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Weddings

About

My name is Manolo (mah-NO-lo), I’m a passion-filled, original photographer based in Miami, FL. I possess a strong appreciation for the extraordinary & strive for it in all I do, whether that’s capturing life’s greatest moments or finding my native city’s best slice of pizza.


If I wasn’t a professional I’m sure I’d still be snapping my life away. I’d like to think I’d also be on Broadway (as the very necessary off pitch ensemble member with two left feet). When I’m not behind a lens, I’m laughing with family/friends, traveling & partaking in adventures, inner peace classes, kayaks & cocktails!

It’s both satisfying and humbling to be able to give back through creative expression. As a photographer, I’m able to return life’s greatest moments to couples and families. My experiences have allowed me to genuinely understand how powerful images can be, and I take the role of capturing and protecting memories seriously. I know I’m being relied on and cherish the responsibility.

In my opinion, a cultivated relationship results in the best (pure, sincere and effortless) images. And because fostering relationships take time, I limit my efforts to no more than 25 events a year, both in and outside of Miami. I’ve been lucky enough to work in a bevy of locales, including The Bahamas, The Dominican Republic, Georgia, Louisiana, New York, Chicago, Texas, Ohio, Guatemala, and Costa Rica.


To see if i'm available for your event, call me at 305.596.1885 or 866.636.2875

Also, you can email me at info@manolodoreste.com

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Frequently asked questions

What primary photographic style do you identify with?

Contemporary
Photojournalism

What photography services do you offer?

Additional Hours
Boudoir Shoot
Engagement Shoot
High-Res Images

What photography items do you offer?

Albums
Canvas
Digital Files
Flush Mount
Matted Prints
Prints
Proofs
Save the Date
Thank You Cards

Reviews of Manolo Doreste

N
Natalie Sent on 12/17/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Unmatched Talent - Truly the Best

Manolo’s work is the perfect balance of classic, modern, and high-end editorial. His photos feel timeless, chic, and effortlessly elevated.

Beyond his undeniable talent, Manolo’s presence on our wedding day made such a difference. He’s calm, funny, and genuinely wonderful to have around. He comes prepared, yet is always ready to pivot in the moment. He pulls inspiration directly from his surroundings, gives just the right amount of direction, and somehow turns real moments into images that look straight out of a magazine.

Before hiring him, my biggest fear was spending the entire day taking photos and missing out on enjoying my wedding, or not capturing everything I wanted. Neither happened. Manolo works efficiently and fiercely. He guides brides in the lead-up to the wedding, and on the day itself he’s simply incredible.
I would recommend Manolo without hesitation. He is the best photographer I know. His team was equally fantastic; professional, kind, and an absolute joy to work with.
D
Daniella Sent on 03/20/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Amazing experience!!!

Manolo was the best decision as a photographer! He was able to take the perfect candid shots when the proposal happened and knew exactly what to do and how to guide us so the pictures would come out perfect (which they did!!). He was very communicative, easy to talk to and supported us through the process. I would highly encourage and recommend him, he is super friendly and a great photographer! Also his website to download the pictures is very easy to use and the pictures are great quality as well!!
Veronica
Veronica Sent on 10/28/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Say yes to working with Manolo and you won't regret it!

Working with Manolo was the best decision we ever made! I first worked with Manolo for my quinceanera (~14 years ago) and when my mom and I first met him we were in awe by the experience. His professionalism, kindness, and intentionality really set him apart from other photographers in Miami.

Fast forward to 2023, I was engaged and ready to plan my dream wedding. When it came to photography, I prayed that Manolo would be available for our big day. Safe to say, my prayers were answered and without hesitation we hired him to take photos for our rehearsal dinner and wedding day.

One thing about Manolo is that he is very consistent. Just as it was 14 years ago, he made every step of the experience meaningful by getting to know us, asking us questions about our relationship and finding ways to tie them into the details of our wedding shots.

His work EXCEEDED our expectations and we are so happy with the decision we made. Our wedding album is a gorgeous keepsake (that is more like a piece of art) that I am proud to share with friends and family.

Trust me when I say that you are in very good hands when you say yes to working with him and his team. :)
M
Merna Sent on 10/19/2023
5 out of 5 rating

An artist!

Working with Manolo was, by far, my favorite part of wedding planning. I had an unconventional ceremony setup that I was really nervous about, but Manolo spoke to me on the phone several times to come up with a game plan for beautiful pictures. On the wedding day, his attitude and fun personality made the photo session 10x better than it would've been with any other photographer. I've never seen my husband (who absolutely hates being photographed) more comfortable in front of a camera. Also, he is extremely efficient and was able to take thousands of beautiful pictures in a very short period of time. When I compare the quality and sheer number of photos I got out of my wedding day to those from my friends' weddings, I am amazed. As for the photos themselves, the digital and printed albums look like something out of Vogue. Manolo brought my vision to life and gave me the most beautiful wedding photos I've ever seen. Overall, I would give Manolo and his team 10/10 on every front (from initial outreach until delivery of albums).
A
Ashley Sent on 10/22/2019
5 out of 5 rating

You will not regret

Manolo is not just a great photographer - he is a PRODUCER! I'm not photogenic or comfortable in front of the camera but Manolo was able to make me feel comfortable and express emotion so the pictures are truly authentic. He works quickly and every time I ignored his advice I regretted it. You will not regret working with him.
C
Camila Sent on 07/15/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Good Vibes

