Estancia La Jolla Wedding: Nicole and Sam

Tick tock, tick tock. Nicole was having her watch fixed at a local watch shop when she looked up to see a dashing gentleman and thought, "I'm going to marry that man." The problem: her friend, the watch store owner, would not introduce her to him. "He's unavailable," she advised; this man, Sam, was a widow, single father to a daughter, and not looking to date.

Having felt love at sight, Nina was delighted to cross paths with Sam later a holiday party where she introduced her charming self, and Sam became smitten. As a mother of two young boys herself, Nicole and Sam first bonded over parenthood, and their love story unfolded.

With Nicole's sons at her side as she walked down the isle, Nicole and Sam held a Jewish ceremony with their closest friends and family on the beautiful grounds of Estancia La Jolla gorgeously decorated with floral designs from Compass Floral.

Nicole and Sam, congratulations! Thank you for asking me to document your special day and I wish you both an eternity of happiness!

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Photo: Evelyn Molina Photography / Venue: Estancia La Jolla / Florals: Compass Floral / Hair & Make-Up: Summer Elliot

Park Hyatt Aviara Wedding: Lauren and Josh, Part Two

In Part One of Lauren and Josh's Park Hyatt Aviara wedding, the two stunning love birds said 'I do' in front of family and friends. What followed was a warmly lit ballroom with beautiful floral masterpieces on every table, speeches that made everyone cry - either from laughter or sentiment - and a dance party that had everyone on their feet. 

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

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.