Wedding Photographers: Daniel & Ashley's Coeur d'Alene Engagement

I met Daniel many years ago, almost 15 years, to be exact - which is kind of nuts to think about. This is a dude that's kind, thoughtful, so fun to talk to, and is an absolute stud. He's someone I would consider a friend, even though we don't get to spend as much time together these days as I'd like. So when I saw he was not only dating Ashley, but that they were engaged, I was super pumped for him. Being able to meet Ashley, but also learn how they met, was something I truly enjoyed. It wasn't just that they met on Tinder (which they did) but also the fact that Ashley was ready to move on the second she saw that they both worked at the same place (The Coeur d'Alene Resort).

CDA Wedding Photographer: Matt & Kendal's Engagement On Tubbs Hill

They met when they were around four years old. Yeah, that's pretty nuts to me, too. I have two boys, ages 11 and 8. The idea that one of the girls in their kindergarten class could be their future wife is hard to imagine, but hey - it happens. Anyway, Matt and Kendal were friends. They had always been friends, and their families were friends. This isn't all that uncommon.

Washington Engagement: Sam and Megan's Engagement Photos at Diamond Lake

Sam and Megan are two amazing people. From our time at first time meeting at No-Li Brewery in Spokane, to our time at Diamond Lake, i’ve always found these two fun and easy to talk to. This is illustrated more by the fact we never really got around to talking about their story and how they met (something I often ask at engagement photo shoots). That said, I am so excited to share their engagement photos with you, from their smiles, to the unique ideas we had at the end, this was a great shoot.

Personal: Trip To Mt. Rainier National Park With My Oldest Son

When I was a kid, my father took me on a camping trip - just him and I - when I turned 11. He did that with me and all of my brothers. So of course, as my oldest son (Isaiah) got closer and closer to that age, I was talking with my wife about this particular trip. Setting aside photographing weddings and engagements for a bit, and just spending a couple of quality days with him I felt was well worth it. I wanted it to be special, just some great times with both him and I. Consider how great of a time I had at Rainier National Park last time I went, it was one of my top choices for taking Isaiah. We ended up getting a great spot at Cougar Rock Campground inside the park, just 20 minutes from Paradise.

Coeur d'Alene Photographers: Max & Sam's Elk Point Wedding

There is no doubt that Max and Sam are two amazing people. They are kind, thoughtful, and so deeply care for one another. I had the privilege of being the only person there for their personal vows, and it’s in times like this when no one (well, almost no one) is watching you get to see the depth of a relationship. These two just love each other, it’s that simple. Their day was absolutely beautiful, with Sam getting ready with a bunch of her girl friends, to their beautiful vow sharing and portrait session in the forest overlooking Fernan Lake, to their incredible ceremony, reception, and sunset photos up at beautiful Elk Point. I’m excited to share these with you, and I hope you love them!

Coeur d'Alene Senior Photographers: Jacobs Sunset Schweitzer Senior Shoot

I really enjoy doing senior photos. It’s awesome to work with one person (instead of two), but also see where someone who is just thinking about their future is deciding to go. This one, however, was special in so many ways. Not just because I had the chance to go up one of my favorite mountains (Schweitzer Mountain) and take photos at sunset, and not just because I love the mountains and hiking. No, this one was special because Jacob’s mom was one of my best friends, starting in Kindergarten. We went to school together for years, and even after that remained friends.

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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.