I do not know where to begin. Manolo and his team are amazing!! From the moment I met Manolo he knew exactly what we wanted and the vibes that we were going for. His recommendations and timeline made everything go so smooth. On the Big Day with all the nerves and everything going as soon as Manolo got there it all went away. He knew exactly what to say and directed us every step of the way. I couldn’t have asked for a better photographer. The pictures and the facial expressions. Just everything. He captures those perfect moments. Just watching our slide show makes me relive that moment and that’s exactly what I wanted. To relive those moments every time I open my album.
S
Stephanie Sent on 03/14/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Best Photographer

Manolo is amazing at his job. Extremely personable and creative. Best wedding photographer!
B
Bianca Sent on 02/13/2019
5 out of 5 rating

the BEST photographer

Manolo is hands down the best photographer! My husband and I were blessed to have him photograph both our engagement photos and wedding. From our first meeting, we knew he was the one. What stood out the most for us from that meeting was that he took the time to actually get to know us. It felt more like a friendship than a business. From that moment on, everything went so smoothly. He and his team were extremely professional, caring, and detail-oriented though it all. The pre-shoot meetings were great to be able to discuss details. He even helped us with ideas on what we should wear for our engagement shoot and props that would look great. For the wedding, he helped us make a timeline to assure that everything was organized. During the shoots, he had such a way of making us feel calm and comfortable, while still having fun. Most importantly, the photos turned out AMAZING! Manolo is not just a photographer. He is an artist. We were blown away by the final product. Our album is out of this world. Kristina and the design team did an absolutely incredible job with it. She was extremely kind and patient with us. Our family and friends can’t stop raving about how amazing it came out. We cannot thank Manolo enough and we can’t wait for him to capture all of our future life moments.
C
Carlos Sent on 06/17/2018
5 out of 5 rating
Who better to choose to photograph your wedding than the guy who inspired you to pick up photography as a hobby? Manolo was my first photography inspiration and still is.

Manolo isn’t one of the best in the business - he IS the best in the business.

If you’re looking for someone to show up with a camera and take some cool shots, Manolo isn’t your guy.

What makes Manolo the best:

1. He curates your photographic experience,
2. He plans, scopes the venue in advance,
3. He takes an interest in YOUR style,
4. He takes interest in knowing the couple,
5. He has excellent organization and planning skills, and
6. His office is excellent with communication.

Manolo, Thank you for giving us the gift of memories - memories of the most magical day of our lives.
G
Greivy Sent on 06/09/2018
5 out of 5 rating
What can I say about Manolo Doreste ? One thing I can for sure say is that Manolo is more of a friend to our family. I first met him through my sisters sweet 16th photo shoot in New York City, and I just knew that the day I was going to get married he was the person I wanted ! His pictures and way of photographing are amazing, he will literally do whatever it takes for a shot. After that it pretty became a friendship. Manolo did my pregnancy photos , my baby's first photographs, my engagement and my wedding. Also, other members of my family used Manolo as well. He is just amazing, in all of the time he has taken my pictures, Manolo has been absolutely brilliant from start to finish. Not only is he is a true professional with a lovely personality ,but most importantly, he has taken the most fabulous photographs of all our events. Manolo even surprised me with my own snap chat filter of me and my husbands picture. We were so surprised ! Working with him is like a friend is taking your pictures! The environment is very fun and energetic ! His work is literally the best out there!
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.

Awards

54
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2017 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2016 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2015 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2011 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2010 Winner

Professional Network & Endorsements

7 Endorsements
Faena Forum Faena Forum Hotel Weddings

Manolo is a true professional and his work is amazing. I highly reccommend him to all of my clients.

Marylen Exposito Weddings & Experiences Marylen Exposito Weddings & Experiences Wedding Planners

You will fall in love with Manolo and his work from the minute you meet him. He is a perfectionist and extremely creative....you will definitely have some great images and some great laughs! Extremely talented!

Rev. Eddie Rodriguez Rev. Eddie Rodriguez Wedding Officiants

There are many good photographers in South Florida, however, there are a few great photographers. In my opinion Manolo Doreste of In Focus Studios is a great photographer. A great photographer does much more than take a photograph. A great photographer sees the image in their mind before looking through the lens. The quality of his work, his professionalism, his attention to detail and his never ending quest to be the leader in customer service make Manolo Doreste a great photographer. Brides from Key West to New York, from Aspen to the Dominican Republic have all chosen Manolo as their wedding day photographer knowing that they have chosen an artist. Rev. Eddie Rodriguez www.eddierodriguez.om

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Manolo Doreste frequently asked questions

Manolo Doreste offers the following photography styles:
  • Contemporary
  • Photojournalism
Manolo Doreste offers the following photography services for weddings:
  • Additional Hours
  • Boudoir Shoot
  • Engagement Shoot
  • High-Res Images
Manolo Doreste offers the following photography materials for weddings:
  • Albums
  • Canvas
  • Digital Files
  • Flush Mount
  • Matted Prints
  • Prints
  • Proofs
  • Save the Date
  • Thank You Cards
Manolo Doreste is recommended by 100% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 5.0, with the same score awarded for quality of service, flexibility, value, professionalism and average response time.
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