A Florida photographer's creative experiment matching complete strangers for romantic photoshoots has captured millions of viewers online, though the reality of finding lasting love proves more complicated than the fairy-tale imagery suggests. Brooke LeVesque, 25, has been documenting genuine human connections through her unique stranger photography project, with one particular session garnering over 3.5 million views on TikTok.
LeVesque, who picked up photography as a hobby six years ago before turning it into her full-time career in 2021, launched her stranger photography series in October 2025 after a friend asked her to photograph her brother-in-law. What started as a simple favor quickly evolved into something more meaningful as LeVesque recognized the potential to capture authentic human interactions rather than just beautiful portraits.
The photographer has created an application system for singles in the Ocala, Florida area, where participants answer questions about their personalities and interests. Using these responses, she carefully pairs individuals who are complete strangers and don't even know each other's names before meeting for the photoshoot. "I've had over 1,600 applications so far, which just shows how many people are craving something real – a genuine spark, not a swipe," LeVesque tells PEOPLE exclusively.
The viral photoshoot featured 27-year-olds Ali Oswalt and David Barrett, whose immediate chemistry created what viewers described as a "Notebook-worthy" moment. Despite rainy weather, the pair embraced the experiment wholeheartedly, refusing to let the conditions dampen their chance at connection. During their session, they discovered a shared love for country music, slow danced in the sand, successfully attempted the famous Dirty Dancing lift, jumped off a dock into Lake Weir, and even shared a kiss.
"Ali and David's photoshoot was memorable for many reasons," LeVesque explains. "They immediately connected, to the point where they couldn't stop talking to one another." Oswalt recalls feeling initially awkward but quickly becoming comfortable, sharing laughs and great conversation. Barrett described the experience as feeling like a movie, saying that when he first saw Oswalt, "she was so beautiful it took me a second to focus, but once I did, I didn't want the session to end."
The response from viewers has been overwhelming, with LeVesque noting that her comments are filled with strangers rooting for other strangers. "People saying things like, 'I believe in love again,' or 'They need to get married,'" she shares. "It's wild to see how much hope people find in these sessions." The romantic imagery and genuine connection between Oswalt and Barrett led thousands of viewers to eagerly await updates on whether their photoshoot chemistry translated into real-world romance.
However, the much-anticipated update disappointed many hopeful viewers. After getting to know each other better following the photoshoot, Oswalt and Barrett decided they would "be better off as just friends." Despite the outcome not matching viewers' fairy-tale expectations, Barrett described the experience as fun and "like nothing I've ever done or felt before," while maintaining hope of finding his future wife through similar experiences.
LeVesque has since completed four additional stranger photography sessions and remains optimistic about creating stronger connections in future shoots. She emphasizes that the project's true value lies not in guaranteed romantic outcomes but in the willingness to take risks and be vulnerable. "I hope people watching feel that little spark of hope again – the reminder that connection is still out there, even in such a disconnected world," she explains. "These sessions aren't about perfect matches or fairytale endings; they're about taking a risk, being open, and letting yourself be seen."
