Had an AMAZING experience with Maria, she is so patient and she knows how to get you comfortable. My daughter is a camera shy but Maria got her to open up, she knows what poses works best for each shoot as well. Absolutely loved her and she's such a talented photographe. -Vriza & Silvia VIllarreal read more

Maria did such an amazing job with my toddler pictures! To start of, my daughter in not really photogenic, she's shy when it comes to new people. But Maria instantly worked her magic and got her smiling. She even got her bubbles to take home. I was impressed with all the prompts and garden. The pictures turned out better than I imagined and made it so hard to choose from! She got exactly what I wanted which for me it was a magical look setting. Thank you so much again!! read more

What an amazing experience! It was our first time ever taking professional Christmas pictures and they set the bar so high!! I was so worried my two dogs wouldn't cooperate for the photos but they came out 1000% better than I expected. Definitely making this an annual thing with them. Highly recommend!!!! read more

Estudio La Storia was not our original choice for the company that would photograph our wedding, but 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 :) read more

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Maria, we absolutely love all the photos s they are incredible I cannot wait to see our 2.5 hr video of our Wedding! You have serious talent girl :) Thank you so much for going above and beyond on our wedding day... You & team pink (Rafa & Rosie) were so professional, relaxed, friendly and fun, making us feel very comfortable posing for the pictures! Our wedding was 08/18/18 we received our pictures in just 12 days through a private online gallery. (NOW THAT'S AMAZING!!!) I cried the minute I logged in I could not believe all the beautiful moments you captured just so perfect! I have not received my designed album or video yet but I am already beyond happy & pleased with your work! To be perfectly honest, you don't need to look anywhere else in the Lake County/Chicago area for a photographer....well, you could, but you shouldn't. Maria is the best!! Xoxo, Darlene & Andres Ochoa read more

I found out about Estudio La Storia through a friend who used them for her wedding. I called the owner, Maria, for more information and then we met her at Starbucks to find out if we were a good match, and we got along great with her and could really picture her being our photographer for our big day! She worked with us on creating a photo package that was going to fit our needs and our budget. Her understanding of our budget was a huge deciding factor when we were picking a photographer because she was willing to recommend ways to lower the cost. We scheduled an engagement session (which was included in the wedding photo package.) She was a great help at picking the locations for the engagement photos and they really came out great. Before the wedding, I had sent Maria my vision and a list of photos that I really wanted captured on our wedding day. She captured ALL of them and made sure that we got every single one checked off our list! They got along with the whole bridal party and were a great fit. Maria has a great way of instructing everyone on where to go and how to pose, but didn't come off bossy at all! Maria and her staff are very organized and professional, and a real joy to work with! They made sure they knew who was who at the wedding so they knew who was important to photograph. One of my favorite things was that they printed out little cards that were put on the tables for the guests to take home. These cards had our engagement photos on them and information for the guests to access our wedding photos within 10 days. All the guests loved these and Dave and I were so impressed with Maria's attention to detail. They also used our engagement photos to put together a beautiful guest book for all the guests to sign. It was so beautiful that it is now placed on our mantle above our fireplace. Not only did our photos come out AMAZING, but she was sooo fast at getting them to us! We were still on our honeymoon when I received an email that the photos were edited and ready. That is amazing and I know many friends who have waited a lot longer for their wedding photos. She mailed me a disc with all the photos and all the paperwork to fill out so I could choose the photos for our wedding album and also our 16x17 print (we included these things in the package and I promise it is WORTH IT!). I received many compliments from our wedding guests and bridal party on what great photographers we had. I can't imagine having anyone else capture our day and we would recommend Estudio La Storia to EVERYONE! read more

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My husband and I had a small destination wedding, and then a HUGE reception for our friends and family when we came home. We picked Estudio La Storia for the home reception based on the samples of her work I had already seen, but I wish I had been able to book Maria for the destination wedding as well, because her photography is just amazing. Maria and her assistant were absolutely fantastic to work with. I told her the shots that I absolutely had to have and she made sure to get them. My dad and I did Gangnam Style for our father/daughter dance, and they got some really great shots. There were also a few group photos that I wanted, since you only ever see all of your family at weddings (so it seems!). The best part is, she really did make sure we got every picture that we absolutely had to have, and then of course, all the pictures you don't even think you'll need or want! As a bride, you really don't realize how limited your time is and how difficult it will be to tear yourself away from one group of people to get to the next, but Maria really helped move everything along in the sense that she got the shots I wanted and all of my friends and family thought her photographs were incredible. Estudio La Storia is very reasonably priced, and for the quality of the photos, you won't be disappointed. Maria and her team are so friendly and easy to work with (they make fantastic suggestions for picture ideas as well, if you just don't know what you want) and I would recommend them to anyone and everyone. I will definitely be going to them in the future for any professional photography I need done going forward! read more

