Before I begin, I have to tell you that I LOVE Kyle and Stacy’s story. I really really do.

They first met at work. She was the new girl who had just moved to California from Texas. She was a brilliant blonde whose love for conversation and relationship annoyed Kyle a little bit. To Kyle, this chatty country girl wanted to talk too long as she walked by his desk, and smiled way to much for his liking. So he kept his distance and maintained a professional respect for his outgoing co-worker.

Kyle happened to be a somewhat quiet young man who prided himself in focus and hard work. He was a high achiever and had ambitious plans for his career future. Stacy just saw him as a stuck up surfer dude, and left him alone after countless attempts at conversation with him.

But, as experience teaches us time and time again, first impressions aren’t always a true reflection of a person. And THANK YOU JESUS, for that!! A little while down the road, Kyle realized he was wrong about Stacy, and Stacy realized Kyle really wasn’t mean and he wasn’t really a surfer….. and they both kind of fell in love…  in the forever kind of love.

Kyle loves Stacy more than words…. and Stacy has truly found the man of her dreams. He appreciates her excitement for life… and her relational personality has brought out the best in him. For two people who came from such different backgrounds, they’ve truly found “home” in each other.

I met them at their old stomping grounds, Hermosa Beach, and we had a great time walking, talking, and shooting some super cute engagement photos. Here are my favorites from the afternoon….

Kyle and Stacy…. you were a dream to work with. I had so much fun with you two and I’m so glad we had the chance to meet and document your engagement. Thanks for sharing your story with me, and I hope our paths cross again someday. You’ve got something great in each other…. God is SO GOOD.

I don’t know about you, but winter is one of my favorite times of year…. there’s just something so romantic about it!  Winter’s a time when life slows down a little, cuddles by the fire are enjoyed, and the world looks a little different. Plus, all the cute jackets and accessories can be worn… like scarves, peacoats, and cute hats! Well, Brittany and Allie over at Rooted in Love Weddings are also big fans of winter…. so much so that we decided to put together a winter styled shoot up in Arrowhead area. The inspiration for the styling was the color combination of wood and wine, combining classic wedding details with woodsy elements and DIY charm. Those girls put a lot of time into creating some super cute DIY decor, and they did a great job on the design. Kathleen Bantad of The Paper Mint Press also joined our team to create some adorable letter press invitations and recipe cards. And to top it off, we had a ridiculously cute couple model for us! Scott and Claire are celebrating over 5 years of marriage this year and they are more in love than they were on their wedding day! Jaya Loo and Danyell Weinberg did Claire’s hair and makeup. Here are the highlights from the afternoon…

Event Design: Rooted in Love Weddings, Hair: Jaya Loo, Makeup: Danyell Weinberg, Invitations: The Paper Mint Press, Silverware: BHLDN, Lanterns: World Market Cost Plus, Venue: Private Estate

Hello! And Happy New Year! It’s 2012, which means lots and lots of NEW is happening. January is such a fun time…. it’s a time for reviewing the highs and lows of the previous year, taking notes on how to make the new year better than the last, and my favorite… dreaming. It’s an exciting thing to witness evolution of thought, being, and goals. Where I was, I am no longer.

I’ve been listening to Elevation Worship’s “All Things New” a lot lately…. and I’ve adopted it as my mantra for 2012. Last year was intense in both amazing… and not so amazing ways. But looking forward at the open road ahead, I can’t help but have hope and peace that whatever comes, He is near and deeply involved in the world around me. Hope is an exciting thing.

And with that, I’d like to share my ALL NEW website!! This has been a work in progress for quite some time… involving lots of soul searching and self-realization. It’s been almost 4 years now that Kate Noelle Photography has been in existence. Whoa…. (having a moment)

So, while my dream and vision have remained the same, my website’s look and feel has changed to reflect the changes I’ve undergone in the past couple of years. I’m excited at the unending spectrum of possibility this year holds, and I hope you’ll continue to journey with me on this crazy adventure of living life to the fullest.

Here’s a shot Christopher took of me at a shoot recently…

And here’s the all new look of Kate Noelle Photography’s Website! Head on over to www.katenoelle.com to check it out!

There are all new galleries featuring some oldies, but mostly new images…

There’s a new “Connect” page where you can find every possible way to connect with me via social media…. I hope you’ll find me so we can be friends!

And I’m also excited about an all new “Word on the Street” section where past clients have laid out their experiences with me as their photographer…. I love my clients!!

The Maghy Family arrived full of energy and ready to go. It was…. awesome. There’s usually at least one person in every family that DREADS taking family portrait…. but THIS family was great! We smiled, laughed, talked, and had a great time shooting at Jeffrey Park in Irvine. And even though there were probably 10 other photo shoots going on around the park, I think we found some great spots. What do you think?

Sophia emailed me a little while ago asking if I’d be available to take some photos of her family for the holidays… and also to document the final months of their beloved dog Summer’s life. As every family who’s ever had a beloved pet for years and years knows it’s really hard to let go of them in the end…. because they’re part of the family. I couldn’t think of a better way to keep this holiday season with the WHOLE family more memorable, than to take some gorgeous family photos. Sophia and family, thanks for asking me to be a part of such a fun memory. And Summer…. you’re a REALLY good dog. Thanks for smiling for me! Here’s my favorites from the evening…