The JOURNAL

WEDDING

The Wayfarers Chapel is easily one of the most stunning wedding venues in all of California. Often referred to as “The Glass Church”, the Rancho Palos Verdes venue features a transparent glass atrium peering directly out to the grandiose redwood forest. This sacred sanctuary was designed by Los Angeles architect, Lloyd Wright (son of Frank […]

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Wedding picture of a bride and groom, Aaron and Kara, on a Carlsbad, California beach. Dressed in a white wedding dress and a navy tux, they are holding hands and smiling at each other as they walk next to the cliffs. The photo was taken by Kate Noelle Photography.

WEDDING

Carlsbad is somewhat off the beaten path for most Southern California couples. However, it’s becoming a hot destination for weddings, events, and photography shoots.  Just 35 miles north of San Diego, the charming beach town is an easy commute from both Orange County and San Diego. You’ll also find a rich culinary tradition and an […]

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The Wedding Venue: The beautiful Lido House Hotel in Newport Beach. A white historic mansion with navy trim. Out front stands a lush Southern California landscape and a classic station wagon.

WEDDING

The Lido House is a historic ocean side mansion, sitting atop the old city hall site in Newport Beach. Simultaneously giving off beach town charm and classic luxury, it sets the scene for a perfect storybook wedding. The staff provided an amazing lawn cocktail hour, complete with hand-delivered hors d’oeuvres and hand crafted cocktails. The […]

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A Ebell Los Angeles wedding photo. Two grooms, Ian and Kenny, pose together. One hugging the other while he smiles at the camera.

WEDDING

The Ebell Theatre is a historic landmark in Los Angeles, earning its reputation as a cultural centerpiece.  Originally built in 1925, the venue has played host to many notable events over the years. In fact, a young Judy Garland was discovered there after a theatre performance.  The Italian Renaissance-style architecture is met with marble floors, […]

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Four white children pose in the grassy fields of Marian Bear park. Three girls and a baby boy. The two older girls hold the younger one and the baby on their laps.

FAMILIES

This year, the second family portrait location for my San Diego Mini Sessions day was Marian Bear Memorial Park. After parking in a dirt lot and jumping from rock to rock through a little stream, a trail leads you through a lightly forested trail lined with oak trees. There’s tall grass (and wildflowers in the […]

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A White family of five laugh together at eucalyptus grove during an Orange County Mini Session. A dad, mom, two daughters, and a son.

FAMILIES

When it comes to picking locations for my Orange County Mini Sessions, it’s so fun finding beautiful spots off the beaten path.  These eucalyptus groves have become one of my favorite secret spots, providing a tranquil backdrop- and that forest is just magical. Not to be annoying and redundant, but I really mean that forest […]

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A family of a mom, a dad, and two boys smile together at Laguna Beach. Their heads are all pressed together.

FAMILIES

You’d be hard pressed to find a better spot for family photos than Laguna Beach. One of Orange County’s hidden gems, it contains seven-miles of breathtaking cliffs amid the tide pools, tranquil morning waves, and even fun climbing spots for the kids. Shooting with kids at the beach adds a bit of magic that is […]

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Jake and Emily stand in front of Lake Tahoe with a blue and pink sunset at their destination wedding

WEDDING

Couples- promise me if you ever get the chance to do a Lake Tahoe destination wedding that you’ll do it. Deal? Deal. The largest freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Tahoe sits over the border of Nevada and California and attracts over 15 million visitors each year. It’s the perfect destination wedding pick, […]

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Kate holds up a photo book and smiles

MY THOUGHTS

If you’re looking for the best holiday photo gift ideas, I’ve totally got you.  I’ve found that gifting your family photos in unique ways makes for the MOST remembered and cherished gifts. They can be enjoyed far beyond the moment, and brighten the receiver’s day every time they pass it. Far-away family members especially benefit, […]

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The bride and groom walk down the aisle as confetti is thrown

WEDDING

Joy became a tangible item during Charlotte and Kevin’s Casino San Clemente wedding. It’s no secret that the venue is one of the most sought after nuptial spots in Southern California, boasting over 85 years of hosted celebrations. The bride, who works for Gladiator Production Company, perfectly combined Hollywood glamour with a beach bohemian feel. […]

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Behind the Camera

Kate Noelle

Kate Noelle is a Southern California wedding photographer with nearly 20 years of experience, celebrated as much for her art as she is for the way she is loved by clients, their families, creative partners, and publications alike. Named Best Photographer in Orange County by California Wedding Day Magazine three years running, she is known for her calm presence, refined artistry, and ability to navigate high-stakes moments with confidence and discretion.

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Named 'Best Wedding Photographer in California' by California Wedding Day, and Proudly featured by

“Always fresh, fun, and fashionable, Kate Noelle's work attracts editors and discerning couples alike. Sought after in Southern California and luxury destinations around the world, she is trusted by other top professionals and adored by her clients who can't say enough good things about her work.” 

From Blair deLaubenfels, Editor at Worlds Best Wedding Photos —

“Sought after in Southern California and luxury destinations around the world, she is trusted by other top professionals and adored by her clients who can't say enough good things about her work.” 

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