Moody Table Top published on The Venue Report

A candlelit holiday party with a gypsy jungle disco theme? 'Tell me more about that' I said with awe and intrigue as I learned more about the epic holiday party the wonderful team at The Venue Report would be putting on in conjunction with an amazing team of Southern California vendors.

The moody light, rich, jewel toned florals, and endless tabletop details had me completely over the moon, and what resulted was a wonderful celebration envisioned and styled by this team, for this team, and I am thrilled to have captured it. See the complete story at The Venue Report and my favorite photos and holiday party inspiration below. Happy holidays! -Evelyn

Photography: Evelyn Molina Photography | Styling & Direction: The Venue Report | Florals & Greenery: Eucca | Decor: Pow Wow Design Studio | Food: A MIHO Experience | Cocktails: Barcon | Tableware: Hostess Haven

Scripps Seaside Forum Engagement: Juderka and Eddie

When Juderka and Eddie met through an online Christian community, they shared a strong dedication to their faith, but neither was instantly sold on the other romantically. Eddie, based in San Diego and contemplating on relocating cities, had a lot of qualifiers for his ideal partner. Juderka, based in Miami, frankly didn't know if Eddie was 'serious' about pursuing a relationship, so much that when he asked her to coffee when he was in town, she didn't know that he was not only very interested in meeting up, but that this would be a date!

When they eventually met face to face, Eddie was completely smitten upon meeting Juderka: she was gorgeous, ambitious, and independent, and he knew from the beginning that she was the one! Juderka soon learned that Eddie was in fact serious, so cross country trips and Facetime bible studies ensued, followed by an engagement on Coronado Beach!

With both of them living near an ocean, a beachside engagement was the best backdrop for them! With hair and makeup done by the amazing Cindy Tran of Noire Beaute, Juderka and Eddie laughed, cuddled, and even danced during their session, which had me enjoy every single moment I photographed them!

Juderka, I knew from our first conversation that I loved your infectious, positive energy! Eddie, who knew that becoming homies in college would lead us to reunite to photograph your engagement! I adore you both! -Evelyn

Sunset Cliffs Wedding Portraits: Becca and Alex

Becca grew up just minutes away from Sunset Cliffs in San Diego; seeing the expanse and vastness of the blue, Pacific Ocean from atop the cliffs on her wedding day was something Becca dreamed of experiencing, so we matched her love for this location with her love of now-husband Alex by kicking off their day with a First Look on the cliffs. Becca simply stunned with her Katie May Collection wedding dress and together, Becca and Alex enjoyed a day filled with friends and family who joined them from San Diego, upstate New York, and even Europe!

Becca and David, thank you for having me document your wedding day! I wish you both the best in your life together! -Evelyn

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Becca and Alex said their 'I do's' with a touching ceremony at Bali Hai Restaurant followed by a reception with a number of toasts and a perfect sunset overlooking downtown San Diego!

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Photography: Evelyn Molina Photography / Wedding and Reception Venue: Bali Hai Restaurant / Florals: Flowers by Erin / DJ: Extreme DJ Service

Scripps Seaside Forum Engagement: Cassie and Matt

"How to keep your terry white" may or may not have been the title of the work seminar where Cassie and Matt would cross paths for the very first time. Yes, 'terry' as in terry cloth, the soft fabric towels and bathrobes are made of. You see, Cassie and Matt both worked in leadership roles for the Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, a brand close to my personal heart, at their Santa Barbara and Los Angeles properties in housekeeping and operations, respectively.

This first meeting, however, was not as soft and cuddly as terry cloth: Matt ill advised Cassie of the seminar start time; highly career driven, Cassie arrived late, embarrassed, and was not pleased with the gentleman who interfered with her first impression to company leadership.

Fast forward to a few years later where Cassie had transferred to the hotel brand's Palm Beach, Florida location and ran into Matt at a different work conference. This time was different: she was on time, and Matt was charming, made her laugh, and dare I say, left her thinking about him when they parted ways.

The two stayed in touch and during a weekend visit from Florida to her old stomping grounds in Santa Barbara, Matt was 'coincidently' also going to be two hours north of Los Angeles that same weekend. Read: Matt liked Cassie. He was going to do whatever it took to see this girl during her West Coast visit, and their long distance romance began. Visits to San Diego, where Matt now lived, ensued and California-to-Florida red eye flights resulted in their traditional early morning mimosas on Cassie's balcony. Distance did not prevent these two from falling in love and an engagement prompted Cassie's final cross country flight for their relationship when she made the move to San Diego to be with her new fiancé, Matt.

Cassie, your laugh gets me every single time - it's truly infectious! - and I've adored you to pieces from the day we met. Matt, I admittedly did not know you would bring so much GQ-esque flavor to this engagement session: get it, boy! Thank you for allowing me to capture your love in the first city for you to both call home. xo, Evelyn

La Jolla Engagement: Chelsea and Ben

During a Halloween party, a dashing police officer looked across the room and spotted the most stunning angel he had ever seen. This ‘angel’ was Chelsea, who gladly accepted the drink ‘Officer’ Ben offered her. Despite having previously met via numerous mutual friends, this college party signified the moment where they went from acquaintances to having mutual interest in each other.

These two UC San Diego college students would eventually support each other through graduating and the launch of their respective careers, all while keeping La Jolla close to their hearts: it’s not only where they met, it’s where they have memories of running on the shore and where they became engaged overlooking Torrey Pines. Coming back to La Jolla was the perfect location for their engagement shoot.

Chelsea and Ben, I love how you two look at each other: you are truly smitten! Thank you for allowing me the pleasure of capturing this time in your life in such a special place. Xo, Evelyn