Harbor Island, San Diego Wedding: Maggie and Brent

Maggie holds Brent's face before she kisses him in the most utterly romantic way - she deeply loves this man! - and Brent smiles from ear to ear when he's close to her. These two wanted to wed with a bit of tradition, a bit of intimacy, yet also a sense of inclusion of all of their friends and family, both near and far. The result: a Jewish wedding ceremony overlooking the San Diego bayside attended only by their absolute inner circle, followed by a fun filled, food and cocktail flowing party at The Pearl for all of their loved ones a few days later. 

Maggie, your love for champagne, the Bachelorette, and absolute kind heart makes me so grateful we crossed paths. Brent, your speech and wonderful words spoken about Maggie had me holding back the tears. The genuine love you two share is so very evident and I'm beyond honored you chose me to document your entire wedding celebration. xo, Evelyn

A few days post ceremony, Maggie and Brent invited all of their friends and family for an amazing party at The Pearl Hotel! Maggie LOVES rose gold, so it was no surprise to see pops of this color throughout the reception's decor!

One of the best part's about having a reception on a different date than the ceremony? New dress, new hair do, and more portraits of Maggie and Brent!

Photography: Evelyn Molina Photography | Rabbi: Rabbi Ian | Hair & Make Up: Jeslin Salon | Reception: The Pearl Hotel

Park Hyatt Aviara Wedding Inspiration Shoot

I believe in timelessness: neutrals never go out of style and dressing up formally for momentous occasions is a must. These thoughts are what inspired this Park Hyatt Aviara classic wedding inspiration shoot wedding industry vendors who I admire and deeply respect!

With luxurious, lush foliage and Spanish colonial architecture, Park Hyatt Aviara was the perfect backdrop for this classic couple’s portraits. The bride was dressed in a Pronovias gown found at Downtown San Diego's Elle Bridal and with hair and make-up done by the talented and sweet Cindy Tran of Noir Beaute. The groom wore a classic tuxedo from Stitch & Tie like it was custom made for him! A little back story: I told Stitch & Tie, "My 'groom' works out. Can you ensure this will fit?!" and with just his measurements, they delivered!

The neutral colored bouquet and boutonniere from the amazingly warm LaVonne Crawford of Adorations Inc, made my heart fly: not only was it gorgeous, it smelled amazing.

Eoy this Park Hyatt Avaira wedding inspiration for the classic, San Diego resort wedding!

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Photography: Evelyn Molina | Venue: Park Hyatt Aviara | Wedding Dress: Elle Bridal | Hair & Make-Up: Noir Beaute | Tuxedo: Stitch & Tie | Florals: Adorations Inc

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San Francisco Pier 7 Engagement: Lien and Phil

When Lien and Phil initially crossed paths, their schedules simply wouldn't align for them to go on an actual date because things they are both equally passionate about - their careers and travel - kept getting in the way. When they finally sat down, face to face on a real date, sparks flew and they bonded over their sense for international adventure, family, and their love for food!

As their relationship developed, there were very specific moments that defined the love they have for each other. Lien and Phil were out running errands one day, when she spotted her favorite store. Like a good boyfriend Phil was, he agreed to go in with her. Lien, both excited to explore this location and slightly nervous to express to Phil the absolute thrill she got from this shopping experience, was immediately calmed and overwhelmed with happiness when Phil said, "Lets go down every isle!" As easy as it came for Phil to join in on something that made her so happy, it was equally as simple for Lien to know that she loved Phil. Phil on the other hand, knew he was all in when Lien met his Mom for the first time, and given their mutual value on family, is looking forward to family portraits on the day of their wedding.

Lien and Phil have spent many of days and nights in San Francisco, so the city served as the perfect backdrop for their engagement session!

Lien and Phil, I love that we can talk travel, food, and simply crack jokes together: you are my kind of people and I am beyond honored to be capturing your big day this spring! I can't wait! xo, Evelyn

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Hotwire, Southern California Team Portraits

You know that sound of a record scratch when a DJ is about to switch the beat up? That's the noise that runs through my mind as I write this: I, Evelyn, am a wedding and event photographer, but when something a slightly different but still so much fun comes my way, I always say yes!

Insert DJ scratch here: I'm switching up from weddings for a quick second to showcase my friends over at Hotwire! Their Southern California team are an amazing crew of professionals who embody the brand by sporting lots of red in their everyday wardrobe and by living 'slightly adventurously' via their own travels. This group asked me to photograph them as a team and I was thrilled to oblige given our mutual interest in travel and their enthusiasm to be in front of the camera. 

Jigger, Mayra, Dustin, and Briana, you not only crack me up with your street strutting, you impress me with your everyday work ethics and drive! xo, Evelyn

Why Have a First Look

Wedding days are full of anticipation, with the moment a couple sees each other for the first time being one of, if not THE, biggest anticipated moment between a bride and groom. This once in a lifetime moment happens ether as you, the bride, walk down the isle, or during a first look, where you and the groom privately see other for the first time before the ceremony.

So, to first look, or not to first look? In my experience as a wedding photographer and in understanding my couple's values, I have found great advantages to having a first look.

Have intimate, private time together

My couples highly value intimate moments between them, so a first look allows you to carve out a piece of the day just for you two. I set up the first look in a private space and advise you to take your time. We allotted time scheduled for this part of the day, but I encourage you to take as long as you need together as this may be your only time together to take everything in privately: your excitement, your raw emotions, what you smell, what you hear. This is uninterrupted time to awe at each other and share an embrace, a kiss, maybe even a few tears. 

My second shooter and I will be the only ones there documenting these moments for you, hence why I am a big supporter of couples hiring photographers they like and feel comfortable with to capture one the most intimate moments of their day.

Enjoy cocktail hour with your friends and family

A first look allows for any photos where you are both included to be taken pre-ceremony. This can include your couple's portraits, your entire bridal party, as well as your family portraits. If all, or some, of your photos are taken before the ceremony, you are able to join all of your friends and family during all or the majority of cocktail hour. You will be able to enjoy a glass of champagne and take that selfie with your college girlfriends without being rushed. You have invited your closest friends and family, so you will want to take the time to really enjoy this day with them.

Bonus: even if we have shot your portraits prior to the ceremony, I am always happy to take you out in the evening for more photos during the beautiful light that appears at sunset. 

Look and feel your freshest during your couple's portraits

The moment when you finish putting on your dress is the moment you are ready: you are a bride and you can walk down the isle at that very moment. Your hair and make up will be pristine, so why not see your groom looking and feeling your best and follow it with your portrait session? Every hair will be in place, and you ensure your eye make up stays put in case there are any tears of joy during the ceremony.

Enjoy twice the anticipation

Having a first look allows you to enjoy twice the anticipation on your wedding day: the first being the first look with your groom, the second with all of your friends and family as you walk down the isle. I have seen groom after groom still be very emotionally moved at the alter as he sees his bride walk towards him, even if he saw her earlier. In fact, a first look allows for many grooms to get their emotions out in private with his bride-to-be and be ready for the amazing moment she lights up the room with her presence.

Thinking about a first look and want to chat about it further? Awesome! Contact me here and we can set up a time to connect!

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