Estudio La Storia was not our original choice for the company that would photograph our wedding,…read morebut that was only because we didn't know that the company existed. Our 1st choice was unwilling to work within our budget. Sad & feeling out of options I didn't know quite what to do until 1 of my bridesmaid suggested Ms. Maria Reyes and Co. I gave Maria a call the same evening I got her contact information. She was at the grocery store when I called! I told her I'd call her back at a better time, but she wouldn't hear of it. We chatted for a little bit, exchanged email addresses, and agreed to meet so we can see samples of her work. I was impressed that already she showed how important clients/potential clients were to her. Because the company is located a bit further out, she offered to meet us in the city. But, we figured we'd take the drive out to meet her at her studio in Winthrop Harbor. We walked in and felt like we were at a friend's house. She made us feel comfortable right from the start.
She asked us a variety of questions ranging from what style of photography we were looking for to how did we meet, to "So, Edwin, how did you feel when you first saw Jenny?" After looking at her samples and getting to know her, we signed a contract & put down a deposit. Before meeting Maria, we corresponded via email. She was open and willing to create a custom package for Edwin and I. Having dealt with many unwielding wedding vendors (who we did not contract) this pretty much touched our hearts! hehehe What? A wedding vendor with a heart who understands that we don't have a Donald Trump bank account!? Yes, they're out there.
We met Maria again for our engagement session (which was included in the wedding photo package.) She said engagement sessions help her get to know the couple a little better, and it helps them become more comfortable with her too - boy did we get comfortable! Let me just say that I had some pretty RIDICULOUS ideas for our engagement session...these ideas included props: nerd/mustache glasses, giant balloons, antique bicycles, tricycles, and a sit in with our wedding party at the grade school where my husband and I met :) She didn't bat an eye when I told her of all my crazy ideas, she went with it. She saw my vision, and brought it to life. I can't tell you how many people fell in love with our photos. I cried the day she sent me the sneak peek. I told her "I just want to capture that feeling of dreamy child-like wonder I get when I'm with him" and she said "Don't worry, I know exactly what you mean," and she meant it. The proof is in the photos :)
Maria & her staff are VERY professional & organized & this was evident on our wedding day. Months in advance, she set up a time-line, asked me for a list of who's who, asked about any specific photos we wanted, and again, worked with me with my PROPS! (This time it was only parasols, and nerd glasses!!) She showed up on time, worked incredibly hard, suffered through the 100 degree day, and even stayed late to capture some photos of things that would have happened earlier in the night had we not had some technical difficulties with our music. Not once did she complain. We got to know Maria pretty well throughout our whole wedding planning process (I liked her so darn much I even invited her to my bachelorette party!) I now consider her a friend, and honestly, I think that's the best kind of wedding vendor out there- one who cares about the clients' wants & needs, one who listens, one who delivers an AMAZING product, and one who becomes your pal after its all said & done!!
I'd recommend Estudio La Storia to ANYONE who is looking for fantastic photographers who have an eye for beautiful moments like Maria & her girls do! They went above and beyond for us & the fact that they continue to grow shows that they do that for all of their clients :)
