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Manolo Doreste Reviews

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Reviews

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51 Reviews
100% recommend it
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Awards

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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
  • M
    Merna Sent on 10/19/2023
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    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).

    Manolo Doreste's reply:

    Merna, I am truly overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of your wedding day. It was an absolute delight collaborating with you, Paul, and your wonderful family. I cherish the experience of working with you, and I greatly appreciate your receptiveness to all of my creative ideas and guidance throughout the planning process. Your wedding was a truly special and memorable event, and I am honored to have been a part of it. Thank you once again for entrusting me with such an important occasion in your life. Till the next time I have you in front of my camera :-)
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    Camila E. Sent on 07/15/2019
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    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.

    Manolo Doreste's reply:

    Thank you so much Camila. It was a true pleasure working with you and Donald and were happy you both listened to our recommendations. We look forward to working with you again in the future! Cheers!
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    Stephanie Sent on 03/14/2019
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    Best Photographer

    Manolo is amazing at his job. Extremely personable and creative. Best wedding photographer!

    Manolo Doreste's reply:

    Hi Stephanie,
    It was wonderful working with you and Joey for your Engagement and Wedding Portraits. Look forward to working with you in the future. xoxo
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    Ashley F. Sent on 10/22/2019
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    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.
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    Inga Sent on 05/07/2018
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    There are no words to describe Manolo. His commitment to perfection and efficiency are perfectly paired with warmth and comfort. This left us with an absolutely perfect experience. His team is just amazing. We planned our distance from a distance as we are out of towners and they made the process seem so effortless. Our wedding was in Miami last weekend and we could not be happier with the experience. We met Manolo a few months ago and on the initial meeting, I left feeling like he had been a friend for a long time. He patiently listened with sincere interest in our story and paid attention to detail with results being perfect. Our engagement shoot was just amazing and our wedding weekend welcome reception and wedding, Manolo was there, working his magic. His work is unparalleled and we are already thinking of ways to work with him anad his team again...

    Manolo Doreste's reply:

    Inga,

    Thank you for putting your trust in me and my team. We sometimes wish we could rate our clients because we would have given you and your husband 5 stars as well. If you need some ideas on how to work together just send me an email. I am sure I can come up several ways for that to happen.

    Cheers to married life!
    Manolo & The team at In Focus Studios.
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    Anna Sent on 05/27/2018
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    Manolo is simply amazing! We had the privilege of working with Manolo for both our engagement and wedding day and would not have had it any other way! While photographing Manolo made us feel so comfortable which made all the nerves go away. His personality is amazing, and his photos are even better! For our engagement, he was already sending us pictures just hours after. We also received our entire wedding gallery less than a month after our big day. He captures the best and most unique pictures. He goes above and beyond. My husband and I could not have imagined any other photographer capturing our day for us. We cannot thank you enough Manolo, we will treasure these pictures forever!!

    Manolo Doreste's reply:

    Anna & Alex,
    Waking up to this review was the perfect way to start the week. You both were such a pleasure to work with and it felt like I was hanging out with family. Thank you for always being open to my suggestions and following our non-traditional methods.

    See you soon!
    Manolo
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    Roxanna Sent on 03/24/2018
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    HOW CAN I BEGIN? THIS HAS BEEN A 3 YEAR JOURNEY WITH MANOLO HOWEVER I WOULDNT WANT IT ANY OTHER WAY. I HIRED MANOLO BASED ON A FRIENDS RECOMMENDATION AND I THANK HER DAILY. HE HAS BEEN THE BEST PHOTOGRAPHER IVE EVER MET. MY HUSBAND IS EXTREMELY SHY HOWEVER HE CHANGED THAT IMMEDIATELY WHEN I HAD NIGHTMARES WONDERING HOW OUR PICTURES WOULD LOOK. THROUGHOUT THE ENGAGEMENT I ALSO ENDED UP GETTING PREGNANT AND HAVING TO RESCHEDULE 3 TMES MY WEDDING DUE TO CHANGES IN MY PREGNANCY AND HE WAS ALWAYS THERE TO ASSIST ME AND BE THERE THROUGH ALL THE CHANGES. I THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR EVERYTHING YOU DID FOR US MANOLO!

    Manolo Doreste's reply:

    Roxi, I cannot thank you enough for your kind words. I am so honored to have been part of such a special journey for you and Laz. We cannot wait to share your images with you!
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    Carlos Sent on 06/17/2018
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    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.

