the heart behind the lens

the things that make my heart happy, what I believe in & a glimpse of who I am.

about monica

I was never the kind of kid who knew what they were going to be when they grew up. I majored in Fine Art & Photography in college, not knowing exactly what I was meant to do with it. But one wedding captured for a family friend in 2015 was what it took for me to fall absolutely in love with wedding photography and marrying my best friend December of that same year to realize the importance of having the best day of your life captured beautifully.

It's the look between two people as they share their vows, the joy of the celebration, the soft intimate moments where eyes meet and sparkle. Those moments captured in time to hold close to hearts for decades to come. I believe marriage is a gift. That photographs of loved ones and tender moments are priceless. And that capturing each couple's wedding day as it unfolds with unbridled enthusiasm, an eye for candid moments & beautiful details, and a passion for marriage long after the wedding day is exactly what I was meant to do. 

Meet Monica:

average number of images delivered in a full day wedding gallery

800

beautiful weddings are photographed every year.

15

cups of coffee prepare me for the day ahead.

2

I have yet to find a place I haven't enjoyed traveling to. Several countries & half the US down, and a whole bucket list to go!

TRAVELING

A whirlwind love story that has turned into 6 years of marriage & adventure together. Living his best dad life, the better chef between us and my favorite person to laugh with.

MY BEST FRIEND

One large caramel swirl iced coffee, cream & sugar, less ice is my go to drink and you can't change my mind that DD > Starbucks.

DUNKIN DONUTS

Wild & wonderful, my two children light up my world, while simultaneously destroying my living room.

MY KIDS

What I love Most:

I believe at the heart of it all...

that equality is for all, regardless of race, gender or sexuality. Love is always welcome and fully celebrated here.

Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017
Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I believe at the heart of it all...

that your wedding day is ultimately about what you want together & encouraging all my couples to be true to themselves, break the mold and do what feels right for them.

Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017
Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I believe at the heart of it all...

that there's something special about 35mm film with the color & grain that gives me a dreamy nostalgic feeling.

Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017
Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I believe at the heart of it all...

I'm there to capture the joy and utter bliss of your love in the way that is a reflection of who you both really are together. Joyful, genuine & authentically you.

Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017
Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

new york city

One of my favorite places in the world:

amaretto sour

Favorite cocktail:

type 9 with an 8 wing

Talk Enneagram to me:

details & first looks

My favorite part of a wedding is:

taylor's version

Currently listening to...

share taco bell with my husband

After every wedding, I...

POP QUIZ

GET TO KNOW MONICA BETTER

next

coffee creamer

I use too much...

classical architecture 

I absolutely adore:

at the dessert table

At weddings you can find me:

one republic & the script

Favorite concert (so far):

skydiving!

Next on the bucket list:

comfy cardigans

I basically live in...

POP QUIZ

GET TO KNOW MONICA BETTER

next

monica's favorite posts

from the journal

introducing emilia

adventuring: the great smoky mountains 2021

behind the scenes 2019

adventuring: japan 2015

are you ready for the wedding experience you deserve?

BACK TO PORTFOLIO

view the wedding details

secure your date

© MJ MENDOZA PHOTOGRAPHY 2022

Close