They met at a restaurant, where Mary was the server and Gabe was the patron. Gabe said the first thing he noticed was her eyes (which isn't surprising when you see Mary's eyes) but then the second thing he noticed was her name. You see, for the last 6 generations or so everyone in Gabe's family has married a Mary - and in that moment Gabe was looking at a kind, absolutely beautiful, woman with the name of Mary and he thought "why not? Crazier things have happened." - So he flirted. Mary, for her part remembers him being "really cute" but nothing crazy really happened that night. However, Mary happened to be a mutual friend of one of his friends so he found her on Facebook, added her and sent her a message. She was kind enough to reply, but "wasn't looking for a relationship at the time" so after a couple mssages she ghosted him (aka, stopped replying).

In Memory of Rosalie

A couple weeks ago I had the opportunity to photograph the German-Murrey family again. They have always been so kind, quick to smile, and a really amazing family. Well only a couple days ago I received an email informing me that Rosalie, this beautiful, vibrant girl passed away in her sleep. This is crushing to me and there is very little I can say. I feel terrible. As a father of two incredible boys, I can’t relate to the pain that these two must be feeling. I asked Julie if I should still post these photos, and I hope that these photos bring back some of the amazing memories of Rosalie. My heart and prayers go out to their family.

Mountaintop Engagement in North Idaho: Jake & Taylor

Scotchman’s Peak is one of my favorite hikes in the area. The top of the mountain isn’t just a small little nub with some views, rather it features huge cliffs, strong lines and incredible views. I love it. It also often has mountain goats at the top (although not this time). Every time I do the 3600 vertical feet climb I think of how incredible this world is, how beautiful and lucky we are to explore it and be a part of it. So when Jake and Taylor mentioned doing the hike for their engagement photos I was pumped. What an awesome opportunity, what a rare place to do photos. The It’s a beautiful spot, and while we were absolutely freezing up there (with the wind, it had to have been in the low teens) I absolutely love the photos I get to share with you. What a great experience.

Coeur d'Alene Family Photos: The Dotts Family

A couple years ago I had the chance to photograph Brock and Amanda’s wedding in Sandpoint. It was an incredible wedding that was beautiful, filled with amazing people and moments. It was a highlight for me that year. I’ve had the chance to see them a couple times since then (like at her maid of honors wedding in 2020, which was equally awesome), but when I got an email from her this fall telling me about how they were expecting, I was so excited for them! Even more so, they wanted me to get some photographs so they could announce it to everyone. What an honor. I’m so excited for Brock and Amanda and their upcoming beautiful family of 4 (because you have to count the dog).

Family Photography: The Adrian Family Photos!

This is the third (or fourth, depending on how you count) time i’ve had the chance to take some pictures of this amazing family. First time was before they were expecting, but later when these two beautiful children were very small. Since then i’ve had the chance to see them grow (albeit in spurts) and it’s an amazing thing. This is an awesome family, Cory and Katie are two people I have always highly enjoyed and think highly of. What an honor it is for me to share some photos of their beautiful and amazing family.

Coeur d'Alene Resort Wedding: Gabe & Samantha

Gabe and Sammy are two special people. Not just because they are absolutely beautiful (which they are) but because that beauty isn’t just on the outside. I absolutely loved spending time with them at their wedding, meeting their friends and family, being a part of their big day - capturing each moment. These two truly belong with each other, and now I get the honor of sharing so many of those timeless moments, those incredible with you. I hope you love them 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.