The Wedding Journal

Welcome to the Wild Bokeh Wedding Journal, your go-to resource for all things weddings in North Idaho! From expert tips on planning your big day to exclusive venue tours from Spokane, Washington to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Take a peek behind the scenes of real weddings and hear from brides and grooms on what they would do differently! Whether you're dreaming of the perfect location or curious about what goes into capturing those unforgettable moments, our journal is packed with insights to help make your wedding day truly extraordinary. Join me as I share inspiration, advice, and stories.

Spokane Wedding Venue Tours
Spokane Wedding Venue Tours
Behind the scenes
Wedding inspiration
Cider Mountain Wedding Venue Tour - Updated
Venue Tour Kim Kallinger Venue Tour Kim Kallinger

Cider Mountain Wedding Venue Tour - Updated

Cider Mountain Wedding Venue Tour - Updated for 2025 with pictures of their new covered reception area! In this updated 2025 venue tour, I’ll walk you through everything Cider Mountain has to offer—from its sprawling getting-ready suite to the romantic forest ceremony space and brand new covered reception area.

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Wedding Venue Review - Kaniksu Pines Farm
Venue Tour Kim Kallinger Venue Tour Kim Kallinger

Wedding Venue Review - Kaniksu Pines Farm

Kaniksu Pines is a small horse farm and wedding venue, located just 15 minutes from Farragut State Park, halfway between Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint. If you like horses, camping, and a rustic vibe, Kaniksu Pines Farm is a wedding venue you need to consider!

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Brides - Worried your guests will leave early? Here’s the secret to throwing a party they’ll never want to leave!
Advice Kim Kallinger Advice Kim Kallinger

Brides - Worried your guests will leave early? Here’s the secret to throwing a party they’ll never want to leave!

As a wedding photographer, one of the most common frustrations I hear from couples is this: 'Why did so many guests leave early?' You’ve spent months planning the perfect day, carefully crafting every detail to ensure your loved ones have an amazing time, only to glance around mid-reception and notice empty seats. The good news? There are simple, creative ways to keep your guests engaged.

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Top 7 Reasons Why You Should Rent Wedding Decor Over DIY
Advice, Wedding Planning Kim Kallinger Advice, Wedding Planning Kim Kallinger

Top 7 Reasons Why You Should Rent Wedding Decor Over DIY

Your wedding day should be about celebrating love—not stressing over logistics. That’s why I recommend renting decor over DIY. It’s not just about convenience—it’s about creating a stress-free experience while achieving a polished, cohesive look that’s often difficult to replicate on your own. Check out my top 7 tips for a stunning wedding day!

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Wedding Venue Review - Cider Mountain
Venue Tour Kim Kallinger Venue Tour Kim Kallinger

Wedding Venue Review - Cider Mountain

I recently had the pleasure of exploring Cider Mountain Lodge & Wedding Venue, tucked away in the picturesque landscape of North Idaho, between Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint. As a wedding photographer who has seen countless venues, I must say, Cider Mountain is truly a unique gem that promises more than just a wedding day—it promises an unforgettable wedding weekend.

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Wedding Venue Review - The Hitchin’ Barn
Venue Tour Kim Kallinger Venue Tour Kim Kallinger

Wedding Venue Review - The Hitchin’ Barn

I'm thrilled to introduce you to The Hitchin’ Barn, a wedding venue that makes you feel like you are walking through a fairytale. Nestled right on the border of Washington and Idaho, it is your dream venue for a wedding that promises to be as unforgettable as the love story it celebrates.

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