Fall Family Photos with The Forge Family in Coeur d'Alene

Several years ago I had the chance to meet the Forges. They are two people I hit it off with very quickly. They are easy to talk to, funny, and kind (those things don’t always go together). Over the years though, we’ve ran into each other multiple times, at multiple weddings. So when Parker texted me out of the blue to ask me to do their family photos I was absolutely excited. Not only because I didn’t know their family had grown from two to three, but also because I genuinely like them. So this small fall photo session was a blast, from catching up with them, seeing their beautiful baby boy, and getting some amazing fall colors. Here are some of my favorites.

Fall Engagement Shoot at Round Lake with Chris & Ashley

They met online - as so many people do these days - on Hinge, to be exact. I asked what the difference was between Hinge and Bumble, or Tinder, and basically it is a little less about hookup culture and more about looking for actual, serious relationships. In this case, exactly what both Chris and Ashley were looking for.

Fall Family Photos with the Kernodle's

The last couple of years i’ve had the chance to take family photos with the Kernodles. First in 2021, then again last year in 2022. And while these are short family sessions, i’ve absolutely loved getting to know this family (now a family of four!) over the last couple of years. This was magnified by getting to see them, and getting to know their family more when I had the chance to shoot a wedding this year (shout out to Skyler and Kristin!) where Sheldon was a groomsman, and of course the whole family was there. That said, i’m excited to share some of my favorite family fall family photos from them this year.

Sean and Tyler's Rainy Engagement Downtown Coeur d'Alene

They met as so many other couples do these days - in an app. Sean told me that he was first drawn to Tyler because she "seemed like a normal, genuine, human" which is not very common in the dating apps. In their case though, it was on Bumble, which means the girl needs to reach out. So Tyler reached out to Sean and said something like "Oh you play music? That's awesome! What do you play?" Which immediately grabbed Sean.

Setzer Family Photos in the Spokane Valley at Mirabeau Park

The first time I ever met this incredible family of four was the day we did their photos. And while we didn’t get to spend that much time together, it was clear pretty quickly that we had a bunch of things in common (even down to our college, which is very small!) There was no doubt in my mind that I really liked this family, and my only regret in walking away was that we couldn't have spent more time getting to know each other. That said, I am super excited that I get to share their family photos here, and I hope you love them!

The Wilson Family at Finch Arboretum

I still remember a lot about Jake and Nicole’s wedding. The people, the moments, the smiles, the location all seared into my memory. Since then i’ve had the chance to see them multiple times for family photos, and every time it’s a privilege. It isn’t hard to see that that they are high-class people, and this extends to their family as well. The great part about this family shoot was that I had the chance to see Jake’s side of the family again. I love how these early fall photos turned out, and i’m excited to share them with you!

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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.