America’s Favorite Couple 2025: Shannon & René’s Story of Deaf-Hearing Love
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From Bumble to Quarterfinals: Why This Deaf + Hearing, Over-40 Love Story Deserves Your Vote in America’s Favorite Couple 2025
“Love after 40 isn’t a consolation prize — it’s a second bloom.”
Skip ahead: Quick Facts About America’s Favorite Couple 2025 (contest details and voting)
Voting is OPEN
If you’ve been Googling America’s Favorite Couple contest 2025 winner, checking the America’s Favorite Couple ranking, or looking for this year’s contestants, you’ve found one of them.
We’re Shannon and Rene — a real-life, beautifully imperfect couple in the running for America’s Favorite Couple 2025. Not here because we’re “Insta goals,” but because love stories like ours — second-chance, against-the-odds, blended family, Deaf-hearing, love-after-heartbreak stories — deserve to be seen.
What we’re sharing isn’t just a contest entry. It’s the late-night talks, the blended family chaos, and the laughter we didn’t think we’d find again. It’s proof that connection can bridge worlds, even when those worlds speak different languages.
If you believe in love that shows up after life knocks you down, love that learns to listen in more ways than one, and love that grows stronger through every curveball… then you already know why your vote matters.
Quick Facts About America’s Favorite Couple 2025
- What it is: America’s Favorite Couple 2025 is a nationwide competition. In this contest, couples share their love stories. The public votes to decide who advances.
- Current round & ranking: We’re in the Quarterfinals — August 11–21, 2025. We are aiming to be #1 in our group to move on to the Semifinals. Check the America’s Favorite Couple ranking for updates.
How voting works: Every round resets votes to zero. Each person gets one free daily vote every 24 hours (no sign-up needed). Bonus “Hero Votes” are available for extra support.
- How to vote:
– Click the Vote Now button to visit our official competition page.
– Cast your free daily vote in seconds.
– Come back tomorrow & repeat — one vote every 24 hours keeps us in the running.
- The prize: $20K cash, a Variety Magazine feature, and a platform to share stories that deserve to be heard.
- There are currently 196 Quarterfinals groups. For the Quarterfinals round, the top Competitors from each Group Finals/Wildcard Round group will be divided into Quarterfinals groups. Votes will be reset, and public voting will determine the top one (1) Quarterfinalist from each group who will then advance to the Semifinals.
Live America’s Favorite Couple 2025 Leaderboard Check (Day 3)
We’re up to 3rd place today — thanks to YOU!
Today’s extra special: every single vote counts for 2x. That means one click = two steps closer to the semifinals.
Double-tap our story. Double-click to vote. And if you’ve ever thought, “Eh, my one vote won’t matter,” today it really does. Every click, every share, every little boost helps us climb higher.
💡 Tip: Set a daily reminder on your phone. Votes reset every 24 hours.
Now that you know the basics — the competition, the stakes, and where we stand — here’s the real story behind why we’re in this and what makes our love worth voting for.
📖 Want the full love story first? Read how we went from a Bumble swipe to America’s Favorite Couple Quarterfinals →ASL Flirt-Off + Voting Is OPEN for America’s Favorite Couple 2025
And because our love story has its own language (literally), we decided to kick off Quarter Finals with a little fun — an ASL Flirt-Off.
Rene picked his flirtiest sign. I picked mine.
Now it’s your turn to decide who wins. 😉
Watch the video below, drop your pick in the comments, and then lock in your vote for us in the Quarterfinals. The first 24 hours are everything — and your click could make all the difference.
Did it make you smile? Please vote, then text this page to 3 friends who’ll join our Day 1 Surge Squad.
Want a Daily Reminder to Vote for Us?
Help us win America’s Favorite Couple 2025 by voting daily. It only takes a few seconds. Your support means everything.
Drop your email below and we’ll send you a short, friendly nudge each day only while voting is open. No spam. Just love. 💌
This Is What We’re Celebrating
Bridges Deaf + Hearing Worlds
Our relationship is built on curiosity, patience, and respect — proving that differences can deepen connection instead of dividing it.
Love After Heartbreak
We found each other in our late 40s, after divorce, single parenthood, and seasons we never thought we’d recover from — and built something even stronger.
Blended Family Resilience
Together, we’ve woven two different lives, parenting styles, and histories into a shared home filled with humor, teamwork, and unconditional love.
“Resilience is our love language.”
~ Shannon & René
Why Your Vote Matters
When you click that button, you’re doing more than supporting us in a contest. You’re making a statement:
- Real connection is worth rooting for.
- Love doesn’t have an expiration date — whether you’re 28 or 68.
- Differences don’t have to divide us.
Starting today, all couples are back at zero. Your daily click keeps us in the lead and moves us toward the Semifinals.
