Ben and Madison's North Idaho Engagement

Like so many couple these days they met online. On Hinge, to be exact. From what I've learned, Hinge is like a Tinder but for people who actually want a real relationship. And in Ben and Madison's case, that was absolutely true. Both of them coming out of COVID looking for something different. They would end up "meeting" online and chatting for about 3 weeks before finally getting to meet (although both of them had another date lined up the next day). Madison told me that Ben stood out even more because of how horrible the date the next day went.

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.

Fall Engagement Shoot at Round Lake with Chris & Ashley

They met online - as so many people do these days - on Hinge, to be exact. I asked what the difference was between Hinge and Bumble, or Tinder, and basically it is a little less about hookup culture and more about looking for actual, serious relationships. In this case, exactly what both Chris and Ashley were looking for.

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.

Mt. Spokane Engagement Photos: Clay & Alyssa

They met in McCall. You see, Clay has a bunch of friends that he's been friends with since high school. Over the years, each one of these friends has ended up finding a significant other - except him. That said, he was still invited on trip, and McCall was one of them. The thing is, Clay's a great Skier, and they were all there on a Ski trip. Enter Alyssa, also invited on the trip, also single.

Wedding Photographers: Daniel & Ashley's Coeur d'Alene Engagement

I met Daniel many years ago, almost 15 years, to be exact - which is kind of nuts to think about. This is a dude that's kind, thoughtful, so fun to talk to, and is an absolute stud. He's someone I would consider a friend, even though we don't get to spend as much time together these days as I'd like. So when I saw he was not only dating Ashley, but that they were engaged, I was super pumped for him. Being able to meet Ashley, but also learn how they met, was something I truly enjoyed. It wasn't just that they met on Tinder (which they did) but also the fact that Ashley was ready to move on the second she saw that they both worked at the same place (The Coeur d'Alene Resort).

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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.