Meet Maria Reva | Wedding & Family Photographer | Elegant, Editorial, Emotion-Driven Imagery

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

Hi Maria, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I believe it’s the ability to truly see people and feel what’s happening between them. The energy, the emotion, the connection that often speaks louder than words. I pay attention to the quiet moments. A glance, a breath, the way someone reaches for another without thinking.
When I photograph a wedding, it’s never just a day. It’s the start of a shared memory. Something sacred in how two people choose each other and everyone they love is there to witness it. I try to stay present so I can capture what’s real, honest, and full of life.
I feel the same when photographing families. Life moves fast. Children grow, routines blur together, and those everyday moments slip away before we even notice. But that’s where the heart of family lives. In gestures, in chaos, in closeness.
We all want something to come back to. A feeling, a memory, something that brings us home. Photography makes that possible. It helps us return to what matters and hold on to it. That’s what my work is about. Emotion. Presence. Love that stays.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Photography has always been my way of paying attention. To moments, to emotion, to the connection between people. I’m not just focused on how things look but how they feel. A small gesture, a glance, the energy between two people — that’s what draws me in.

I started with film and still love it to this day. It taught me patience, sensitivity, and how to slow down and really see. That foundation continues to shape how I work, even when I’m shooting digitally. I’ve been a photographer for more than half of my life, and my approach has become clear and intentional. Honest, quiet, and focused on what truly matters.

My husband and I both come from European backgrounds, and that influences our style in a big way. You’ll see it in our love for natural light, thoughtful composition, and simplicity with depth. It’s not about trends or flashy edits. It’s about timelessness and trust.

We specialize in weddings and family photography. Both are deeply personal, and both deserve to be remembered not just for how they looked but for how they felt. That’s the heart of what we do. Creating images that people will return to again and again.

Starting over in the United States was challenging. New country, new culture, no network. But it pushed me to stay true to my eye and build something from the ground up. That honesty has become the core of my work.

Today, our brand is about presence, trust, and refined simplicity. For people who value connection, emotion, and imagery that doesn’t just impress. It stays.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’ve always been drawn to a slower and more European way of living. I love walking, wandering with no rush, taking in nature, good coffee, and beautiful light. So if a close friend came to visit, we would spend our week doing just that.

We would start the day with a matcha on macadamia milk from Yann Couvreur or Libertino Cafe. Both have that cozy and stylish feel I love. Then we would head to Vizcaya to get lost in the gardens and architecture. It’s one of my favorite places in Miami. It feels like a little piece of Europe by the water.

We would spend time walking around Coconut Grove, exploring local spots, and soaking in the trees and the laid-back energy. I would definitely take them to a botanical garden. Fairchild is beautiful and peaceful and perfect for slowing down and reconnecting.

On one of the days we would drive up to West Palm Beach. I love just strolling through the streets and going into every little cafe that catches our eye. Somewhere in there, we would stop for kosher gelato at Anita La Mamma del Gelato. It’s the best.

Throughout the week we would be photographing on film. Just little moments, for ourselves. The light, the stillness, whatever felt worth remembering. Then one afternoon we would drop off the rolls at Bellows Film Lab. I love that part of the process. Slowing down, then waiting for the scans like opening a time capsule.

For dinner we would go to DaVinci. The food, the atmosphere, everything about it feels warm and intentional.

It wouldn’t be about rushing from one hotspot to another. It would be about slowing down, noticing, enjoying. Walking, talking, resting in the shade. That’s my version of the perfect Miami week.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’m deeply grateful to my husband, who has been not only my partner in life but also in our business. His calm energy, steady belief in me, and creative eye have shaped so much of what I do today. He’s not just my biggest supporter but also an essential part of our photography team.

I’m also thankful to the families and couples who have trusted me with their memories. They’ve shown me that photography is never just about the image. It’s about presence, emotion, and the connection we carry through time.

Website: https://mariiareva.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masha.golub/

Image Credits
Maria Reva Photography