MJ Mendoza Photography
In my camera lens, you’re captured the way you are naturally together. Joyful and authentic, a couple who loves the little details but adore each other more. Sneaking away during sunset to take in the moments, just you two. So let’s do it. Share a quiet moment away to hold each other close and enjoy it. Then head back into the wedding of your dreams to tear up the dance floor, cocktail in one hand and your lover’s hand in the other. And live the day to its fullest, knowing that I’ll be there to document the joy filled candid moments, the romantic portraits that touch the heart and everything in between.
I'm Monica, Virginia based fine art wedding and boudoir photographer. I'm inspired by love in many forms, sacred family traditions & heirlooms, plus a decades long love for film photography. I consider my photography style as a perfect balance of a love for fine art & modern touches mixed with Amaretto Sours & having a damn good time.
MJ Mendoza Photography
In my camera lens, you’re captured the way you are naturally together. Joyful and authentic, a couple who loves the little details but adore each other more. Sneaking away during sunset to take in the moments, just you two. So let’s do it. Share a quiet moment away to hold each other close and enjoy it. Then head back into the wedding of your dreams to tear up the dance floor, cocktail in one hand and your lover’s hand in the other. And live the day to its fullest, knowing that I’ll be there to document the joy filled candid moments, the romantic portraits that touch the heart and everything in between.
I'm Monica, Virginia based fine art wedding and boudoir photographer. I'm inspired by love in many forms, sacred family traditions & heirlooms, plus a decades long love for film photography. I consider my photography style as a perfect balance of a love for fine art & modern touches mixed with Amaretto Sours & having a damn good time.
United States
Interview
IF I HAVE A FREE SUNDAY I WOULD SPEND IT… having a pancake breakfast with my kids and husband, going to visit my favourite boutiques and do some thrifting for unique finds and just relaxing at home.
MY MOST MEMORABLE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE WAS… traveling to Japan to visit my husband (then-boyfriend). We started dating there and I spent two weeks exploring Northern Japan with him. It was cherry blossom season and I’d never seen anything more magical.
THE COUNTRY I MOST WANT TO VISIT IS… Italy, as a former art major, I’d love to just have a couple weeks to explore the cities and admire the art and architecture, along with enjoying the culture and food.
WHAT I LOVE MOST ABOUT MY JOB IS… capturing the emotions of the day and the almost-unnoticed tender eyes and soft smiles between a couple. And as a boudoir photographer, what I love most is showing women just how incredible they are, not just physically but within themselves. The look on their face when they see themselves for the first time, pampered, cheered on and feeling like a goddess in a Renaissance painting.
IF I DIDN’T DO THIS FOR A JOB I WOULD BE/DO… working in a museum in some capacity. I’ve always enjoyed art and admire the preservation and curation of it.
IF I COULD GIVE NEWLY ENGAGED COUPLES ONE PIECE OF ADVICE IT WOULD BE… to remember that while this is a very family-included event, that ultimately you should do what YOU want to do. The opinions of yourself and your fiance are the most important, it’s a day celebrating your love. Don’t let anyone else’s opinions (looking at you, pushy aunties) guide the final decisions of your wedding, especially if it’s something you don’t want. It’s your wedding day, make it the way you both want it to be.
I LOVE WHERE I LIVE BECAUSE… it’s the perfect location! Two hours from mountains, two hours from the ocean, two hours from Washington DC. Plus Richmond is so diverse with locations and their food scene is great!
IF I COULD LIVE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD IT WOULD BE… Europe. I honestly would find happiness in any country in Europe although Spain, France and Italy call to me.
MOST MEMORABLE MEAL I’VE EVER EATEN WAS… A bowl of ramen in a little hole in the wall shop in Misawa, Japan on a rainy day. I’ve been chasing that same flavour ever since and none have compared!
THE PETS I OWN ARE… one extremely laid back saint of a dog, our Siberian Husky, Blaze.
