Ben and Madison's North Idaho Engagement

Like so many couple these days they met online. On Hinge, to be exact. From what I've learned, Hinge is like a Tinder but for people who actually want a real relationship. And in Ben and Madison's case, that was absolutely true. Both of them coming out of COVID looking for something different. They would end up "meeting" online and chatting for about 3 weeks before finally getting to meet (although both of them had another date lined up the next day). Madison told me that Ben stood out even more because of how horrible the date the next day went.

Seattle Elopement: Matt & Kendal's Gold Creek Pond Elopement

A couple years ago I had the chance to meet Matt and Kendal at another wedding I was photographing (Shout out to Rob and Cheyene!). Kendal was a bridesmaid in that wedding, so I had the chance to get to know her better than Matt (she even held the umbrella for us, as that day was a very rainy one - not unlike this day). So when she contacted me late this year because her and Matt were looking to Elope, I was so excited to say that I had their date open. Being able to meet up with them in the mountains, get some incredible photos of two beautiful people is something I absolutely love doing.

Shelby's Senior Photos in North Idaho

I had the chance to meet Shelby for the first time at her senior shoot. She was out in Idaho to check out some colleges, and she wanted to get something that looked very different than her home. I would say we found it! She was super easy to talk to, kind, and a huge trooper considering it was about 25 degrees outside. That said, we had a blast, and i’m excited to share some of my favorites form this senior shoot!

Lake Tahoe Engagement With Joe and Crystal

You would think that I would get Joe and Crystal's story before anyone else, as I have spent more time with them than the vast majority of couples by the end of their engagement. We've shared a zoom call together, two meals, several drives, and climbed a (small) mountain. We've been to Tahoe, Reno, and had some awesome chicken. But in all those moments, in all those beautiful places I never had the chance to fully get their story. I know Joe saw Crystal on the beach and told her that he loved her Tattoos. I know Crystal thought "I'm on vacation, why not? I'll hang with this guy for a little bit" and I know that interaction ended up changing their lives forever.

Wedding in North Idaho: Cody & Lauryn

I’ve really enjoyed talking with both Cody and Lauryn since I met them. Their engagement session was so much fun, and it became clear to me these two amazing people are easy to get along with, easy to talk to. This extended to their friends and family - one of my favorite parts of any wedding is getting to meet a couples friends and family - they were all kind, thoughtful and so much fun. I loved watching them dance, laugh, and care for those around them. This wedding, was a blast, and I think it shows in the photos. I hope you see it in the way that I experienced it.

Family photos with the German-Murrey's in Manito Park

To say seeing the German-Murrey family is a pleasure would be an understatement. I’ve had the huge privilege of photographing them from the time it was just them (and they were making a pregnancy announcement) to a shoot that included their extended family, and now again, as their youngest (Joseph) is getting bigger and bigger. The last time I saw them, it was swiftly followed by some incredibly sad news, that while it is super sad, I think it’s important that we still remember Rosalie.

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.