I’ve really enjoyed talking with both Cody and Lauryn since I met them. Their engagement session was so much fun, and it became clear to me these two amazing people are easy to get along with, easy to talk to. This extended to their friends and family - one of my favorite parts of any wedding is getting to meet a couples friends and family - they were all kind, thoughtful and so much fun. I loved watching them dance, laugh, and care for those around them. This wedding, was a blast, and I think it shows in the photos. I hope you see it in the way that I experienced it.

Personal: Hiking in the Mountains of North Idaho at Sunrise

Most people don’t do sunrise hikes - or have ever done them. I’m telling you, you’re missing out. While I absolutely love sunset, and I love being at weddings, and getting to know people, and capturing the emotions of people in some of the best parts of their lives, I also love this. Nature. The warm glow of the sun just before it crests the horizon. There are moments up in the mountains that can feel surreal, and you can spend the whole time just looking out going “wow”. It’s not really something that can be put into words, just as emotion always seems to be lacking a word that truly fits it.

North Idaho Engagement: Mike & Kendra’s Winter Engagement

Mike and Kendra met like so many other people do. On Tinder. So these two amazing people swiped right on each other. I asked them what caused that swipe. Mike said not only did love the way she looked but also how she was active, outdoors, and seemed so genuine. Kendra told me that she thought Mike was sexy - well, not in those exact terms but you get the idea.

Spokane Wedding Photographer: Garrett & Alyssa’s North Idaho Engagement

Garrett and Alyssa, two people I have seen at more weddings than almost any other couple. I think Alyssa has either been in or attended five different weddings I’ve photographed. That’s amazing. I’ve taken their pictures at multiple weddings, so as Garrett put it at the end of our engagement session “it’s about time it’s our turn!” I couldn’t agree more. It’s so cool how they met as well, from going to school with each other - although not really ever talking, to finally meeting (although not in person).

Spokane Engagement Photography: Alex & Rebecca

They met on Tinder - as so many people do these days. They started talking via chat, but one of the things that really struck Rebecca was that Alex was asking real questions - and responding in a deeper, less surface level way. This already set him apart from the others she had tried to talk to on the app. This was two years ago though, so they were in the middle of the lockdown for COVID, and so instead of doing an official date to start, they decided to do a Zoom date. This helped with Rebecca's anxiety around meeting someone online, but also meant they didn't have to drive the hour and a half between each others homes.

North Idaho Engagement: Skyler & Kristin

They met on Tinder. I asked Skyler why he swiped right on Kristin's profile and he looked and me and said "To be honest, I swiped right on EVERYONE's profile" - and his logic was very reasonable - why bother looking if you don't match anyway? He figured, see who he matches with, THEN look to see if there was anyone there he was interested in. Kristin was much more thoughtful, and she really liked how Skyler had a great photo of him featured and not one of him with a bunch of friends.

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.