Little Italy San Diego Engagement: Sarah and Martin

Love is embracing things the person you love holds close to their heart. Sarah loves Easter: springtime, the pastel colors, and flowers have always brought her so much excitement and joy. When the time was right for Martin to propose to Sarah, he tied in her love for this holiday by taking her on an Easter egg hunt for a ring in their apartment. She, of course, said yes!

Martin, once again, embraced one of Sarah's loves at their engagement session: you see, Sarah loves James Coffee Co. in Little Italy. When we decided to have this coffee shop be part of the backdrop for their engagement session, I incorrectly assumed that they both love coffee. No, in fact, Martin doesn't drink coffee but was open to the idea because Sarah beams when he holds her hand and they are recapping their day, and she has her coffee. 

Sarah and Martin, you two are so much fun and the absolute cutest! I love that you are both so thoughtful with each other and I cannot wait to photograph your wedding this fall! I will be multitasking on the dance floor -  jamming out and taking photos at the same time - as that band gets down! xoxo, Evelyn

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The Pearl Hotel 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