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I’ve photographed dozens (maybe hundreds?) of weddings in Tuscany. Each one is unique, emotional, and — let’s be honest — beautifully chaotic. But over time, I realized that my favorite moments aren’t the posed ones. They’re the ones in between.

The silence before a father sees his daughter in her dress. The wink a groom gives when no one’s watching. The laughter that bubbles out mid-vow. These are the photos I keep thinking about long after the party ends. So here are a few of those little-big moments I captured recently — quiet, emotional, sometimes hilarious, always human.

I think love lives in the quiet gestures. The unscripted seconds. The honest faces. That’s what I try to capture as a wedding photographer. I don’t believe in perfect shots. I believe in real moments — the messy, tender, goofy ones that make you feel something.

Thanks for stopping by — and if you’re planning a wedding, remember: the magic is already happening. I’m just here to freeze it for you.

More info: laurabarberaphotography.com | Instagram | Facebook

#1

Just Married — And Slightly Soaked

Just Married — And Slightly Soaked

It rained. A lot. Like, dramatic-movie-scene kind of rain. But instead of stressing, they laughed — under a tiny umbrella, soaked in joy (and maybe a bit of prosecco). This is what I live for: couples who embrace the chaos and look ridiculously cute doing it.

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I became a wedding photographer almost by accident (even though I firmly believe nothing really happens by accident). I was working as a psychologist and psychotherapist, and about ten years ago, I specialized in using photography in therapy. I used to organize workshops open to everyone, where I explored the deep connection between images and emotion, psychology, and perception.

At one of these events, I met a local wedding photographer. By the end of the evening, having seen my clear passion for photography, though still completely amateur at that point, he asked if I wanted to assist him at an upcoming wedding. I said, "Why not?"

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That first wedding felt strangely natural. I wasn't just clicking a camera — I was feeling everything. According to him, I had an instinct for beautiful, spontaneous moments. So I became his assistant for two years.

Then one day I thought: What if I actually made this my job? It’s been nine years now — and I’m still just as in love with it as I was on that very first day. Weddings are this beautiful mess of feelings, light, chaos, hugs, nervous giggles, and unforgettable glances. It’s raw humanity dressed in lace — and I can’t imagine doing anything else.

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    Real Men Cry At Weddings. Especially Their Own

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    To make couples trust me, I believe it begins with empathy. Before I ever picked up a camera professionally, I was a psychotherapist, and that experience taught me how to read people, hold space for them, and respect their emotional rhythm. That’s something I carry with me into every wedding.

    I’m not just pointing a lens at couples — I’m connecting with them. I listen. I observe. I create a space where they can feel safe, seen, and never judged. I never ask anyone to perform or pretend. I simply wait for something real to show up… and it always does.

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    #4

    That Joke Your Friend Told Three Drinks Ago Finally Hits

    That Joke Your Friend Told Three Drinks Ago Finally Hits

    You know you're at a great wedding when laughing so hard you cry becomes a normal dinner activity.

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    #5

    Every Wedding Has That One Guest Who Prefers Cats

    Every Wedding Has That One Guest Who Prefers Cats

    She was done with speeches, small talk, and humans. Fortunately, Tuscany has enough cats to comfort any overwhelmed wedding guest.

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    I truly see people, not just how they look, but how they feel. Thanks to my background in psychology, I’ve learned to approach each person with sensitivity, intuition, and respect for their boundaries. I never push — I invite.

    I don’t direct people into stiff poses or awkward smiles. Instead, I talk with them, joke, listen, give them space to be themselves. And when they realize there’s no pressure to "look good," they let go — and that’s when I capture something beautiful and true.

    #6

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    Marriage Advice: Share Everything. Even Dessert Aggressively

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    When One Friend Laughs And The Other Completely Loses It

    When One Friend Laughs And The Other Completely Loses It

    The groom’s speech hit hard—one friend burst into tears, while the other couldn't stop laughing at the drama. A perfect emotional mess. Just like weddings should be.

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    #8

    Proof That Soap Bubbles Make Everything Magical

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    #9

    When You’re Married But Still In Shock You Found Each Other

    When You’re Married But Still In Shock You Found Each Other

    This is that magical, blurry moment when it hits you: you actually did it. You found your person. And now your cheeks hurt from smiling so hard.

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    KrazyChiMama
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    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We’ve been married 25 years and sometimes I look at him and wonder how I got so d**n lucky :)

    #10

    When Your Friends Swear They Won’t Drop You (But You Have Doubts)

    When Your Friends Swear They Won’t Drop You (But You Have Doubts)

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    Catmom
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I refused to do this at my bat mitzvah or my wedding. Just no. Trust issues, yeah. :)

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    #11

    Turns Out Rainy Weddings Are The Best Parties

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    If you think rain ruins weddings, you've clearly never danced under umbrellas at midnight. Pure joy (and wet shoes).

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    KrazyChiMama
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It’s actually lucky if it rains on your wedding day in some cultures

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    #12

    Catch It If You Can

    Catch It If You Can

    The moment you realize the bouquet toss has turned into an Olympic sport. Extra points to the guy in the back who clearly came to win.

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    Daniel Atkins
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I shot one where the bride did not get far enough from the patio overhang at the church so when she threw it it landed in the gutter on the roof.

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    Family Is A Big, Messy Hug

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    Sometimes words aren't needed. Just tattoos, tears, and the quiet embrace that says everything.

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    #14

    When Your Friends Turn The Ceremony Into A Comedy Show

    When Your Friends Turn The Ceremony Into A Comedy Show

    The ceremony was beautiful. The weather was perfect. And the groom’s best man? Apparently a stand-up comedian. I love it when joy takes over the formalities — this was one of those moments where the love in the air was only rivaled by the laughter.

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    #15

    Wedding Day Mood: Champagne Before Anything Else

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    Who says you have to wait until after the ceremony to start the celebration? Clearly not her—and honestly, this is the kind of energy every wedding day deserves.

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    The Moment You Realize Your Wedding Might Actually Be In Mordor

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    Rain was in the forecast—but nobody warned us about an apocalypse. These guests handled it with style (and umbrellas).

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    #17

    Proof That Rain On Your Wedding Day Is Actually Pretty Perfect

    Proof That Rain On Your Wedding Day Is Actually Pretty Perfect

    They say rain on your wedding is good luck. Judging by these smiles, it's clearly true—or maybe they were just happy they finally got to use those umbrellas.

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    Crowd Surfing: Wedding Edition

    Crowd Surfing: Wedding Edition

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    When Your Friends Roast You From Across The Table

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    Who said weddings must always be elegant and serious? Definitely not these two. Their friends across the table were teasing them non-stop—this was their perfectly inappropriate response. Friendship goals, honestly.

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    When Your Officiant Is Also Your Hype Man

    When Your Officiant Is Also Your Hype Man

    Not every wedding officiant doubles as a selfie master, but when your best friend is running the show, anything can happen. Ceremony? Check. Group selfie? Double check.

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