If you love second-chance love stories
Click Here to Vote Daily:
💡 Tip: Set a daily reminder on your phone. Votes reset every 24 hours.
💡 Tip: Set a daily reminder to vote—every single click counts!
Want a Daily Reminder to Vote for Us?
Help us win America’s Favorite Couple 2025 by voting daily. It only takes a few seconds. Your support means everything.
Drop your email below and we’ll send you a short, friendly nudge each day only while voting is open. No spam. Just love. 💌
Where it all began…
From Bumble to America’s Favorite Couple? Help Us Make It Happen!
Pick a section below to learn how we met, how we communicate, and why this story matters.
Chapter 1: How We Met – Our First Coffee Date Turned Into a Forever Love Story
How America’s Favorite Couple 2025 Started with a Simple Coffee Date
It started with a Bumble match and a “let’s meet for coffee” at a little place called The Wild Bean.
We didn’t know it then, but that afternoon changed everything. Two people, two lattes, and two life stories that didn’t match the script we thought we’d be living by now.
Rene and I met in our 40s. He’d been navigating dating apps for years.
I was a single mom who cautiously gave Bumble a try at 42.
He was only the second person I met… and my last first date. ❤️
He didn’t mention that he was Deaf, but I noticed right away. Rene turned his chair to face mine, asked thoughtful questions, and truly listened.
That presence—being fully “there” in the moment—is what struck me most.
What I didn’t know then—but understand now—is how much courage it took for him to keep showing up.
The Hidden Reality of Dating While Deaf — Our Personal Story
For years, Rene listed “Deaf” on his dating profile. But over time, he noticed a pattern:
- Very few matches.
- Even fewer conversations.
That one word—Deaf—became a filter, not a fact. People made assumptions and swiped away without ever getting to know him.
Eventually, he removed it.
Not because of shame.
But because he wanted a fair chance to be seen as a whole person.
Even then, some women showed up for a first date, realized he was Deaf, and excused themselves to “go to the restroom”…
…and never returned.
Yes, that really happened.
More than once.
I shared this part of our story on Instagram recently, and the response was overwhelming.
It struck a nerve—so many people had no idea this kind of thing happens.
But despite all of that, what stood out most wasn’t his communication style—it was his presence.
From the very beginning, Rene led with kindness, humor, and a rare openness.
He didn’t let past experiences harden him.
Rene kept showing up with his heart wide open.
That’s what mattered to me then.
And that’s what still matters now.
This Coffee Wasn’t Just Coffee — It Was Everything
We talked for 90 uninterrupted minutes.
It felt like we were picking up a conversation that had already begun.
Not rushed.
No surface-level chit-chat.
Just two people—showing up, fully.
Sometimes the right person shows up when you’ve stopped looking for them.
When we walked away from that coffee date, we both knew:
This wasn’t just coffee.
It was the beginning of everything.
Love a good ‘we met online’ story? Click here to cast your Day 1 vote.
Early dates turned into everyday Facetime calls. Weekend plans turned into shared calendars.
We built this thing slowly, on trust and curiosity — and on learning how to love in two languages: English and ASL.
Chapter 2: Our Wedding Proposal Story and How COVID Changed Our Wedding Plans
The Proposal That Brought Us Full Circle
Exactly one year after our first coffee date, Rene brought me back to that same café.
But this time, it wasn’t just a casual meet-up—it was the beginning of forever.
Our kids were there, quietly watching, recording the entire moment.
There were tears, laughter, and that surreal “How did we get so lucky?” feeling.
It wasn’t flashy.
It was real.
And it was perfect.
If this made you smile, imagine helping us take it all the way to the Semifinals. Vote here.
Our love speaks two languages — and both say ‘I’m here for you.”
Our Dream Wedding Plans Were Set… Until Life Had Other Ideas
We had it all lined up:
- A destination wedding in Mexico.
- Outfits purchased.
- Venue booked.
- A date circled on the calendar.
But just as everything was falling into place, the world shut down.
COVID-19 forced us, like so many couples, to rethink everything.
Flights were canceled.
Borders closed.
Big plans? Postponed indefinitely.
Love Doesn’t Get Postponed — Our Simple, Perfect MN Wedding
This wasn’t a public spectacle. We weren’t chasing a social media stunt. It was just us — and the quiet knowing that this was exactly where we were meant to land.
While the world hit pause, our commitment didn’t.
We chose to pivot.
With just a few close family members present, we exchanged vows in a quiet, meaningful ceremony here in Minnesota.
It wasn’t the wedding we had pictured… it was better.
It was personal. Intentional. Ours.
No fanfare.
Just two people promising forever in the most authentic way possible.
Why This Proposal & Pivot Embody America’s Favorite Couple 2025
For us, this wasn’t just about adapting wedding plans.
