Tytus and Ali met in high school. I think technically they said they went to elementary school together, but they didn't know each other. But in high school, Tytus found Ali on social media and decided to send her a message. They would talk for a while, but eventually he convinced her to go on a date. It was a movie (which they cannot remember) and dinner (Pizza). Ali told me the thing that stood out to her the most was running across the freeway (to the pizza place) and how much pizza Tytus ate (aka, a lot).

Sunny Winter Engagement with John and Kelly

They met at work. In fact, John trained Kelly when she first started working there. At the time, she got his attention right away, and not just because she was beautiful - but because she was "intimidating". He told me that she seems to have a strength with her he didn’t' see very often, an intelligence, and a peace about her. Kelly, for her part also vividly remembers meeting John, and she told me that he was a "rare gentleman". So one thing is clear, from the beginning, these two stood out to each other. The problem John initially had was that they never worked together, always passing each other in the hall, but he never really got to talk to her again.

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.

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.

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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.