Park Hyatt Aviara Wedding: Lauren and Josh, Part One

What happens in Vegas, sometimes turns into true love: this is what happened to Lauren and Josh who met in Sin City, dated long distance, and eventually settled together in San Diego. Carlsbad's gorgeous Park Hyatt Aviara provided the ideal backdrop for their wedding day, where prior to their ceremony, Lauren and Josh read love letters from the other and later opted to have a 'first touch,' joining hands with one another from opposite sides of a corner, making Josh seeing Lauren walk down the isle so very emotional.

All images taken as a second photographer on behalf of Megan Ann Photography.

Langham Pasadena Wedding: Julie and Young Kye

"I met someone, and she's really special" were the words Young Kye confessed to his best friend when he first began dating Julie after her friend and his cousin introduced them seven years ago. With a first look full of laughter and awe - Young Kye's reaction was of complete glee - the Langham Huntington Pasadena served as the perfect backdrop for their wedding portraits, followed by a touching ceremony at New Hope Church in Pasadena.

Julie and Young Kye: Thank you for being such kind individuals and allowing me to capture your day. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness! xo - Evelyn

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Photography: Evelyn Molina Photography / Coordination: Providence and Planning / Getting Ready & Portrait Venue: The Langham Huntington Pasadena / Ceremony Venue: New Hope Church / Hair & Make Up: Etude Lounge

Puerto Vallarta

Collecting dust. Completely neglected. Wait, do I even know where it is?

These were the thoughts that ran through my mind earlier this year when I would think of, none other than, my passport. Oooooh, my dear, dear passport. 

To fully grasp the dramatization above, you should first know that prior to becoming a photographer, I worked in the luxury travel industry, partnering hand in hand with hotels around the world on their marketing and sales strategies. Having not grown up traveling, I quickly realized how privileged I was to have my career intersect with my personal desire to explore the globe. Even after I moved to the West Coast, international travel was a huge pillar in my life as I am an explorer, foodie, and lover of how locals live.

This past year was, however, different: I didn't take an international trip, and frankly, between shooting weddings and taking on projects, travel took a backseat for me.

Earlier this year, I began to itch and have these sad thoughts about my passport. Even if time constraints did not allow us to fly to another continent, enough was enough: sandwiched in between a photography conference in Las Vegas and a business trip in Dallas, I decided that I needed to get away: hola, Puerto Vallarta!

After lots of tacos (Pachos Takos are everything!), ATV riding, and riding the public bus for cheap thrills, I ventured to nearby town Sayulita, and as I lay on the beach, I sighed with relief: this was never about my passport. This was about prioritizing, and balancing, the experiences  that are life giving to me.

I are already planning my next trip, one that's been on my radar for several years, and my passport is clean and safely tucked away, yet ready to go at a moment's notice.

San Gabriel Mission Wedding: Berenice and David

The live band belted out merengue, cumbia, and salsa as David and Berenice, or Bere, to her friends and family, started in a closed hand position - his left hand in her right hand and his right hand on her left shoulder blade - and began to step forward and backward, all while moving their hips and smiling. He twirled her around, perfectly catching her back into his arms, only to dance faster, with more turns, and more laughter. Dancing the night away is how David and Bere began their first night as a wedded couple; they fit perfectly into each other's arms as dance partners as they do life partners.

When I photographed their engagement session, there was an undeniable chemistry between Bere and David, and the glow they exude when they are around each other only intensified the day of their wedding. Both Los Angeles area natives, they kept their ceremony and reception close to home at the historic San Gabriel Mission and Geregos Hall.

Bere and David, I love your love! Thank you for trusting me to capture your wedding day! Thank you for treating me like family and for being examples of what love looks like. I wish you both the absolute very best! xo, Evmo

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The wedding day began at the Langham Pasadena, where Bere got ready alongside her Mom, sister, and two best friends, who all leant a hand in her preparation.

At the San Gabriel Mission, David saw his bride for the first time as she walked down the isle.

At their reception, with Bere's hand over David's heart, the newlyweds kicked off their first dance as husband and wife.

Once festivities were underway, David and Bere's nephews and niece hit the photo booth, David delivered a very special dance for his bride, and everyone was on their feet dancing.

Dancing is an integral part of David and Bere's relationship, and they each come from families who are not shy about getting down on the dance floor as exemplified by Bere's parents and David's Mom, below.

Bere and David, I wish you a lifetime of love, laughter, lots of dancing, and amazing coffee :)

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Photographer: Evelyn Molina Photography / Preparation Venue: The Langham Pasadena / Wedding Venue: San Gabriel Mission / Reception Venue: Geragos Hall / Hair & Make-Up: Yadira Davis with Brazen Beauty Makeup / Band: Divine Group

Palm Springs Wedding: Christina and Mark, Part Two

As the sunset behind them, the second half of Christina and Mark's wedding began: their ceremony, performed by two very close friends and former roommates of the couple, and their reception, where a number of loved ones poured their hearts out in adoration of the Christina and Mark. These speeches resulted in both bursts of laughter as well as heart felt tears.

Christina and Mark, cheers to you and your love! xo, Evelyn

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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