It symbolized everything about our relationship:
- Resilience.
- Adaptability.
- Choosing love, over and over again.
We’ve been pivoting since Day 1 — help us pivot into the next round!
That’s why being part of America’s Favorite Couple 2025 means so much.
It’s not about highlight-reel moments.
It’s about real stories where love bends, flexes, and shows up—even when life doesn’t go as planned.
🎥 Watch the moment Rene proposed—back at the same coffee shop where it all began.
Our kids filmed the whole thing. Happy tears were had. (Spoiler: You might need tissues too.)
Chapter 3: Life After Love – What Our Day-to-Day Looks Like as a Blended Family
What Life Looks Like After America’s Favorite Couple 2025 Proposal
We’re not flashy. Most days are a mix of coffee, family chaos, home projects, and inside jokes. And we wouldn’t trade it for anything.
And when it comes to date nights?
Let’s just say we’re more likely to win awards for “garage cleaning champs” than candlelit dinners.
Ours is a life of ordinary moments woven with quiet, intentional love—the kind that shows up, over and over, even on the mundane days.
“Love is built in the everyday.”
Falling in Love After 40: A Real, Unfiltered Look at Second-Chance Romance
Finding love later in life comes with perks, like knowing exactly what matters—and what’s just noise.
Grand gestures? They’re nice.
But it’s the little things that truly connect us:
- A shared glance that says, “we’ve got this.”
- Inside jokes whispered during grocery runs.
- The quiet understanding that real partnership is built on the unspoken, everyday rhythms.
Fireworks are fun, but love after 40 is about the slow burn—the steady flame that keeps everything else warm.
Why Real, Everyday Love Stories Like Ours Deserve to Be Celebrated
Our story isn’t polished for Instagram perfection.
There are no filters or carefully curated highlight reels.
It’s messy. It’s funny. And it’s deeply real.
But more than anything, it’s ours.
That’s exactly why stories like ours need visibility.
Deaf-hearing couples navigating life hand-in-hand.
Blended families learning and growing together.
Two people who are wildly different—yet find perfect sync in the ways that count.
In our eyes, that’s what America’s Favorite Couple 2025 should celebrate.
Not fairytales, but love that’s lived in, beautifully imperfect, and absolutely worth rooting for.
If you believe in everyday love stories, give us your vote.
How We Communicate in a Deaf-Hearing Relationship: Our Real-Life Story
One of the questions we get asked most is: “How do you two actually communicate?”
It’s a fair question—and we love pulling back the curtain on it.
Here’s the honest answer:
Rene does speak.
So, on the surface, our conversations might look “normal.”
But the real magic is in how intentional we are when we communicate.
There’s a lot more:
- Eye contact.
- Presence.
- Visual cues.
- And a rhythm we’ve built together that bridges any gap.
Mostly that means lip-reading.
Other times, it’s gestures, texts, or signing.
But always, it’s about choosing to show up fully in the conversation.
Rather than just explain, we figured we’d show you what it looks like in real life.
Scroll down for two short videos that give you a peek into our world.
If you believe differences can unite instead of divide, vote for us here.
🎥 Video 1: How We Communicate — The Real-Life Version
In this video, I answer some of the most common questions we get about our daily conversations. You’ll see how we navigate communication with a blend of speech, visual cues, humor, and intentionality.
🎥 Video 2: Deaf Accessibility Fail at the Movies: Our Story at AMC Theater
Yes, this actually happened. Picture us at a movie theater using an official captioning device—only to have an employee accuse us of using a phone mid-movie. Spoiler: It was their own accessibility tool. Watch us tell the full story:
Help Us Win America’s Favorite Couple 2025 With Your Daily Vote
Voting is 100% free and takes just a second.
You can cast one vote every 24 hours through this link:
- 👉 VOTE FOR SHANNON & RENE HERE
- The contest includes several rounds—and each daily vote helps us stay in the running!
🟡 If our story made you smile, we’d be so grateful for your support. Or it reminded you that love can happen at any age. 💛
Want a Daily Reminder to Vote for Us?
Help us win America’s Favorite Couple 2025 by casting your vote every day. It only takes a few seconds. Your support means everything!
Drop your email below and we’ll send you a short, friendly nudge each day only while voting is open. No spam. Just love. 💌
How Our Love Story Inspired My Career in Online Dating Photography
As a Twin Cities dating profile photographer, I’ve photographed hundreds of people stepping into new seasons of life. People brave enough to be seen again—after heartbreak, divorce, single parenthood, or just plain dating burnout.
This love story is the reason I do what I do.
It’s why I believe so deeply in:
- Online dating photography that feels natural and inviting
- Portraits that show your personality, not perfection
- Helping you feel magnetic and confident in front of the camera
If you’re thinking, “Maybe it’s time to try again,”—you’re in the right place. And I’d love to help you feel seen. 👉 Book a session with me or view my portfolio
💬 Curious how Bumble works or thinking about giving it a shot yourself?
