Coeur d'Alene Engagement: Michael & Malinda

They met in high school, freshman year. The thing about both Michael and Malinda that I found out during our shoot is they are both driven - they both work hard and are prepared people. What does this have to do with freshman year of high school? It means Malinda was taking 9 classes to everyone’s regular 8. It also means she had a huge pile of books in her hands as she walked to class. Michael, being the kind guy he is - and also thinking Malinda was pretty darn cute - asked her if she needed help. What a better way to start talking to the cute girl in class than to start out by being a gentleman?

Coeur d'Alene Engagement: Jarrod & Kelly's Winter Engagement

They met online - as so many couples do these days. It was several years ago so the exact conversation isn't something that is remembered, but we do know Jared made contact first with some sort of cleaver quip. Kelly said something that stood out to her first was how funny he was, he made her laugh. Jared's first impression of her was how great looking she was, and thus, it drove him to look closer at her profile. She liked to eat frozen peaches - yeah. Anyway, so he messaged her, and they started to talk.

Coeur d'Alene Engagement Photos: Robbie & Caitlyn

The first time they met Robbie was Caitlyn's EMT instructor (if I remember that right… he was an instructor of something). Anyway, Caitlybn said she never really thought of him "that way" and Robbie was in the same boat. They were just teacher/student. That said, Caitlyn would move away, and there would be no relationship there. When she moved back though they ended up being in a similar work group, and Robbie was no longer the "much older teacher" but rather the "slightly older funny guy" that was "quite cute". Even though they would spend more time together, it wasn't until they both volunteered to help at an event that they started to notice each other.

Spokane Engagement Photographer: Cole & Nicky

Cole and Nicky are two people I find myself really enjoying. Their conversation is lively, they laugh easily, and their smiles come quick. They have a joy for life - something i’m sure you are aware of. I loved getting to know them more during their shoot, hearing more about how they met (during their time at Eastern Washington University) and how that meeting changed their lives. They realized that the relationship they were in wasn’t like any other when Cole tore his Achilles (if I remember correctly). Achilles tears are some of the worst sports injuries someone could get because you basically can’t walk while it heals.

Spokane Engagement Photographer: Gabe & Kathryn

Gabe & Kathryn are pretty special. Gabe works as a fire fighter and Kathryn works in healthcare. Gabe knows a lot about survival, and they clearly love to adventure together. Before all that though, they had to meet. About six years ago Kathryn went over to a friends house, and their roommate (after ignoring them for some time) came down the stairs. For Kathryn, her thoughts were simple "so THAT's the roommate" - Gabe's thoughts were also simple, just different "Woah. This girl is hot" For my part, I can relate to those thoughts, (they are, after all, the same thing I thought about my wife when I first met her)

Destination Engagement Photographer: Daniel & Janell

Daniel and Janell are clearly two amazing people. They are kind, easy to talk to, and game for anything. Look no further than these engagement photos (some of these places were NOT easy to get to). I had so much fun with both of them, so much so I didn't get to hear the full story of how they met because we were talking and joking about other things. I do know they met online, and that Daniel sent the first message (although he doesn't know what he said) and that it is through that one step of courage, that one step of "why not?" that this relationship was born. I also know that they don't love the same things.

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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.