So Jonah and Liz hold a special place in my heart, because not only did I get to do their engagement photos, but I also had the chance to spend a bunch of days on the Salmon River with them and my family. It was an experience I will never forget, and something I will revisit again and again. So taking those experiences, fighting through rapids, jumping (or falling) off the boat, eating on the beach, and sleeping in the white sands with these two amazing people, and then being able to be there at their wedding was something I absolutely loved. They are kind, thoughtful, and so quick to smile - at a wedding or covered in dirt on the side of a river. Here are some of my favorites from their fall wedding.

The Adrain Family's Coeur d'Alene Lake Family Photos

If i’m counting right (and i’m probably not) I think this is the fourth time i’ve had a chance to capture the Adrian Family. First when it was just Corey and Katie, but as their family grew, they have continued to ask me to do one of the most important things someone could do - record their family growing up. It’s amazing to me, how each time I get to see this family, how much bigger and joyful the kids are, how great it is to see Corey and Katie, and just visit with them. It’s truly a highlight of my job and this shoot was no different. The Adrian family is no doubt an incredible one - you only need to spend a little bit of time with them to know that - and being able to share some of my favorites from their recent family photo session is a privilege that will never get old.

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.

Seattle Elopement: Matt & Kendal's Gold Creek Pond Elopement

A couple years ago I had the chance to meet Matt and Kendal at another wedding I was photographing (Shout out to Rob and Cheyene!). Kendal was a bridesmaid in that wedding, so I had the chance to get to know her better than Matt (she even held the umbrella for us, as that day was a very rainy one - not unlike this day). So when she contacted me late this year because her and Matt were looking to Elope, I was so excited to say that I had their date open. Being able to meet up with them in the mountains, get some incredible photos of two beautiful people is something I absolutely love doing.

Shelby's Senior Photos in North Idaho

I had the chance to meet Shelby for the first time at her senior shoot. She was out in Idaho to check out some colleges, and she wanted to get something that looked very different than her home. I would say we found it! She was super easy to talk to, kind, and a huge trooper considering it was about 25 degrees outside. That said, we had a blast, and i’m excited to share some of my favorites form this senior shoot!

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.

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.