ENGAGEMENT

Steven and Melanie’s Engagement

Steven and Melanie met in high school. After being introduced by their mutual friends, Steven worked up the courage to ask Melanie out on a date. The school play sounded like a reasonable first date, so they went together, sat four rows from the back, and cheered on their drama friends. From the start, Steven was intrigued by this spunky and talented young lady. She was interesting to talk to, beautiful, and he felt himself grow more and more comfortable in her presence. Melanie thought the world of Steven as a young man. He played the piano, he played in the band, was insightful and fun…. and he was cute!

Despite the direction most high school relationships go, their romance stayed true throughout the years…. through the rest of high school, through college in different states, and through the most recent years of grad school and army enlistment. And now they’re engaged to be married with a beautiful wedding planned for this summer! I have absolutely loved getting to know these two and I appreciated their intentionality in the locations they chose for their engagement shoot. We started at their high school, in the auditorium for “old time’s sake”, and finished up at a park nearby for some sunset romance. Spending the afternoon shooting with them was SO fun! Here are some of my favorites…..

We started the shoot in the same seats they sat in years ago…. such a sweet idea!

Outfit change, and change of scenery for some romantic shots…. I love that he wore his army fatigues!

This was my absolute favorite shot of the day…. you can almost feel the tenderness. SWOON!

  1. Jen Disney says:

    Oh the light!!!! Gorgeous, friend!

  2. Melanie Kokolios says:

    Kate! I can’t even believe how wonderful these are! Thank you so, so much – we said after we left that our engagement photos were not only fun, but a wonderful time to relax, reflect, and enjoy each other’s company. You were so good not just at telling us how to pose, but also at saying the sweetest things that made us feel all warm and fuzzy 🙂 Wonderful, wonderful job!

  3. sandie moore says:

    Love them all. Thanks for sharing

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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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