Tom Ham's Lighthouse Wedding: Carly and Alex, Part One

When I think about Carly and Alex, I think of all of the build up towards the mini events prior to their wedding day as well as the build up for the big day! See, when Carly and I first spoke over the phone, we had to make plans to meet a few weeks later as we were both going on international vacations the following week. I already knew these two loved to adventure and the build up to meet to talk all things wedding (and talk about our trips!) made me so very excited.

For their engagement session, I remember sitting in my car, texting with Carly about different outfit combinations, knowing that I would later ask them how adventurous they wanted to get. I said, "Tell me if at any point you want me to stop" as I climbed large rocks and stepped into the ocean with shoes on at Sunset Cliffs with Carly and Alex saying, "Keep going! We are good!" I knew they would be in!

A few weeks prior to their wedding day, Carly and I spoke on the phone, talking honeymoon plans and gushing over photos of her dress that she had just texted me. The build up was only growing for their wedding day!

We began the day with each Carly and Alex getting ready with loved ones - Carly's niece was simply the cutest when putting Carly's shoes on for her - and Alex, completely touched by Carly's wedding gift was completely enchanted with her as she walked down the isle at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church.

As the ceremony ended, Tom Ham's Lighthouse transformed to what Carly and Alex envisioned to have for their reception was completed: overlooking the water and Downtown San Diego, gorgeous pieces from Rickety Swank Vintage Rentals, beautiful florals from Blue Bell Florals, and careful coordination from Details, Darling brought the space together!

As their guests headed to the reception, Carly and Alex smiled on as they headed to the place and time we had all most built up: their portraits at Sunset Cliffs!

Part Two of Carly and Alex's traditional Greek orthodox wedding and Tom Ham's Lighthouse wedding reception will include all of their dreamy cliff side, ocean facing portraits! Stay tuned! - Evelyn!

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Photography: Evelyn Molina Photography | Ceremony Location: St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church | Reception Location: Tom Ham's Lighthouse | Event Coordination: Details, Darling | Floral Design: Blue Bell Florals | Furniture Rental: Rickety Swank Vintage Rentals | Cake: Cathy Leonard Cakes | Dress: Pronovias found at Elle Bridal Boutique | Hair & Make up: Vow Studio 101 | Wedding Videography:  Dis Moi Oui Films

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Paradise Falls Wedding: Samantha and Cliff, Part Two

With Part One of Samantha and Cliff's Paradise Falls wedding in Oceanside, California showcasing their pre-wedding preparation, gorgeous, blush ceremony and reception details, and their ceremony, Part Two highlights them: head over heels in love, who are adored by their friends and family, who all love to party! With a cake and complete donut spread from from VG Donut and Bakery, this blush and navy wedding was so Samantha and Cliff. They are close, romantic, and completely committed to each other!

Sam and Cliff, thanks for entrusting me with your day! You two made this day so easy and most importantly, FUN! xoxo, 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

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