Palm Springs Wedding: Christina and Mark, Part One

Christina was in her pajamas and had TONS of work to do - being a psychotherapist is no joke - and her then boyfriend, Mark, insisted they take one of their regular, casual walks along nearby Solana Beach. No work or wardrobe excuse was going to stop Mark from taking Christina on the walk that would change their lives forever: he led her to a secluded, little cave on the beach, got on one knee, and asked Christina to marry him. With no doubt, she said yes: yes to supporting each other's driven career aspirations, yes to having children together, yes to having each other's back, always.

When I asked Mark what he was most looking forward to on his wedding day, it was no surprise he said, "Having fun," because Mark is a high energy, fun guy who loves dancing to Michael Jackson! Together with Christina, with a smile so bright it lights up an entire room and a contagious, hearty laugh, they invited friends and family from both coasts to a private, eight acre Palm Springs estate to witness their nuptials.

Christina and Mark, 'fun' doesn't begin to describe your amazing wedding day. In fact, I want to relive your wedding day over and over again: I adore you both and witnessing the love you two have for each other is THAT good. Thank you for trusting and bringing me from San Diego to Palm Springs to capture your wedding, and most touching, for welcoming me that day to your circle of genuine family and friends. As I mentioned to you both before, I'm not surprised you surround yourself with such amazing, positive individuals: good attracts good. I can't wait to see what the future holds for you both. -Evelyn

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Mark is the middle of three brothers and while they were supposed to help him get ready, he gladly helped them adjust their final touches. These three are a riot!

In a separate room, Christina was a dab of perfume away from being completely ready.

Christina donned a Katie May wedding dress that WOWED. I mean, simply DROP. DEAD. GORGEOUS.

With her bridesmaids at Christina's side, a champagne toast was in order. Ladies, those sequined bridemaids dresses, though! Love!

Christina and Mark opted to see each other before their ceremony: a first look all to themselves.

Mark's reaction: overjoyed. He could not get enough of Christina's every last detail.

Tomorrow morning, Part II of Christina and Mark's Palm Spring wedding goes live on the blog, including their sunset ceremony and additional portraits!

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Photo: Evelyn Molina Photography / Venue: Palm Springs Private Estate / Planner: Dazzle the Bride / Florals: Flower Mart / Hair & Make-Up: Beauty Marked by B&C / Cake: Patty Cakes

Coronado Wedding: Annie and Frank, Part Two

Annie and Frank's wish for a sunny, fall wedding was granted: their San Diego destination wedding with their ceremony and reception held a block from the Coronado beachside, and as seen in Part 1, was magical. With the ceremony complete, portraits ensued followed by an amazing reception.

Frank was a ridiculously happy groom, and why wouldn't he be? He just married his best friend.

Lola is family too, so she absolutely needed to be included in portraits. These three are the cutest!

Annie's veil: she worked it! 

Back at the house, they prepared for their grand entrance into their reception with a stroll down the winding staircase.

With speeches from Annie's Dad, the Main of Honor, and Best Man, Annie and Frank were all smiles and laughs even when some shed tears.

The Father-Daughter dance had both Annie and her Father in ear to ear smiles on the dance floor.

Annie and Frank sweetly cut their wedding cake and as soon as they concluded the cutting with a kiss, the dance floor opened and no one held back their dance moves!

At the end of the night, Annie and Frank wished their guests and sweet Coronado a very good night.

Annie and Frank: you are meant for each other. You are both kind, calm, and as you each said in your vows, you allow each other to be their own individual. I wish you two (and Lola, your dog) an eternity of happiness. - Evelyn

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A very special thanks to the all of the vendors that helped make this day so fantastic!

Venue: Coronado Private Home / Getting Ready Venue: Hotel Marisol / Planner: Creative Affairs Inc. / Florals: Cherry Blossom Floral Design / Rentals: Event Party Rentals / Hair & Make-Up: Rare Birds / Photo: Evelyn Molina Photography

Coronado Wedding: Annie and Frank, Part One

Annie and Frank first crossed paths at work, and after a lucky seven years of dating, Frank popped the question by taking Annie on a scavenger hunt within their home. Based in Denver, they wanted to wed in a place with almost gaurenteed sunshine in the fall located a stone's throw away from the beach. Boom! The idea of a San Diego destination wedding was born, with a stunning private home in Coronado serving as the ideal place for their ceremony and reception. The groom's only request: beachside portraits. Frank asked, Frank received!

