Vendor Spotlight | Monica with MJ Mendoza Photography
Meet Monica Mendoza, Lead Photographer & Owner, MJ Mendoza Photography. Monica is an extremely talented photographer and if you’re not following her on Insta, you’re missing out! Her social media game is on point and it comes to her just as effortlessly as taking photos. AND, our current cover of Richmond Weddings™ is Monica’s photo! 👍🏻
What makes you or your business stand out and why should a couple hire you?
I believe that photography is not just about snapping the traditional photos that we need to have like the first kiss, the first dance (although those ARE important and some of my favorite moments) but just as much as finding those unscripted, quiet and beautiful moments like the tears in a mom’s eyes as she watches her daughter dance with her dad, the joy in my couple’s faces as they leave their ceremony just married, the neat words handwritten in the pages of a vow book. I believe those moments are just important as the traditional and that’s why couples are drawn to the balanced mix of the two in my work.
What’s your favorite thing about working in the wedding industry?
I love getting to see how different every wedding is and seeing every couple’s vision come to life! I’ve photographed weddings at the same venues but every wedding is always different and it’s truly so much fun seeing how each couple brought their love story, their personalities and their unique vision to the wedding.
What’s a unique tip you tell your couples?
Do it because YOU want to do it, not because you feel like you have to. If you want to have uneven numbers in your wedding party, do it. If you want to have a different colored dress or multiple dresses, do it! You don’t have to follow any set rule or follow traditions if your heart is less than thrilled about the thought. You can make your wedding day really and truly your own and I will always have your back to make it happen.
What’s your best piece of advice for couples planning a wedding?
Sit down together once a week (or every other week, whichever is feasible for you!) to discuss how things are going while planning, what is stressing you out and what you’re looking forward to. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by it all but regular check ins with your partner help to get the stress out there and talking about the things you’re looking forward to will help keep you both excited about the big day!
What are your favorite wedding trends right now?
I’m loving the intimate micro weddings right now! You can go all out on the florals, have incredible food, a gorgeous venue, you can really get creative with the budget that would’ve went towards guests and put it towards something really show stopping.
What’s your favorite food/dish/cuisine?
Chinese food is my favorite but I enjoy trying all sorts of new foods! My husband is a great cook and loves making all sorts of different cuisines so we try a lot of different things.
If you were to meet any celebrity, who would it be?
I’d have to cheat and say Tom Holland and Zendaya together. I’m a big Spider-Man fan and I feel like they would be so fun to meet together. Plus Zendaya is so effortlessly glam so it would be a dream to have her in front of the camera!
What’s a fun or unusual fact about you?
I have a Star Wars tattoo! My siblings and I decided last summer to get a sibling tattoo together based on a mutual love of Star Wars. We have between us: the Death Star, R2D2, Chewbacca & BB-8.
Do you love to travel?
I love traveling, I’m still dreaming about my first overseas trip to Japan when my husband and I began dating so Japan is definitely a must see destination! Especially during cherry blossom season, it’s truly magical.
Do you have a pet? If so, what’s their name and what are they like?
We have a 6 year old Siberian Husky named Blaze. He’s the world’s chillest husky but also such a goofball. My kids love Blaze and Blaze loves that they give him the food they don’t want to eat.
Reach out to Monica today to see if you’re a good fit!
Email hello@mjmendozaphotography.com
Website http://www.mjmendozaphotography.com
Instagram www.instagram.com/mjmendozaphotography