    Manolo Doreste's reply:

    Hi Carlos,
    Thank you so much for your very sweet words! You two were so fun to work with and your night was so memorable especially when grandpa was breaking it down. I look forward to working with you again!
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    Bianca R. Sent on 02/13/2019
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    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.
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    Katie Sent on 11/15/2017
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    We had the pleasure of experiencing a family photo session with Manolo. His entire process, from inviting us into his studio in effort to get to know us and our personal style a bit better, to the day of the shoot where he was incredible with my 2 year old son, to the reveal day where he had a picture of my son projected onto the wall (along with plenty of toys available so I could actually pay attention to the photos), was absolutely incredible. He even helped us coordinate our wardrobe without being "matchy-matchy". His entire team is wonderful and very responsive. To say we are happy with the photos would be an understatement. Now we just need to narrow down our favorites so we can purchase some large prints for our home. Thank you, Manolo, for being so wonderful!

    Manolo Doreste's reply:

    Katie, It was absolutely our pleasure!!! Clients like you make our job easy!! And Sawyer is an all out stud! Thank You for your feedback and thank YOU for the pleasure of photographing your beautiful family!
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    Greivy Sent on 06/09/2018
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    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!

    Manolo Doreste's reply:

    Greivy, it has been more than an honor to have you as a client, to know you as a friend, incredible mother and wife and to capture your family through the years. The ever growing Basto clan is one that will forever be in my heart. Your enthusiasm for portraits, your impeccable style, your infectious laughter and your trust in me never go unnoticed. I thank you for allowing me to be there for some of the most precious moments in your life and I know there are only more to come!

    (Is it too soon for that vow renewal in Italy yet?!)
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    Nicole Sent on 12/13/2016
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    Manolo and his staff, prior to the wedding date and the day of were all amazing. Words cannot describe how accommodating and professional Manolo is. He made us feel very comfortable and yet kept us on schedule. Can't wait to see the pictures! Thank you.

    Nicole/Eddy Wedding, Key Largo, 12/10/2016

    Manolo Doreste's reply:

    Thank you Nicole. It was a pleasure working with you both. I hope to work with you and your family in the future.
  • User2327046 Sent on 09/21/2015
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    I booked with Manolo about a few weeks ago and I'm more than excited that he is our photographer! I can't wait till our wedding to have one of a kind pictures! Not only is his work impeccable but he's one of the few photographers that actually sit with you and ask you your story. Which I love. Having a relationship that click with your photographer is key on how your photos will come out. It was instant with Manolo. I can't wait till next year!

    Manolo Doreste's reply:

    Thank you for your kind words. It was a pleasure getting to know you and I am so happy that we clicked!
  • User2589270 Sent on 04/26/2016
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    Manolo and his staff are absolutely amazing! We were fortunate enough to have him capture our engagement session and wedding. During both occasions he made us feel at ease and it was truly effortless. His attention to detail, professional disposition and charisma put him above the rest. From the pre-shoot meetings to the wonderful presentation of the photos after the event, Manolo and his staff go above and beyond to please their clients and make sure every detail is covered. I am so happy that we chose Manolo to capture our special day- because of his artistry and creativity our photos are absolutely incredible!!
  • User2588814 Sent on 04/26/2016
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    Manolo was amazing to work with! He really is a special artist.
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    Nina Sent on 01/19/2017
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    Working with Manolo will be the best decision you'll make in your wedding planning!

    My husband and I are beyond thrilled with our experience working with Manolo Doreste. Manolo was professional and warm from the first meeting and working with him was a lot of fun. He captured our moments just as we wanted and did it beautifully. Our photos look like they belong in a magazine while still showcasing the love and emotion of our special day. We have established a lifelong relationship with Manolo and can’t wait for him to capture the many milestones in our lives.

    Manolo Doreste's reply:

    NIna and Vijay. It is truly an honor to work with clients like you. Thank you so much for making me a part of your special day! Can't wait to begin work on your album and on seeing you both very soon!
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    Anicia Sent on 11/29/2016
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    We were shocked. Did our highly regarded wedding photographer not only exceed expectations but also take command during disorganized moments and smoothly coordinate a wedding party of 25+ while also fading into the background and not overwhelming a crowd of over 200 guests? Fascinating: this is how we describe Manolo’s ability to gently capture emotional elements during key moments of the ceremony and reception and deliver hands on direction for creating cinematic snapshots. He is not just a photographer, he is an artist using a palette of happiness, chaos, celebration, emotion, love and stress to paint a beautiful mural of one of the most special experiences in our lifetime. His team’s creativity and professionalism can easily be seen when gazing through our engagement photos sailing around Miami’s coast or in our wedding photos dancing and celebrating love among the greenery at Estancia Culinaria.
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    Heidi Sent on 05/04/2016
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    Such professionalism, amazing quality work, very very sweet and makes you feel so special every time. Love him! My mom adores him! Wedding was in Nov 2015 she still talks about him all the time. ;)
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    Courtni Sent on 04/27/2015
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    Let me just say, I love Manolo! Now that my wedding has come and gone, my pictures are the most important thing left (besides my marriage). I saw In Focus Studio's website, and I almost didn't call because I thought I could never afford a photographer this awesome. I set up a meeting anyway. Of the seven photographers I met, Manolo was the most expensive. I don't have any of my pictures back yet because my wedding was only a week ago, but I couldn't wait to rave about this photographer. I had to set up a payment plan, and it was worth it to have such an amazing photographer. I would choose him again. He is just such a nice guy. He was so easy to talk to, and as professional as anyone could be. He was helpful with planning and setup, as well as the day of my wedding. He shared ideas that were very helpful. With emotion and excited running high, he and his team were patient and a pleasure to have present. He treated me like royalty. I felt like he was all mine, like nothing was more important to him than providing what I needed to make my wedding day awesome, and to have it documented just the way I wanted it. His assistants were great too. From the flowers, to the DJ, to the cake, and the dresses, my photographer was the one I knew was not gonna let me down. He showed me a few pictures seconds after he took them, and I am amazed at his creativity and skill. It was an honor to have worked with Manolo Doreste and team at In Focus Studios.
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    Ashley Sent on 03/03/2015
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    We couldn't be happier making the decision to work with Manolo for our wedding. He is an amazing photographer and such a pleasure to work with. His work is amazing and made everything fun from the Engagement shoot, a "His Eyes Only" shoot and the actual wedding day. Manolo is extremely professional yet so personal with any requests that you may have. I cannot wait until our next event to work with Manolo, as I know his work is one of kind!
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    Jackie Sent on 03/24/2015
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    Amazing, talented, creative, joyful, visionary... just a few words to describe Manolo! I would recommend him with highest regards!
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    Madeleine Sent on 09/20/2015
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    I would not have wanted any other photographer by my side on my wedding day. Manolo is fun, kind, professional and crazy talented! I had the BEST experience with him and would 100% recommend him to all my friends and family. I live in Atlanta, GA and will fly him up here the next time I need a photographer. Love Manolo, and his team at the studio - everyone is super friendly and responsive. LOVE, LOVE!
  • User1551677 Sent on 03/06/2014
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    Choosing a photographer for my wedding was one of the most difficult decisions for me. I'm a pretty decisive person, and i found it difficult to decide because there are a myriad of photography styles and countless photographers in Miami. I met with 9 photographers and when I met Manolo i was hooked. He was the ONLY person that asked us questions about ourselves and our style instead of just the basic "how many people will attend" and "which venue did you choose". She asked about our likes and dislikes, our personalities and even our favorite candy!

    Manolo is extremely easy to get along with, professional, upbeat and most of all creative. So far he has shot our engagement pictures and wedding. We have one more shoot with him and I have to idea what to expect because his images and the way he captures us as a couple is really amazing.
    When working with us i noticed that he not only took beautiful pictures bet he also makes you feel so at ease while doing it. In the pictures where we are laughing, we are genuinely laughing at something he said which really makes the images look natural and not posed or fake. Most importantly he managed to capture us as a couple and exactly the way we are which is certainly loving and quite frankly a little goofy.

    He offers a large variety of books, albums, pictures boxes and other accessories to choose from and everything is done professionally and in a timely manner. His staff is equally as nice and professional as well.


    I also really appreciate the Viewing Party that he puts together once your images are ready. He invites you to the studio with your closest family and friends for refreshments and snacks while you view a slideshow of the images, set to music in his beautiful studio. These details coupled with his his incredible eye, make him a true artist and businessman. I would certainly recommend In Focus Studios to anyone that craves creative memories instead of just another posed photo.
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    Kristin Sent on 01/21/2014
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    Manolo and his staff were wonderful!! I would highly recommend him for all of you photography needs. My husband and I were so pleased with everything . :)
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    Lourdes Sent on 05/01/2014
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    Manolo is an excellent photographer, his work is amazing. He is very personable, and understands immediately what you want. I highly recommend Manolo Doreste.
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