It’s not very often you get to have a FIVE-generation photo, but I had the chance to capture that when I did the family photos for my wife’s side of the family. So if you see myself, my boys, and my beautiful wife in some of these pictures, it’s because we were there! That also means this family has grown very dear to my heart, and I love each one of these people so much. It’s also crazy, looking at the size of the family, thinking that a whole family wasn’t able to make it (Crystal’s sister) as they live down in Florida. That said, we couldn’t have asked for a better day, with great color and no rain; it ended up turning out great. Here are some of my favorites.

Jordan & Kailee's Manito Engagement

Jordan is someone i’ve known a long time. He’s my nephew after all. I’m not 100% sure how old he was when we first met, but my guess is around seven. So being able to watch him grow up, go through high school, find a girlfriend and then get married?! Pretty darn amazing. The girl he’s found, Kailee, has also been quite the blessing. She is always ready to be part of family events and is quick to laugh and have fun. Watching them grow closer (I distinctly remember meeting her while doing Jordan’s senior photos) has been huge for me. I’m excited to be able to share their engagement photos, which are technically not engagement photos (as they are already married!) but hey, who’s counting. I hope you love them!

The German-Murry Family

Being able to see the German-Murry family again this October was an absolute privilege. They are always so kind, thoughtful and so easy to talk to. Being able to photograph them since before they had any kids, and watching their beautiful family grow has been one of the highlights for me as a photographer. It is with that that I am so excited to be able to share these family photos of this beautiful, kind, growing family.

Marc & Amber's Engagement in Manito Park

They met 22 years ago at a conference. It was 1999, and they came together as a group of professionals, and Marc and Amber hit it off. They talked a lot over the course of the four day conference, but in the end, they would go home back to their lives. No numbers were exchanged, and because it was 1999, that also meant that's about where the potential to build on a friendship ended. They would end up seeing each other one more time a year later, and be reminded at just how well they fit - how well they got along - but again, that would end.

Misty Morning Family Shoot with the Raymond-Becker Family

I worked with Shannon for months trying to get the details surrounding this shoot ironed out. Things were always changing, but in the end, on a misty (and at one point, very very rainy) morning, I was able to be there when the Raymond-Becker family was reunited again. The emotions were high, joy was clear, and it was such a fun family shoot to be a part of. I truly enjoyed meeting them, even for the small period of time I had the chance to speak with them. I’m excited to share some of my favorites from our shoot.

Family photos with the German-Murrey's in Manito Park

To say seeing the German-Murrey family is a pleasure would be an understatement. I’ve had the huge privilege of photographing them from the time it was just them (and they were making a pregnancy announcement) to a shoot that included their extended family, and now again, as their youngest (Joseph) is getting bigger and bigger. The last time I saw them, it was swiftly followed by some incredibly sad news, that while it is super sad, I think it’s important that we still remember Rosalie.

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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.