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We were referred to Maria from a friend who used her services. The first time we meet I thought this is a very young lady but that's what I liked about her. Her ideas were fresh and very young. Maria made us feel right at home she described her services as well as her products, which we feel in love with. She did my daughters' pre quince pictures; sign in album, DVD, church programs, table numbers and her invitations in September 2000. Maria took the time to answer any of my questions or concerns. I would send her texts and emails and she would answer them ASAP! Maria recently took my daughter graduation pictures...again we feel in love with those! We highly recommend her to anyone and we are continuing clients of her. Thanks again for all your hard work Maria!! read more

My family and I are thrilled that we chose Estudio La Storia for our wedding and engagement photos in August of 2011. So thrilled we will now hopefully book a photo shoot for our baby as well! Maria & her team took beautiful, natural photos for our engagement and wedding. Getting hundreds of pictures taken of you can be a strange thing if you haven't done it before, but Maria makes it so easy and fun. She makes you feel so natural and at ease during the session that result in better pictures since you are being yourself. Working with Maria is like being around someone you already know. She is so easy to talk to and will spend time and listen to make sure you select the right package for you. She will also spend the time with you afterwards to ensure you received just what you wanted. On the day of, they are very good at finding a wide variety of backgrounds so you have many different settings, colors and environments in your pictures. One of our favorite pictures was my husband and I laughing hysterically on a grand piano at our reception site. I didn't even know it was there, and am so glad Maria spotted the great photo op. I highly recommend using Estudio La Storia no matter what your occasion. read more

These girls were absolutely wonderful! They did everything and more that we asked of them! All of the pictures were beautiful, fun, and artistic! I would recommend Estudio La Storia to anyone who asks for a good photographer, for any event! Our engagements sessions were gorgeous! Our wedding pictures were beautiful, and they captured so many magical moments! Netasha and Erika were great dealing with a large group of people, and all of the craziness that went along with it! They even seemed to enjoy themselves with our goofy group. Prices are completely reasonable! Quality is excellent! And I will be a returning customer to Estudio La Storia. Thanks ladies!!! read more

Absolutely and undeniably amazing images by an equally incredibly talented photographer! Maria is the best of the best! Team Pink nailed every special moment..every single detail..every important stare..hand holding..smile! I was impressed beyond words can explain in a sentence and her professionalism and expertise in the field makes the entire experience fun! Choose and trust team pink for your next event and be ready to be amazed!!!! Estudio la storia thank you for such an incredible experience and for capturing such gorgeous shots!!! Forever thankful. Maria Elizondo read more

Estudio La Storia is the #1 Photography Team in Lake and Cook County! Maria has been there for me since 2009 when you photographed for my oldest daughters Quince. Now 5 yrs later she has worked on my 2nd daughters quince session too. She continues to do an amazing job in what she knows how to do best..tell the story through the lens. Maria...all I can say...you are the best at what you do..and you will continue to be in part of our families lives through the future weddings, baby showers, or any special events we will hold..thank you for being there for us! read more

Working with estudio la estoria was the best choice I could have made. Maria our photographer was amazing, she loves what she does and is absolutely great at it. We heard about Maria because she is my fiancés friends sister. From our first meeting to our last I was 100 % satisfied with her. At our first meeting I knew she was the one I wanted to capture our big day. What I love is that she takes the time to get to know you as a couple and know your style of what you are looking for. At our Engagement session she got to know us and made us more camera friendly which helped a lot on our wedding day. Maria worked with us thru our crazy schedules and from first hand experience knew what it was to be a bride and what it was we looked for. She is professional and helped us out working late to work around our needs. She became more than just our photographer more like a close friend and someone I could run to when wedding planning was going wrong!! She is such a great person to work with and I would recommend her to anyone. All you have left of a special events are the memories and they do a fantastic job at capturing every moment!! read more