Destination Wedding: JD & Kara's Big Sky Wedding

I met JD and Kara a couple years ago at another wedding (Kara was the maid of honor). That wedding was a blast, and we had so much fun. So when Kara asked me to be at her wedding, I knew it was going to be a blast. Now, this summer isn’t quite what I expected (or anyone else) and so there were a lot of unknowns as we got closer and closer to July 4. But, true to their personalities, JD & Kara made something amazing happen. They had an incredible wedding, in an incredible place, with some truly amazing people - in the middle of a pandemic. The whole wedding was beautiful, touching, and filled with emotion and great moments. The fact I could be there, to capture it all, can only be thought of as a privilege. Now I get to share some of my favorite photos from this Big Sky wedding with you, and I hope you love them.

Spokane Engagement Photographer: Jake & Joanna

They met in middle school. In some cases, people that meet in middle school are friends for a while and then they begin to date in high school. Life happens, but in the end they stay together and get married. Those are beautiful stories - but it's not this story. Jake and Jo did in fact become friends in middle school, and Jake did really like her. The problem is, not a lot of girls "like a super awkward guy with acne" as jake would put it, or someone who wore the exact same bright sweatshirt every single day (as Jo would put it). The point really is that these two were great friends, but the interest wasn't mutual. Flash forward to graduation, and these two would go separate ways - Jake to the military and Jo to Gonzaga.

Idaho Mountaintop Engagement: Alex & Julie's Adventure

The first time they saw each other, was also their first date. Alex came into it knowing two things - Julie's first name, and her phone number. Julie had a little more on her side, with a friend who knew Alex, and so she had his Facebook page and other social media outlets to see what she was getting into - plus the word of her friend (who gave Alex a glowing review). It was all this that made Julie much less worried going into and, and much more comfortable on their first date - which went extraordinarily well.

Spokane Family Photographer: The Yergler Family

There is something amazing about photographing families. I think a lot of it comes from the fact my family has grown, now that I have two boys (ages 8 and 5) and my wonderful wife, I know that they are the most important people in the world to me. They bring so much joy and laughter, it isn’t something that can be described. So when I get the chance to capture that for someone, to capture the most important people in someones life, it’s a privilege. In this case, it’s two fold - as the Yergler’s are also old friends of mine. They are people I enjoy and love to spend time with. So here is this amazing family of three, with the fourth to be coming any time!

Engagement Photographer: Nathan & Whitney's Sandpoint Engagement

I drove up to Sandpoint to take Nathan and Whitney's engagement photos. We went to some area's I knew, some I didn't, but what I found was that their company was so welcoming. Our conversation didn't lag, and it was so fun just talking to them. I often get to a point during a shoot where I get the chance to ask about how a couple met, how they came together, what makes them who they are. It's a party that I always enjoy, and love watching a couple work through the experience again. In Nathan and Whitney's case, I only realized after the fact we never even got to that point. We were talking and having fun, and before long, the shoot was over. I'm sure their wedding will be beautiful, and I can't wait to spend some more time with these two amazing people this December when I photograph their wedding.

Spokane Engagement Photographer: Carson & Arianna

They met on a blind date. Carson and Arianna had only talked for the first time the day before, when Arianna (who had run out of gas) was waiting for help, and they talked on the phone. It was "a little awkward" but mostly they had a good conversation, with Carson getting some good laughs out of Arianna.

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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.