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

Palm Springs Wedding: Christina and Mark, Part One

Christina was in her pajamas and had TONS of work to do - being a psychotherapist is no joke - and her then boyfriend, Mark, insisted they take one of their regular, casual walks along nearby Solana Beach. No work or wardrobe excuse was going to stop Mark from taking Christina on the walk that would change their lives forever: he led her to a secluded, little cave on the beach, got on one knee, and asked Christina to marry him. With no doubt, she said yes: yes to supporting each other's driven career aspirations, yes to having children together, yes to having each other's back, always.

When I asked Mark what he was most looking forward to on his wedding day, it was no surprise he said, "Having fun," because Mark is a high energy, fun guy who loves dancing to Michael Jackson! Together with Christina, with a smile so bright it lights up an entire room and a contagious, hearty laugh, they invited friends and family from both coasts to a private, eight acre Palm Springs estate to witness their nuptials.

Christina and Mark, 'fun' doesn't begin to describe your amazing wedding day. In fact, I want to relive your wedding day over and over again: I adore you both and witnessing the love you two have for each other is THAT good. Thank you for trusting and bringing me from San Diego to Palm Springs to capture your wedding, and most touching, for welcoming me that day to your circle of genuine family and friends. As I mentioned to you both before, I'm not surprised you surround yourself with such amazing, positive individuals: good attracts good. I can't wait to see what the future holds for you both. -Evelyn

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Mark is the middle of three brothers and while they were supposed to help him get ready, he gladly helped them adjust their final touches. These three are a riot!

In a separate room, Christina was a dab of perfume away from being completely ready.

Christina donned a Katie May wedding dress that WOWED. I mean, simply DROP. DEAD. GORGEOUS.

With her bridesmaids at Christina's side, a champagne toast was in order. Ladies, those sequined bridemaids dresses, though! Love!

Christina and Mark opted to see each other before their ceremony: a first look all to themselves.

Mark's reaction: overjoyed. He could not get enough of Christina's every last detail.

Tomorrow morning, Part II of Christina and Mark's Palm Spring wedding goes live on the blog, including their sunset ceremony and additional portraits!

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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

Coronado Wedding: Annie and Frank, Part Two

Annie and Frank's wish for a sunny, fall wedding was granted: their San Diego destination wedding with their ceremony and reception held a block from the Coronado beachside, and as seen in Part 1, was magical. With the ceremony complete, portraits ensued followed by an amazing reception.

Frank was a ridiculously happy groom, and why wouldn't he be? He just married his best friend.

Lola is family too, so she absolutely needed to be included in portraits. These three are the cutest!

Annie's veil: she worked it! 

Back at the house, they prepared for their grand entrance into their reception with a stroll down the winding staircase.

With speeches from Annie's Dad, the Main of Honor, and Best Man, Annie and Frank were all smiles and laughs even when some shed tears.

The Father-Daughter dance had both Annie and her Father in ear to ear smiles on the dance floor.

Annie and Frank sweetly cut their wedding cake and as soon as they concluded the cutting with a kiss, the dance floor opened and no one held back their dance moves!

At the end of the night, Annie and Frank wished their guests and sweet Coronado a very good night.

Annie and Frank: you are meant for each other. You are both kind, calm, and as you each said in your vows, you allow each other to be their own individual. I wish you two (and Lola, your dog) an eternity of happiness. - Evelyn

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A very special thanks to the all of the vendors that helped make this day so fantastic!

Venue: Coronado Private Home / Getting Ready Venue: Hotel Marisol / Planner: Creative Affairs Inc. / Florals: Cherry Blossom Floral Design / Rentals: Event Party Rentals / Hair & Make-Up: Rare Birds / Photo: Evelyn Molina Photography