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The day began with something I love: things that sparkle. Champagne, beautiful jewelry, and the prettiest headpiece that slipped perfectly into Annie's do.

As Annie was given her last touches of make up...

...her bridesmaids looked on in amazement and approval as she transformed into a bride.

The girls moved to Coronado's Hotel Marisol to dress, where Annie took a moment to herself to soak in the day and moment. I have to say it: Annie, you're stunning!

And so, putting on her wedding dress began, included the placement of an stunning broach, and her Grandmother's earrings, her something borrowed.

Back at the venue, Frank and his groomsmen were in full preparation mode.

These gentleman were not playing around! They were quick to get suited up and were ready for this wedding!

Creative Affairs Inc. transformed this Coronado private home into the ideal San Diego wedding and reception venue with beautiful florals from Cherry Blossom Floral Design and rentals from San Diego based Event Party Rentals.

With the venue ready, guests having arrived, and Annie and her bridesmaids on their way from Hotel Marisol, Frank patiently sat and awaited for the ceremony to begin.

Annie's parents beamed as they walked down the isle with Annie and Frank's dog, Lola, in hand, while Frank's Mom gave her son a strong hug before he head up to the alter.

Accompanied by her Father, Annie walked down the isle as Frank looked on as if the clouds had parted and a ray of sunshine was peering through.

With all of their friends and family, including Lola, in attendance, Annie and Frank wed.

Their vows were both emotional, with Frank right there to wipe Annie's tears...

...as well as downright hilarious, with both of them cracking up in laughter!

With a first kiss to seal the deal, Annie and Frank were pronounced husband and wife!

Because the only appropriate thing to do after getting married is toast!

Stay tuned for Part II of Annie and Frank's Coronado Wedding!

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Venue: Coronado Private Home / Getting Ready Venue: Hotel Marisol / Planner: Creative Affairs Inc. / Florals: Cherry Blossom Floral Design / Rentals: Event Party Rentals / Hair & Make-Up: Rare Birds / Photo: Evelyn Molina Photography

LDS Mormon Temple, La Jolla Wedding: Sage & Tad

Sage and Tad, both students at Brigham Young University, shared classes and lived in the same apartment complex before realizing they wanted to be more than classmates and neighbors. Attending school in Utah brought them together, so it was only appropriate that a hike up Angels Landing at Zion National Park would set the stage for their engagement.  Sage knew Tad was going to propose because she could see the ring box through a hole in his pocket, but she admitted that she was happy to have a heads up or she would have fallen off of the mountain from excitement and joy!

Sage's family is based in San Diego so the couple opted to have their sealing, or Temple marriage, at the San Diego California Temple in La Jolla, followed by portraits at Marian Bear Park and a reception at Sage's parent's home.

Sage and Tad, I absolutely enjoyed documenting your special day. The sweet interactions between you two make it quite evident how much in love you are, and I hope your New York City honeymoon was amazing! -E

After their grand exit from the Temple, Sage wanted bridal portraits to be at a nature-filled location, and Marian Bear Park was the perfect answer to her request!

Tad is quite the chivalrous guy: throughout our entire photo session, he ensured to always carry the end of Sage's wedding dress to avoid it getting dirty. I loved that he knew this was important to Sage and gladly helped.

I mean, look at him graciously helping his bride down the hill! Tad: an example gentleman! Sage: the sweetest bride! 

To wrap up the day, friends and family gathered at Sage's parents house to celebrate and share in the cutting of this wedding cake topped with a mini-replica of La Jolla's LDS Mormon Temple.

Once again, congratulations Sage and Tad! 

Rancho Santa Fe Wedding: Morgan and Mario, Part Two

Part I of Morgan and Mario's Rancho Sante Fe wedding began with an afternoon of transformation into a bride and groom and a beautiful ceremony under trees. Post ceremony, Morgan and Mario's bridal party gathered for a few photos as did the bride and groom before joining guests at an epic cocktail hour.

Their outdoor reception was beyond stunning. To start, look at the head table!

This Rancho Sante Fe home has a large lemon grove on property, so it was only appropriate to have lemons incorporated into the table details. Also, please note (and prepare to drool over) the table top menus: guests were treated to a mac and cheese bar, taco station, short ribs and salad! 

As the sun set, casting a gorgeous magic hour, guests settled into their seats to begin the evening's festivities. Once again, congratulations, Morgan and Mario! May this ranch be the home to many more memories to come!

All photos taken as a second shooter for Topher Riley.