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.

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.

Blair and John's Fall Davenport Reception and Gonzaga Ceremony

John and Blair are two people I had not had the chance to meet until their wedding day (well, together, but I had met Blair at a previous wedding a couple years ago) and I have to say, i’m bummed about that. Because these two are so awesome. They are kind thoughtful, and we share a lot in common. They were a joy to be around, and I have no doubt that if we had met in another circumstance we would have gotten along just as well as we did on their wedding day. Their ceremony at the upper chapel on the Gonzaga campus was beautiful, followed by their reception in the Elizabethan Ball Room in the Historic Davenport was something I highly enjoyed. It’s true that great people collect more great people, and this was confirmed at their wedding. I had a lot of fun, and i’m sure that will be conveyed in these photos, that i’m so excited to be able to share.

Smokey Wedding up at Schweitzer Mountain Resort: Asif & Ashley

Asif and Ashley have been a lot of fun to get to know since I first met them, and our time up at Schweitzer was no different. I loved being with them, meeting all their friends and family, and getting some awesome photos of them up at the top of one of my favorite mountains. Here are some of my favorite wedding photos from their big day!

Skyler and Kristin's Schweitzer Mountain Wedding

Skyler and Kristin are two people I have loved getting to know over the course of their engagement. They are kind, thoughtful, and game for anything (look not further than the side of the mountain photos after the ceremony). I loved watching them dance, getting to know their friends and family, and just being a part of their day. It was beautiful. I hope these photos share a glimpse of what it was like.

Coeur d'Alene Photographers: Max & Sam's Elk Point Wedding

There is no doubt that Max and Sam are two amazing people. They are kind, thoughtful, and so deeply care for one another. I had the privilege of being the only person there for their personal vows, and it’s in times like this when no one (well, almost no one) is watching you get to see the depth of a relationship. These two just love each other, it’s that simple. Their day was absolutely beautiful, with Sam getting ready with a bunch of her girl friends, to their beautiful vow sharing and portrait session in the forest overlooking Fernan Lake, to their incredible ceremony, reception, and sunset photos up at beautiful Elk Point. I’m excited to share these with you, and I hope you love them!

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.