Zarah & Peyton's Wedding at The Willows at Wolf Lodge

Zarah and Peyton are unique in that their smiles seem to light up a room. They are so fun to be with, and so unashamedly themselves. I’ve seen many grooms and brides say they “don’t love dancing” all the while still trying to dance or move about. Zarah and Peyton said that, and while they had dance, they decided to go play Magic the Gathering while some of their guests danced. So unique, and so awesome they decided to do what they loved at their wedding. I hope these photos show you a glimpse of the fun we had together, the big and small moments alike.

Rhea and Divine's Farragut State Park Elopement

Rhea reached out to me recently with a plan. She wasn’t looking for a photographer for a wedding a year or two away—she was getting married in just a couple of weeks! She asked if I could be there to document their surprise elopement at Farragut State Park, and I’m so glad the stars aligned so I could say yes. Watching Rhea and Divine see each other for the first time was incredible, but being the only witness there (alongside the officiant and her husband) was a privilege that is hard to put into words.

Review: A Photographer’s Guide to Coeur d'Alene Resort Weddings

There are many factors at play in great wedding venues when it comes to photography. Note, there are many factors beyond photography that I cannot speak to - such as the price of a venue, how easy they are to work with from a couples perspective, and how responsive they are. That said, being that I've been to well over 400 weddings, I do know what a great venue looks like - and the Coeur d’Alene Resort is one of them.

Fernando and Jaimey's Wedding on Priest Lake at Hill Resort

Fernando and Jaimey are two people with magnetic personalities. They are easy to like, quick to laugh, and have great friends. Look no further than these photos, where their smiles light up a room, and they are clearly having such a great time. But it extends beyond that, to how they treat you when things aren’t looking, maybe it’s making sure you have food, or even pouring you a small bit of Blanton’s Whiskey just like everyone else. I never once felt like “a vendor” but more like a friend. Such a beautiful wedding, with fall colors, smoke, and a lot of personality.

Kanaan and Jessica's The Ridge at Greenbluff Wedding

Kanaan and Jessica are two people I have enjoyed from the minute we met at the bar. They are quick to smile, so easy to get along with, and so much fun to be around. And I think that shows here, not only are they fun, but so are their friends. This wedding didn’t lack for laughter, fun moments, touching details, and two lives changed forever. The Ridge at Greenbluff was showing off with some fall colors popping in with this early September wedding, and I love how it all came together. Definitely check out my favorites here, and I hope you love them!

Wedding at Settlers Creek with Tyler & Kelsie

It is crazy how life can work sometimes. Each one of us is going through life, trying to live it the best way possible, honor God, love those around us, our family and friends. And sometimes you make a connection. In this case, the connection was with my oldest son’s Kindergarten teacher (who was excellent) and it was her who introduced me to Tyler and Kelsie. And what a blessing that was! Because these two have been so great, from their engagement shoot last year to their wedding this year they have been fantastic. And you can see that permeated through their family and friends. Such a great bridal party (which I think shows in the energy and smiles in the bridal party photos) and at such an incredible location (Settlers Creek). I hope you love looking through these photos as much as I loved taking 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.