Shelley Costello, a Leicester Wedding Photographer

It's always nice to meet the person behind the lens, so I thought I'd write a little blog about myself and how I became a wedding photographer. Your wedding day is such an intimate experience, and it's important that we get to know each other beforehand. That way, I'm not a stranger on the day—we already have a connection.

Hello!

It's lovely to meet you, albeit virtually for now. I am a documentary wedding photographer based in Leicester. I've always been fascinated with stories and capturing real, unscripted, candid moments is what I love most about wedding photography.  

I started out taking photos of my children when they were little, using a simple point-and-shoot camera—until my three-year-old son dropped it lens-down on the kitchen floor! From there, I moved on to capturing family events, which eventually led to photographing my first few weddings. I discovered I had the ability to capture just the right moments, creating visual stories. I've always loved fairytales and the whole happily ever after, so it's not surprising that I became a wedding photographer.

For me, wedding photography is all about capturing emotions, laughter, and those fleeting moments that make your special day truly unique.

Photography Style & Approach

Documentary wedding photography is all about storytelling—capturing your wedding day authentically and unobtrusively through candid, unposed images. My approach is to document the moments as they naturally unfold: the tears your mum wipes away as you walk down the aisle, the little boy sneaking sweets from the cart when no one is looking.

This unscripted style allows for natural expressions and emotions to shine through—moments when no one even notices the camera is there. Documentary wedding photography is about capturing what is, rather than creating a staged version of events.

I blend into the background, quietly observing—though I’m always happy to help with a stray toddler, misplaced glasses, topping up champagne, or tracking down a missing mother of the bride! My focus is on genuine interactions, raw emotions, and the little details that make your day so special. Whether it's the laughter between friends, a tearful hug from a grandparent, or an intimate moment between you and your partner, I aim to tell your story in the most natural way possible.

Of course, there’s always a balance—I ensure you get those magazine-worthy portraits and must-have group shots, but with the same relaxed and effortless feel.

What's not to love about love

Often, when people ask what I do and I tell them I’m a wedding photographer, their response is, "Ooh, what a lovely job!" And I always reply, "Yes—what’s not to love about love?"

Emotion is something I pick up on through feeling rather than seeing—which makes sense if you really think about it. Ever since childhood, I’ve had the ability to sense moments rather than just witness them. I believe this intuition allows me to capture just the right moments.

On the wedding day, I’m fully immersed in my work, capturing fleeting emotions and beautiful interactions. Of course, I’m telling the story as I go, but the true storytelling begins when I’m editing. That’s when I weave the photographs together, creating a magical narrative—each as unique as the couple, their friends, and their families.

When couples receive their photographs and watch their story unfold, they often tell me they were moved to tears, as if they were transported back in time, reliving every emotion. It’s a wonderful thing — to give people back their moments, to be cherished and treasured for a lifetime.

A Little Bit About Me

Alongside being a wedding photographer, I’m also a wife and mum—I got married in 2024! So, not only do I have plenty of experience helping couples with wedding planning from within the industry, but along with my husband, I’ve also planned my own big day too.

I’m a blossoming domestic goddess and love baking (much to the delight of my neighbours, who don’t seem to mind being fattened up!). When it comes to exercise, you can only have one master, and mine is yoga. I’m inspired by Buddhism and also love running, swimming, and spending time outdoors.

My husband and I recently moved to a little village in the countryside and have just finished renovating our home. Our village is a bit like Narnia - you disappear after passing the sign, and so does your phone reception! But we’re growing to love the quiet and peaceful life out here.

A story ...

There are so many wedding stories that touch my heart. While I’ve grown used to the emotions of the day, some moments are just too powerful—sometimes, a tear will quietly slip down my cheek as I capture the speeches or the ceremony.

There was a heartwarming church wedding I photographed in Great Oakley—completely unexpected, yet it stayed with me. Click here to read.

Then there was a funny wedding where I became convinced the groom was a secret agent. Honestly, I still think he was! There were too many clues—his vague, puzzling job description, the couple’s constant travels, and the fact that he was based in Germany yet never seemed to work. Intriguing, right?

But the story I want to share with you today is different. It’s a little sad, but for me, it truly captures the essence of documentary wedding photography and why I feel so humbled and honored to do what I do.

Lisa & Ralph reached out to me in January 2024. They had been together for years but decided to marry because Ralph had been diagnosed with lung cancer. They wanted to become husband and wife, so they planned a small wedding at Leicester Registry Office in Town Hall Square, with only their children and partners present.

Their wedding took place in March 2024. It was a beautiful ceremony, and as they stepped outside, their family showered them with confetti. We captured joyful moments by the fountain before heading to a pub, where they celebrated over lunch and wedding cake.

Their story touched me deeply. I asked them to choose their favourite photograph, which I printed and framed as a gift. One day, I dropped it off to Ralph, and he later surprised Lisa with it when she returned from visiting her children.

Just four months later, at the end of July, Lisa messaged me to say that Ralph had passed away peacefully in his sleep. We exchanged messages, and she told me that the photographs meant everything to her - that I had truly made their day. She would cherish them forever.

Stories like Lisa and Ralph’s remind me why I do what I do. Wedding photography isn’t just about capturing beautiful moment - it’s about preserving love, connection, and memories that will be treasured for a lifetime. Knowing that my photographs can bring comfort, joy, and a lasting legacy is the greatest privilege of all.