Meet Laura Mariani | Portraits and Intimate Weddings photographer

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

Hi Laura, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Work–life balance has changed a lot for me over time, especially after becoming a mother.
Today, I see balance less as a perfect split and more as a conscious choice. I choose to dedicate my time to my family first, and then build my work around that foundation. My daughter is at an age where my presence truly matters, and being able to drop her off at school, pick her up, and be there for her daily life is something I deeply value.
I don’t rely on babysitters all the time, and without family living nearby, being intentional with my schedule has become essential. I’m grateful that I don’t have to work full time, because it allows me to work the right amount, enough to grow my business with care and consistency, while still being fully present as a mother.
That said, my work is very important to me. I care deeply about it, and I’m committed to growing it year after year, just at a pace that aligns with this season of my life. I believe balance evolves. One day, my daughter won’t need me in the same way she does now, and when that time comes, I’ll naturally have more space and energy to dedicate to expanding my business further. For now, balance means honoring both roles with intention, without rushing either.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business, Laura Mariani Photography, is built around connection, authenticity, and a deep respect for people and their stories.

What sets my work apart is the way I approach photography, not as something to direct, but as something to observe and feel. I don’t force poses or create moments that don’t belong to the people in front of my camera. Instead, I create a calm, trusting space where my clients can simply be themselves, and from there, the images naturally unfold.
I’m most proud of the consistency of my vision and the relationships I’ve built over time.

Whether I’m photographing weddings, portraits, or women in my studio, my goal is always the same: to create timeless, elegant images that feel honest and deeply personal. I’m especially excited about how my work continues to evolve toward a more fine-art and intimate approach, while staying rooted in simplicity and emotion.

Getting to where I am today was not easy, and it certainly wasn’t fast.
My journey began with curiosity and a strong desire to create something meaningful, followed by years of learning, assisting, observing, and refining my eye. I moved across countries, adapted to new markets, built my business more than once, and balanced motherhood with entrepreneurship.
There were moments of doubt, uncertainty, and fatigue, especially when things didn’t move as quickly as I hoped.

What helped me overcome challenges was patience, trust in my vision, and the willingness to grow without compromising who I am. I learned that comparison is a distraction, that consistency matters more than perfection, and that building a business aligned with your life, not against it, is the only sustainable way forward.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that success doesn’t have to be loud or rushed. It can be intentional, quiet, and deeply fulfilling. I want the world to know that my brand is not just about beautiful images, but about care, presence, and respect.
My story is one of growth, resilience, and choosing authenticity over trends, both in life and in business.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d start right in Boulder. We’d walk around downtown and Pearl Street, browse small shops, and people-watch with coffee in hand. A must-stop is the Dushanbe Tea House, it’s beautiful, cozy, and feels a bit like a hidden gem.
One morning would be dedicated to Chautauqua Park. Even without hiking far, the views of the Flatirons are stunning and very “Colorado.”
Where we’d eat in Boulder:
Japango – Pizzeria Alberico – The Kitchen – Stella Cucina – Rosetta Hall

We’d head to Denver and spend time in the RiNo Art District, wandering through murals, galleries, and cafés. Then we’d stop by Union Station for drinks or coffee and walk along the 16th Street Mall .

Other Must See: Golden downtown and creek – Morrison with the Red Rock Amphitheater attend a concert there would be amazing – Estes Park downtown and the historic Stanley Hotel and from there drive to the Rocky Mountain National Park.
And worth a visit : Central City and Black Hawk for a western feeling.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My first and most heartfelt shoutout goes to my family. They supported me at the very beginning of my journey, believing in me even before I fully believed in myself. Their trust gave me the courage to take my first steps and follow a path that felt deeply right, even when it was uncertain.

A crucial person in my photographic career has been Diego Taroni, photographer and founder of Photo27 in Milan. He trusted me and truly invested his time and knowledge in teaching me everything. Thanks to him, I experienced what many photographers only dream of: working in extraordinary locations around the world, collaborating with top wedding planners and vendors, and photographing high-profile and celebrity clients.
Those years shaped not only my skills, but also my vision and standards as a photographer.

My husband Joaquin also deserves a Special mention. He believes deeply in me and in my talent, and supports me every single day. He gives me the freedom to be the creative I am, without interfering in my business practice, and that trust has been invaluable to my growth.

Finally, my shoutout goes to my clients, the ones who chose me, trusted me, and then chose me again for their most important life milestones. Their loyalty and confidence in my work mean everything to me. They’ve allowed me to grow, evolve, and build a business rooted in trust and connection.

Website: https://lauramarianiphotography.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laura-mariani-photography/

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

Image Credits
Credit images Laura Mariani Photography
Photo of Laura taken by Soraya Veloso Photography