Meet Maria Martinez | Wedding photographer and videographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maria Martinez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maria, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born and raised in Spain, studied marketing, and have always loved design. One of my first memories is of my dad recording everything with a video camera and editing the videos on the computer (we’re talking about the 90s). Thanks to that, I have videos of myself and my family from when I was young, which is very special to me. My brother taught me everything about computers, and I spent a lot of time with my mom in her office. All of this had a big impact on me, and I always knew I wanted a job that offered a lot of flexibility. I think I found the best one — being a destination wedding photographer and videographer. I spend time in the office, but I also get to visit new places and travel a lot. We do weddings in Europe, the Bahamas, the US, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. My family and I joke about a tradition I used to follow every New Year’s. I believed that if you walked around the neighborhood before midnight with a carry-on, you would travel in the coming year. Funny enough, I haven’t stopped traveling since I started doing it!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I don’t just capture weddings—I create timeless, emotional stories that people can relive for years. What excites me most is knowing that I’m freezing moments in time for couples, helping them remember one of the most important days of their lives.

Getting to where I am today business-wise wasn’t easy. The challenges I faced in different countries and cultures only fueled my determination. Building my destination wedding photography and videography business took time, but I never gave up.

Some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way are to embrace flexibility, stay resilient, and never lose sight of your passion. Challenges will come, but it’s how you face them that defines your path. You have to adapt, keep learning, and lean into the experiences that shape your craft.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that I’m here to tell stories. My background, my travels, and my personal experiences all flow into my work. My brand is about more than just pictures and videos—it’s about preserving memories, emotions, and unique moments. Every wedding I shoot is a story waiting to be told, and I’m honored to help tell it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d make sure to show off the vibrant mix of culture, art, food, and beaches that make the city so unique.

Day 1:
We’d kick off with a visit to South Beach for some sun and relaxation. Afterward, we’d explore Ocean Drive, checking out the iconic art deco architecture. For dinner, we’d head to Joe’s Stone Crab—a Miami classic for seafood lovers.

Day 2:
We’d spend the day wandering through Wynwood to see the famous Wynwood Walls, where street art comes alive. For lunch, we’d grab tacos at Coyo Taco, and then later, we’d check out Lagniappe, a laid-back wine bar with live music, perfect for an evening hangout.

Day 3:
We’d visit Little Havana to experience Miami’s Cuban culture. We’d start with Cuban coffee at Café Versailles and maybe grab a Cuban sandwich for lunch. In the afternoon, we’d visit Domino Park, watch some games, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Dinner would be at Ball & Chain, a historic venue where we’d also enjoy live salsa music.

Day 4:
A trip to Vizcaya Museum and Gardens would be on the list—this beautiful estate feels like a European escape in the middle of Miami. For dinner, we’d hit up Mandolin Aegean Bistro in the Design District for a Mediterranean experience. Later, a drink at The Broken Shaker would be perfect to wind down the evening.

Day 5:
We’d take a boat tour around Biscayne Bay to see the skyline and the famous Star Island. After the tour, we’d enjoy a relaxing meal at Seaspice, a waterfront restaurant with stunning views. In the evening, we’d check out the nightlife in Brickell, maybe grabbing drinks at Sugar, a rooftop bar with amazing views.

Day 6:
We’d spend the day exploring Key Biscayne, starting with some time at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park to see the lighthouse. Later, we’d relax on the beach and grab lunch at Rusty Pelican—another spot with unbeatable views. For dinner, we’d check out Komodo for some Asian-inspired dishes in Brickell.

Day 7:
To end the trip, we’d spend the last day at the Miami Design District, visiting galleries and designer boutiques. We’d grab brunch at Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink and end the trip with some shopping. The final dinner would be at Carbone, one of the most exciting spots in Miami for a luxurious Italian meal.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would dedicate my shoutout to my family. They’ve been my whole support system from the very beginning. My dad sparked my love for capturing memories with his camera, my brother taught me everything I know about computers, and spending time with my mom in her office shaped my idea of work and flexibility. They’ve always encouraged me, and without them, I wouldn’t have followed the path that led me to become a destination wedding photographer and videographer. Every step of the way, they’ve been there, and I couldn’t have done it without them.

Although bullying is a horrible thing to experience, being told many times that I would never be successful in life lit a fire inside me to prove them wrong. I’ve lived in many different countries and faced hard situations, but I never gave up. Every time I faced a challenge, I remembered those tough moments from school, and that motivated me to keep pushing forward. Those experiences, as difficult as they were, fueled my determination to succeed and shaped the person I am today.

Website: https://www.rockandloveweddings.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockandloveweddings

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rockandloveweddings

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rock-and-love-weddings-brooklyn

Image Credits
Rock and Love Weddings