About Me

Hey, I’m Maria

After years of photographing Monterey weddings and life milestones, I’ve learned that the most important thing in life is the people that surround us. I focus on capturing those big and small moments during our time together to capture love as best I can. I’m always looking for clients who want candid moments and the in-between moments that captures how it felt.

10+

years in business

47

5 star reviews

200+ 

families and proposals captured

164

weddings
photographed

Monterey Photographer

monterey photographer-maria villano

It’s all about your people

Real images are made when we can connect. When trust is given. Opening up to let someone in on your wedding day can be hard. To relax in front of my cameras so you can forget they are there, and really be present with your friends and family around you- that’s the goal. I believe getting to know you, what and who is important to you before the big day helps me to create authentic images and do my job better. When possible, I recommend booking an engagement session before your wedding so we can get to know each other.

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A close-up of a gray, textured surface with no distinct objects or features.

Where it all started

2005

I graduated from Sonoma State University, with a degree in Studio Arts with an emphasis in Photography. All of my work to this point was on film.

A bride and groom holding hands outdoors, smiling at each other during their wedding.

2009

I officially started my photography business! I started with corporate winery work, but have been focusing on weddings since 2012.

A young girl in a maroon dress and blue sneakers with pink laces standing outdoors on a wooded ground, making a fierce face with her mouth open and hands raised as if pretending to be a monster or a superhero.

2015

I got married to my husband Tony at the Sea Ranch Lodge. Planning my own wedding informed what I do so much, as I got to experience what it feels like to be a client.

2017

Our daughter was born! I was lucky enough to be able to keep working weddings on the weekends while staying home with her during the week.

2022

We moved from Sonoma County to Monterey County. It’s always been a dream to move here, and it brings us close to my family.

A family of three, a man, woman, and young girl, standing on rocks near the water's edge at a rocky beach, smiling and posing for the photo.
View of a coastal scene with the ocean, palm trees, and a pathway along the shore, taken from a high vantage point during sunset.

2024

After years and years of document collection and tedious bureacracy, my daughter and I were recognized as Italian citizens. It was my dream to gift my daughter Italy citizenship so she can study or live abroad, and allows me to legally photograph weddings in the EU.

And today I’m still helping you create your dream photographs

Spring Family Sessions are here! This year I am offering a shorter family session experience on March 14, 2026 in Gilroy, CA for only $425. The setting is a beautiful, private hay field with oak trees. Being a blanket! This 20 minute session is per
I love Pebble Beach for micro weddings- it always has the best views and the softest light!
Obviously the rose garden at @bernarduslodge is stunning, but one of my other favorite sunset locations is the driveway lined with olive trees. The light just hits, and it reminds me of Sonoma County where my photography business was born. If you&r
Fall proposals on the coast have the best hazy light! Congratulations H+S!

Let’s Connect

Keep up with me and my work be following me on Instagram. I love to follow my clients back and see what they are up to.

A couple holding hands, one in a black suit and the other in white dress, outdoors with lush green foliage in the background.
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A large rocky formation extending into the ocean with the coastline visible in the distance at sunset.
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