Paradise Falls Wedding: Samantha and Cliff, Part One

Romantic, intimate, and bright: this is how Samantha told me she envisioned her wedding day with her best friend and fiancé, Cliff. The two initially bonded over both being collegiate athletes and dreamed of having a traditional wedding where Cliff would see Samantha as a bride for the first time when she was walked down the isle by her father.

With Samantha's gorgeous best friends in blush sequined bridemaids' dresses and Cliff's groomsmen in dark blue suites, this blush and navy wedding at Paradise Falls in Oceanside, California was in fact just how Samantha and Cliff envisioned it, alongside their families and friends.

In Part One of the their wedding, Samantha is completely breathtaking with her two piece wedding dress and Cliff beams with his new watch, a gift from Samantha...

Stay tuned for Part Two of Samantha and Cliff's wedding that will include all of their portraits and donut filled cake table! xo, Evelyn

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Photographer: Evelyn Molina Photography | Ceremony Location: Paradise Falls San Diego | Reception Location: Paradise Falls San Diego | Floral Design: Heather Christian Designs | Cake and Donuts: VG Donut & Bakery

Hayes Mansion, San Jose Wedding: Lien and Phil

Phil, seemingly quiet, is in fact a jokester and a kind, calming force for Lien, and Lien is a loyal woman who knows what she wants. Together, they prioritize friends and family and seek adventure in all forms in the life they share together: from Lien learning how to dive so they could explore underwater as a couple to rebuilding their home from the ground up, these two know how to dine at the best places, travel to far corners of the globe, and party like rock stars! 

When I photographed their engagement session in San Francisco, I knew their classic style with modern touches was impressive! When Lien told me that Phil was having his suit custom made with little, secret surprises, I knew these two would not disappoint at their Hayes Mansion wedding: Phil had their initials and a heart embroidered in the underside of his jacket collar and Lien was a simply stunning bride from head to toe!

Phil and Lien, I've loved getting to know you better through this entire process and I really admire the love you two share. Thank you for allowing me to document your day! You are both such an inspiration to me and I hope more Oakland dinners are in our future with hilarious and transparent stories from you both, or I'll come over when you get your dream refrigerator! xoxo! - Evelyn

Photographer: Evelyn Molina Photography | Ceremony Location: Hayes Mansion, San Jose | Reception Location: Hayes Mansion, San Jose | Wedding Coordination: JL Events | Floral Design: Flowers by Bethany | Cake: Jen's Cakes | Hair & Make-Up: Cathy Tran | Lighting: Fine Line Creations | Linen Rentals: Fine Line Creations | Wedding Videography: Awkward Turtle Media

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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Bernardo Winery Wedding: Megan and Branden

Megan and Branden: each a calm soul who's smile grows wider in the other's presence. Nothing - not even the rain - phased them on their beautiful wedding day at Bernardo Winery because they were each marrying their best friend.

Complete 'foodies,' fans of games and the outdoors (as seen in their engagement session), and close with their friends and family, Megan and Branden's wedding reflected all of these factors: Megan's sister, Lauren, an exceptional pastry chef, baked an entire dessert bar for the wedding, and Branden's aunt, Loni, created not only every centerpiece and floral arrangement, but the gorgeous, succulent inspired hair piece Megan wore in hair along with her stunning bouquet. 

With hair and make up by Chelsea Giannini of Anchor Artristry, Megan was an absolute stunning bride who was praised by Branden in his welcome speech, noting how Megan has always supported his entrepreneurial dreams and has been a rockstar herself in her career, beating out 300+ applicants for her role in research at the San Diego Zoo.

Megan and Branden, I think the world of you two and the love you two share. I wish you the absolute best! You two make me thrilled to have brides and grooms as kind as you with equally as amazing friends and family. xoxo- Evelyn

Photo: Evelyn Molina Photography / Ceremony and Reception Venue: Bernardo Winery / Hair & Make Up: Anchor Artristy / Florals: Loni Schuder