Stunning sunset wedding portrait of a bride and groom walking towards the water at sunset on Laguna Beach. Photo by Kate Noelle Photography

WEDDING

An Intimate Laguna Beach Wedding | Dave and Jina

I’m pretty sure there are few things more romantic than having your wedding ceremony on the sand, and documenting Dave and Jina’s Laguna Beach wedding totally proved that. The rarity of having their closest friends in one place to celebrate their love by the sea was not lost on the couple. Due to COVID and some unexpected family losses, their wedding was delayed several years from their original date. However, Jina’s mom was finally able to come in from Korea for the special intimate celebration.  Obviously, capturing sunset romantics was a main priority, as well as honoring each special relationship with an individual portrait. After the ceremony, the entire party headed over to Selanne Steak Tavern to celebrate the start of the couple’s married life together.

For ocean-loving couples who want to tie the knot by the waves in Laguna, there are a few caveats you should know: Beaches require city permits to reserve the space (even if it’s just a 2 person elopement). Therefore, make sure you contact the city well in advance just like any other venue.  You can DIY the permit from the city website, or there are a few venues that have packages for ceremonies on the sand, such as the Surf & Sand Resort. The city of Laguna Beach restricts beach weddings to 50 people, so if you have a larger guest list perhaps consider a venue featuring ocean views. During peak summer months weddings are only permitted at the four beaches below Heisler Park. From September through May, however, you can take your pick from almost any beach in the city. Lastly, be sure and check the tide schedule! You don’t want guests having to unexpectedly run from rogue waves during your ceremony.

Here are my favorites from Dave and Jina’s intimate Laguna Beach wedding:

Wedding photos by Kate Noelle Photography: 1. A wooden wedding altar structure set up on the sand of Laguna Beach. 2. Close up of the floral arrangements and white flowing fabric decorating the altar. 2. A beautiful shot of a paraglider over the waves of Laguna Beach, California 1. A close up shot of the bride's bouquet. Pink roses and white lillies with greenery. 2) The groom, a white middle aged man, smiles by the altar as he waits for the bride, a middle-aged Korean woman, at their Laguna Beach wedding by the sand The bride and groom hold hands and look at the officiant during their intimate Laguna Beach wedding. Beyond them is the California ocean waves.1) the couple holds hands at the alter and smiles at each other. A beautiful sun flare in the corner. 2) The couple stands under the altar and smiles after the ceremony. At their feet lies an adorable black and white australian shepherd dog.The bride smiles with her bouquet in between two friends- a woman and a man. 2) The bride poses with her maid of honor, her sister. 3) The bride smiles and looks at her elderly Korean mother who is smiling back!

1. The bride and groom are surrounded by all of their wedding guests of about 50 people. Behind them is a sunflare as the sun begins to set over Laguna Beach. 3)The couple walks on the sand and smiles with their wedding guests trailing behind.

Golden hour sunset romantic photos of the bride and groom at their Laguna Beach Wedding taken by Kate Noelle Photography. 1) The bride walks alone with her bouquet and looks at the camera over her shoulder. 2) the couple shares a kiss by the waves 3) the couple are holding hands and walking toward the camera

A black and white mid shot of the bride smiling and holding her wedding bouquet on Laguna Beach1) A black and white of the bride by the beach, she is wearing a fur cape for warmth and extra style 2) Golden hour portrait of the groom dressed in his tuxedo and boutonniere.Three sunset photos of the couple at golden hour on Laguna beach 1. The groom spins the bride around 2. A close up of the bouquet 3. the couple walks hand in hand on the beach

The sun has set and it's getting dark on Laguna Beach. There is a black silhouette of the couple together. Below, a photo of a fading colorful California sky behind four palm trees. All photos by Kate Noelle Photography.

Wedding Details:

Ceremony Venue: Thalia Beach-Laguna Beach | Reception Venue: Selanne Steak Tavern | Hair and Makeup: Flawless Faces Beauty | Photographer: Kate Noelle Photography

BEHIND THE LENS

ABOUT
kate

Voted "Best Photographer" by California Wedding Day. Known for candid romance, breath-taking emotive moments. Sought after for experience.

For over a decade, Kate Noelle has been the wedding photographer of choice for some of the most beautiful, heartfelt, and fun celebrations in the world. Combine Kate’s candidly romantic style and discerning eye for detail with her calming kindness, and you have one of California’s most sought-after photographic experiences. 

 Kate’s work has been featured on leading wedding photography publications, and blogs including Ceremony Magazine, Huffington Post, and Carats & Cake. In addition to weddings, Kate photographs high profile events such as the Academy Awards, the Emmys, The SAG Awards, the Golden Globes, and Radio Disney Music Awards. Her extensive repertoire brings with it masterful imagery, above and beyond service, and a stress-free experience.

When Kate isn't photographing events, you can find her at the beach with her husband, Chris, and two kids, Kai, and Capri. 


ABOUT
kate

LET'S work
TOGETHER

This life is thrilling and grand and moments of greatness are threaded through loss, grief, and uncertainty. So for tonight, let's dance and celebrate the love we have here. Now. What a gift. The ultimate luxury.

Whether your love is the strong silent kind that shows itself in knowing eyes and tender embraces, or if your love is the loud laughter and infectious kind that can barely contain the joy and excitement you feel... I want to be there. With my camera. Taking snapshots so that time will forever be frozen still.

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