The first time they meaningfully met was when they worked together in the Deli at a Yokes grocery store. I hear it's the hardest job in the entire grocery store. Anyway, Nick and Lourdes didn't hit it off right away, they did become friends though and really enjoyed working together. Lourdes told me that the first thing she thought about nick was that he was "kind of nerdy" which after talking with Nick, is actually a true sentiment. Anyway, these two become friends, and after about six months into their friendship they found themselves working a lot more shifts together. Lourdes eventually would catch Nick's eye and he would start to make moves - not that Lourdes really noticed.

Downtown Spokane Wedding: Cole & Nicky

Cole and Nicky had an absolutely incredible wedding. Every aspect of it was beautiful, from the dress, to the portraits, to the cathedral (which was downtown Spokane at Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes), to the reception (taking place at the Manito Golf and Country Club). I had such a blast. Not just because so many things went right, but also because of the people. Cole and Nicky are such incredible genuine people, and that extends to their bridesmaids and groomsman as well, who were just easy to have fun with - they were quick to laugh and easy to talk to. Their guests were equally there, and so when it came time to dance boy did they DANCE. I’m unsure if i’ve ever seen a dance floor that full for that long (shout out to DJ Dolph for killing it). Hailey at Halo Events put together an incredible event, and i’m so happy I was able to be there to capture it.

Spokane Washington Family Photographer: The Kernodle Family

Sometimes you know people but you don’t know them. They know all the people you know, but you have never met. The Kernodle’s are kind of like that for me, knowing my wife, and many of her friends, yet I have never had the chance to meet this incredible family until I got to take their picture, and what wonderful people they are! Beautiful and kind, with great smiles. It is an honor for me to be able to share these family photos with you from our short session.

Spokane Senior Photos: Ashley Alegreto

The Alegreto family is one that i’ve had the privilege of getting to know over the last couple years. From shooting Ashley’s older sisters senior photos (and then wedding) to her senior photos, and now her collage seniors photos. One thing i’ve always been struck with after leaving any of my shoots with these wonderful people is how great they are - kind, thoughtful, sincere. I have genuinely always enjoyed my time with them, and this time was no different. Ashley is amazing, and so impressive that she is graduating after only two years! I’m excited to share these photos with you celebrating her accomplishment.

Spokane Family Photos: The Claey's Family

Connor and Dani Claeys are amazing people. It was several years ago now that I had the chance to first photograph their crazy winter engagement, then wedding. Since then i’ve seen them multiple times, from sisters weddings to friends weddings, and one thing has always been true - they are just amazing people. I love their kindness, how easy it is to talk with them, and even the people they surround themselves with. I have always enjoyed their company. It was at Dani’s sisters wedding (shout out to Nick & Kayla!) that I saw Dani when she and Connor were expecting, and so when she emailed me roughly a year later and asked me to capture their new family, I was super excited. Not only because these two are amazing, but because I was just excited to see their family grow. What an honor it is to be asked, and i’m so excited to share these photos with you.

Wedding Photographers: Kyan & Beth's Backyard Wedding

Kyan and Beth are two people I feel so blessed to know. From the very moment I met them in the coffee shop, I have genuinely enjoyed their company. I always tell couples that getting along with your photographer is super important, and this wedding made this even more apparent to me, as I had the chance to eat with the couple (as they ate away from all their guests, we ended up sharing a table inside). This just reinforced to me how great these two are. You take them, and add in their incredible friends and (large) families and you end up with a wedding that is incredibly unique and beautiful. Look no further than their dancing photos. What a wedding, I enjoyed every minute of it, and i’m so excited I get to share these photos with you.

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.