Ben and Madison are two people that I absolutely love talking with. They are fun, quick to laugh, and it seems we have a lot in common. I remember hitting it off with them at Ben’s sisters wedding about a year ago and watching him and Madison dance the night away (even though Madison had a torn ACL or something). Fast forward to this year and photographing their wedding in Seattle (although their engagement out in Coeur d’Alene was incredible) was an absolute blast. There was no surprise to find out that not only are they great people, but they’ve surrounded themselves with others that are equally kind, thoughtful, and fun to be around. Their wedding also featured one of the best toast-slip-ups that i’ve ever heard, and really created for me a dilemma in terms of showing you some of my favorite images. There were just so many great moments of laughter, smiles, and tears that I genuinely had such a hard time picking them for this blog. Either way, I absolutely loved being there, and i’m so excited to share with you their wedding photos.

North Idaho Engagement: Mathew and Alexis

They met on Tinder - as so many couples do these days - and set up a date. Matt talks a lot about what it means for two introverts to go on a date - or even find each other - and this whole situation worked out best for them. Alexis said at one point that she "couldn't imagine" trying to find someone another way.

Dan and Lisa's Downtown Spokane Rainy Engagement

They first met because of a roommate. Dan and Lisa were invited to join some friends in a escape room, and on the way to pick everyone up, Dan decided he needed to get a pumpkin (you know, for a house warming gift - because, why wouldn’t you?) Looking out from the window Lisa told me she saw Dan and her first thoughts were "oh man, he's actually really cute" but that was a problem, because she wasn't read - at all. So according to her, she went and hid in the kitchen.

Michael & Katie's Winter Tubbs Hill Engagement

Just like so many couples these days, Michael and Katie met because they both swiped right. In fact, when we met for their engagement shoot, we were only a couple days before their "swipaversary" - Mike likes dates. Anyway, it's been almost exactly 2 years since they both swiped right and had their lives changed forever.

Portland New Years Eve Wedding: John & Kelly

There’s something about New Year’s Eve weddings. Having everyone in the room, counting down, chanting, cheering, kissing, all the magic of that moment. It’s beautiful. And sharing it with John and Kelly, as well as all their friends and family, was a highlight of the year for me. It also happened on the last day of 2023. This wedding also featured some of the foggiest weather i’ve seen all year, so you’ll see some photos where I take advantage of that, as well as one very dark, moody shot that I couldn’t’ help but add in there - even if it looks like it may belong in the Witcher or something. I hope these photos convey the love these two have for each other, the laughs of the day, and the incredible moments we all had the chance to share.

Tytus and Ali's Country Engagement

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).

The Blog

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.