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).

Winter Coeur d'Alene Resort Wedding - Lucas and Kellee

There is something that should stand out to you as you look through these photographs. I know it stood out to me as I edited them. These two love to smile. They love to laugh. From the bridal party photos with their friends, to the ceremony when they shared their vows, to the portraits of both of them, they are smiling, laughing, and clearly in love. This is even more notable as we were dealing with winds of up to 45 miles per hour, heavy rain, and temperatures in the 30’s. Lucas and Kellee were cold out there, yes they shine through anyway. It’s absolutely beautiful and their warmth shines through on such a cold and dramatic day (weather wise). I’m so excited to share these with you, and I hope you love them as much as I loved taking them. What a beautiful wedding at the Coeur d’Alene Resort.

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.

Sunny Winter Engagement with John and Kelly

They met at work. In fact, John trained Kelly when she first started working there. At the time, she got his attention right away, and not just because she was beautiful - but because she was "intimidating". He told me that she seems to have a strength with her he didn’t' see very often, an intelligence, and a peace about her. Kelly, for her part also vividly remembers meeting John, and she told me that he was a "rare gentleman". So one thing is clear, from the beginning, these two stood out to each other. The problem John initially had was that they never worked together, always passing each other in the hall, but he never really got to talk to her again.

Romantic Historic Davenport Engagement in Spokane with Boone and Asti

If we're getting technical, Boone and Asti first met in Andy's office (shout out to Margeaux and Andy!). Asti thought Boone was "likely a law clerk" and was "way younger than her" and so she gave him her card, and offered to help introduce him around. Boone told me that he didn't even realize that happened, and all he was really focused on was how pretty she was. The reason I say this is "technically" the first time they met is because Boone doesn't really remember it. He remembers the second time, when they went to a hockey game together with some mutual friends. While there they talked and hit it off, but while Boone was very interested, he found out that Asti had a boyfriend. And so as she became more and more part of their friend group, it was always something he was interested in, but couldn't do anything about.

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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.