WELCOME TO
The Journal
Planning tips, real sessions, and inspiration from Kim Kallinger, a top-rated Scottsdale photographer serving Arizona couples and families. Your go-to resource for all things weddings and family photography! From expert tips on planning your big day to styling guides for your next family session, take a peek behind the scenes of real weddings and family shoots, and hear directly from clients about their experience. Whether you're dreaming of the perfect wedding venue or want to know exactly what to wear for family photos, this journal is packed with insights to help make your moments truly extraordinary. Join me as I share inspiration, advice, and stories - for love stories and family stories alike.
What to Wear for Family Photos: A Complete Style Guide
Choosing outfits for a family photo session can feel more stressful than the session itself. Should everyone match? Are patterns okay? What colors actually photograph well? Here's a simple guide to building a coordinated, comfortable look your whole family will love and the wardrobe mistakes worth avoiding.
The One Timeline Mistake That Creates Stress on Wedding Day, and How to Avoid It
There's one timeline decision that quietly causes more wedding-day stress than almost anything else — and most couples don't realize they've made it until it's too late. It has to do with how close your ceremony time is to sunset, and it can cost you photos you didn't even know you were risking. Here's what to watch for, and the simple fix that lets you keep the timeline you want.
Why True-to-Life Color Matters in Wedding Photography
From the flowers you carefully chose to the warmth of the evening light, color is part of what makes your wedding day yours. True-to-life wedding photography preserves those details with natural skin tones and colors that feel familiar—so your photos bring you back to the day you remember.
Wedding Venue Tour - The Blackwell - A historic boutique hotel located in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Blackwell Hotel Wedding Venue Tour - Brides - are you looking for a venue that is not a barn in North Idaho? Do you want a romantic vibe with old money charm? THEN KEEP READING because The Blackwell Hotel in Coeur d’Alene might be exactly what you’re looking for.
What To Look For In A Wedding Venue If You Want Light, Airy Photos
Dreaming of light, airy wedding photos? Don’t choose your venue before reading this! Coeur d’Alene wedding photographer, Kim Kallinger, shares what to look for in a venue for natural, light, and airy images.
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.
Bridal Details Made Easy: What to Have Ready for Your Photographer
One of my favorite parts of the wedding day to photograph is the bridal details—those little things you’ve picked out with so much love that help tell the story of your day. Think: your dress, the rings, your perfume, your invitation suite… even your something borrowed or something blue.
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!
How to Create Your Family Photo Shot List and Breeze Through It on the Wedding Day!
Brides, discover how to create the perfect family photo shot list for your big day! Get pro tips to capture timeless family photos that include every loved one—without the stress.
Looking for Elopement or Micro Wedding Venues? 10 Breathtaking State Parks to Consider
Top 10 State Parks in Idaho and Montana for couples looking to elope. Dreaming of a wedding surrounded by towering pines, glimmering lakes, or ancient rock formations? These state parks offer stunning scenery and a sense of adventure!
Planning Your Dream Wedding in Coeur d’Alene? Don’t Miss These Bridal Shows!
Are you newly engaged and planning your dream wedding in 2025 or 2026? Don't miss these Bridal Shows Near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Bridal Shows are perfect for gathering inspiration, meeting top-notch vendors, and making your wedding vision a reality.
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.