Sean.

The Blog

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.