Bideford wedding photographer Michelle Ley captures natural, emotive wedding photos with a calm, documentary approach—preserving genuine moments and the true atmosphere of your day.
I’m Michelle Ley, a wedding photographer based in Bideford, and my work is all about photographing real moments with warmth and clarity. Specialising in wedding photography, I blend a documentary-led eye with gentle direction to create images that feel honest, timeless and unmistakably yours. Why choose me for your wedding? I focus entirely on weddings, so every part of my process is shaped around capturing the emotions, little details and unfolding story of your day. I aim to be unobtrusive yet present—so I catch the stolen glances, unscripted laughter and the quiet, tender moments that often become the images couples cherish most. My approach favours natural light, thoughtful composition and an instinct for storytelling rather than posed perfection. What makes my approach special is the balance between calm guidance and documentary freedom. I help you feel at ease in front of the camera with simple, relaxed direction when needed, then step back to document the genuine interactions and atmosphere. This combination gives you a gallery that is varied and authentic: heartfelt candid shots alongside considered portraits that reflect your personalities. How I work with couples is straightforward and personal. From our first conversation I listen to what matters to you—your priorities, the vibe you want, and any details you don’t want me to miss. On the wedding day I move quietly and confidently through the timeline, blending into the background so guests forget I’m there, while making sure the key moments are beautifully captured. After the day, I carefully edit each image to enhance mood and colour while preserving the truth of the moment. My passion for wedding photography comes from a love of people and stories. Photographing celebrations in and around Bideford and North Devon has taught me that every wedding is unique, and I take pride in delivering images that reflect the intimacy and joy of your day. If you’re looking for a wedding photographer who values honesty, warmth and storytelling, I’d love to hear about your plans and help preserve the moments you’ll look back on for years to come.