Behind the Lens: A Chat with Bridal Photographers Mon et Mine Bruidsfotografie

Hermine and Ramon from Mon et Mine Bruidsfotografie are no strangers to the world of bridal, having started their wedding photography business nearly seven years ago and learning the ins and outs along the way. We spoke with the husband-and-wife team to get their inside scoop on their experience in bridal photography, some of their most memorable moments, and their advice for couples searching for their own photography team for the big day:

How did you get started into the bridal industry? 
I met my husband (Ramon) when I was still “just” a photo enthusiast. I simply loved to take pictures and I didn’t really care what the subject was. He was an amateur as well. As a matter of fact, our first date was a photography date! 

When his father got remarried, he asked us to take some photos at his wedding. There was no pressure at all, and Ramon and I really enjoyed taking these photos. We decided that this would be a great opportunity to make some money, because we were still students at that time. After a few years of “portfolio shooting,” we decided to “go official” and we started Mon et Mine Bruidsfotografie. This is now almost 7 years ago...!

Share with us a special moment that occurred with you and a bride/couple. 
I cannot choose! We have flown in helicopters, we have seen firework shows, famous artists and the prettiest venues. People have booked us for destination weddings all over Europe, and we have photographed an actual proposal once. Maybe that was one of the most life-changing events we’ve ever photographed: that proposal. The girl wanted some cute photos of herself and her boyfriend, but she didn’t know that he phoned us to tell us about his plans. So during the shoot, he went down on one knee and asked the question loads of women dream about: “Will you marry me?"

Describe your photography style. What makes you different from other photographers? 
We are a husband and wife photography team. So we’re not only a team, but we are married ourselves. We can trust each other and give each other room to shine. We don’t care if the other makes the best shot of the day or wins an award, because eventually we do this job for ourselves and our couples. Our style is pretty journalistic, but, let’s be honest, in “a pretty way.” So it may happen that I clean out an ugly HEMA-bag, because I know my clients want me to keep out an eye for them. We don’t ask our clients to look into the camera, so we really want them to forget about us during the day. Ah, and a lot of clients mention our vivid colors.

How have weddings changed over the years in terms of wedding photography?
More and more clients book us for a complete day, so a minimum of 10 hours. And I think the actual “photo shoot” gets shorter and shorter. Our clients want a few great photos of themselves, but they want to enjoy as much time with their family and friends as possible.

What is your favourite moment of a wedding? 
I really love the morning. I love how a normal girl gets transformed into a bride. I love that moment when she is ready to see her husband-to-be, watches herself in the mirror and thinks, "Yes, I look my best. And he will like it as well.” That confidence, that happiness, I love it. Especially when mum’s around and shares this moment with her grown-up daughter.

Can you explain why a couple should have a professional photographer at their wedding? 
Professionals can do two things for you:

-They can capture your day in a way no one else can. They can make a complete collection of photos that show how your day really was. All the details, moments, emotion, guests, the ambience of the day, the venue, et cetera. Their reflection of your day is more complete and creative than a few shots made by your guests. Especially the party (made during the evening) photos!

-They can take away your stress, because you know they will do whatever they can to make you the best collection of photos possible. No one else has to think about batteries, SD-cards or what angle is the best for a particular shot. So everyone can relax and take some casual photos for their own personal use.

What’s your most memorable wedding and why? 
My most memorable wedding is the wedding of Peggy and Clyde. He is a DJ (DJ Chuckie), and he and his wife wanted a wedding in Great Gatsby style. I loved the way everything was put together. Their wedding planner (Vivian ter Huurne of http://www.hetbruidsmeisje.nl/en/) did her utmost to make it a perfectly put-together party. With a lot of style, pretty flowers and a superb reception.

What is on your wish list in terms of wedding photography? 
We would love to shoot a wedding in Scotland or Ireland. So quite a short answer. But I really love those ancient cultures and the landscape.

All photos courtesy of Mon et Mine Bruidsfotografie