By The Lake Venue Wedding: Erik & Ali's Incredible Lake Wedding

Erik and Ali are two people I never had the privilege of meeting in person before their wedding. We got to do a couple zoom calls (although in this case, it was because they didn’t live near me) and we only were able to get to know each other a little bit. So fast forward to their wedding day, we walked into the Air Bnb where Ali was getting ready and we didn’t know much of what to expect. The family and bridal party could have been hard to talk to, quiet, or amazing. It didn't take long for us to realize that these people were awesome. They were easy to talk to, quick to joke around, and just plain fun. There is an energy around Erik and Ali that is magnetic, you can see it in their smiles, in the way they dance, or just how natural they are together. Their wedding was beautiful and fun, and I had so much fun getting to know them and so many of their guests. We left remembering many names and faces, and thinking about how much fun we had just had with an amazing group of people.

Coeur d'Alene Family Photographer: The James Family

This amazing family of four started visiting Coeur d’Alene last year, and they realized something we’ve known for a long time - it’s a pretty amazing place. So when Christina asked me if I could photograph their family, and capture them in this beautiful place I was excited. Their two amazing kids were so easy to photograph, and the whole I loved their smiles and attitudes. I hope they continue to come and visit our beautiful town in the future.

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!

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.