- I wrote a guide to help you navigate the app with clarity and confidence. 👉 Read: How Does Bumble Work? Your Guide to Modern Dating Success in 2025
Press & Media Inquiries:
- Download our press release Here.
- Or visit my Media Kit Here
Thank You for Being Here
Whether you’re here for the first time or you’ve been part of this community for a while—thank you.
No matter if you’re voting, dating, or just cheering on real love wherever it shows up. I’m truly so glad you’re here.
Support Our Journey in America’s Favorite Couple 2025 by Voting Daily
This journey isn’t just about us. It’s about visibility for stories that deserve to be seen. These are stories about Deaf inclusion and blended families. They remind us that love doesn’t expire with age, experience, or a few heartbreaks along the way.
If our story has resonated with you, we’d be deeply grateful for your daily vote. Every single click helps keep this story visible. Somewhere out there, someone needs to be reminded: connection is real. Kindness still matters. And love—especially the kind that shows up after life’s curveballs—is always worth celebrating.
💛 Vote for us daily here (it’s free + fast!): 👉 Vote for Shannon & Rene Here
Thank you for showing up for love stories that look a little different—and matter just as much.
Share the link with a friend!
Every little nudge helps keep this story visible—and we’re beyond grateful to have you in our corner.
Reminder: Once we reach Quarterfinals, all votes reset to zero. Your daily click is our lifeline to stay in the competition. You’re not just voting. You’re keeping this love story alive.
If you love second-chance love stories
Click Here to Vote Daily:
P.S. Want to help more? Text this page to 3 friends who’ll join our Surge Squad. One new voter can shift the ranking.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Voting for America’s Favorite Couple 2025
It’s a national competition where couples from across the country share their love stories — and the public votes for their favorites in multiple elimination rounds. Each round narrows the field, and finalists compete for the grand prize of $20,000, a feature in Variety Magazine, and a national spotlight. This year’s America’s Favorite Couple contestants 2025include inspiring, real-life love stories from every corner of the country.
Yes, America’s Favorite Couple contestants are real people from across the country. It’s a legitimate, nationally recognized contest run by Colossal, the same company behind America’s Favorite Pet and other popular competitions. Winners receive a verified cash prize and a feature in Variety Magazine. Voting is public, transparent, and updated in real time. (And no, we don’t see who votes — so if your ex votes for us, we’ll never know 😉).
We first saw the America’s Favorite Couple voting announcement on Instagram and thought, “Why not?” But once the votes started coming in, we realized it was about more than us — it was about representing stories of love after heartbreak, blended families, and Deaf-hearing relationships.
Because this isn’t just a love story. It’s proof that love over 40 is vibrant, that connection across differences is powerful, and that real relationships deserve visibility. Your vote helps keep us moving up in the America’s Favorite Couple rankingand closer to that grand prize.
We took 1st place in our Group Finals 🎉 — which means we’re now in the Quarterfinals. From here, the competition goes from over 10,000 couples down to just 196. Every single vote matters more than ever, especially since each round starts fresh at zero.
Share the voting link, forward the blog, bring in a friend, or repost on social media. One extra person voting can tip the scales. And if our story moves you — tell us! Every message means the world.
Right here ➡️ Read our story & vote now — it’s free, takes under 5 seconds, and no signup is required.
Oh hey there, nice to meet you!
I’m Shannon, a Twin Cities-based (soon-to-be Dallas, TX!) photographer specializing in online dating profile photography, personal branding photography, business headshots, and senior portraits. Whether you’re updating your dating apps, refreshing your LinkedIn profile, building your business brand, or celebrating a senior year milestone, I create natural light portraits that boost confidence and help you stand out — authentically.
With 15+ years of experience — and a personal journey from single mom to entrepreneur (and a CBS feature along the way) — I know the power of a photograph to tell your story. From attracting more meaningful matches, landing dream clients, or marking life’s big moments, I create relaxed, real portraits that feel like you while making a lasting first impression.
I’m also the creator of the Empowered Evolution Mentorship Program for photographers, where I teach creative entrepreneurs how to build profitable photography businesses through intentional marketing, SEO strategies, and streamlined workflows.
When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll find me with my husband, my son, and our beautifully blended family, savoring life’s everyday moments here in Minneapolis–St. Paul (at least for now!). We’re relocating to Dallas, Texas in 2026 — and I’ll soon be offering my signature branding and dating photography experience in the DFW area.
📸 Ready for natural photos that actually feel like you? Whether you need dating photos, professional headshots, or personal branding portraits, I’ll guide you every step of the way so you feel confident and aligned with your next chapter. Let’s book your session today.
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