Wuthering Heights Inspired Wedding Shoot in West Yorkshire
There are some places that hold a kind of magic – landscapes rich with stories of the past, carrying echoes of love, longing, and wild romance. Ilkley Moor, with its rolling heather, windswept crags, Yorkshire stone cottages, and brooding skies, is one such place. Back in August, my friend & makeup artist, Lauren of Bespoke Beauty & Makeup, approached me with her idea of a Brontë-inspired styled shoot and asked if I would photograph it. I jumped at the chance and knew this was going to be something super special! All the suppliers involved came together in October to create this gorgeous Brontë-inspired styled shoot & it has since been featured in the Jan/Feb 2025 edition of Your Yorkshire Wedding (issue 70 – https://www.youryorkshire.wedding/).
Drawing inspiration from the haunting beauty of Emily Brontë’s only novel and masterpiece, we set out to create a wedding aesthetic that captured the raw, untamed romance of Cathy and Heathcliff. The vibe for the shoot was atmospheric, moody and deeply passionate, mirroring the stormy love that has captivated readers for generations.
A Love Story in the Wilds of Brontë Country
To truly embrace the gothic romance of Wuthering Heights, we embraced the elements rather than fought them. The landscape itself became a character in our story – a witness to a love both beautiful and untamed.
Our couple stood against the dramatic backdrop of Ilkley Moor on the Denton Estate, where the wind played with the lace of the dress and loose curls in Dailyn’s hair, and the sky quickly shifted from soft sunlight to brooding clouds on our way to our location. The bride, in a flowing, boho-style gown, embodied the spirit of Cathy – wild, free, and utterly captivating. The groom, dressed in a checked tweed suit, exuded the mystery and intensity of Heathcliff.
Dark Romance Meets Soft Elegance
The indoor styling took place at The Penny Bun in Askwith, a boutique hotel that perfectly fit the aesthetic of the shoot with its moody, minimalistic decor and varied natural textures found throughout. The styling, brought together by Hayley from Ambience and Laura from Ivy & Eve Bespoke Wedding Flowers, with careful balance of dark, moody tones and soft, romantic details. The bridal bouquet featured peach roses, soft white gypsophila, wild foliage, and dried elements, evoking a sense of timeless beauty. The tablescape, set against the rugged landscape, was adorned with glass lanterns, antique-style black candlesticks, soft billowy textiles, and sage green accents, a nod to the period charm of the Brontës’ era.
This gorgeous three tiered white wedding cake, supplied by Poppy Pickering Cakes, with intricate vintage-style piping detail and on-trend bows made for a beautiful centrepiece all by itself. Charmingly curated stationery made for a gorgeous flatlay featuring sage green envelopes, floral accents from the bridal bouquet and the pink ribbon in our Dailyn’s hair.
Capturing the Essence of Brontë Romance
As a photographer, my goal was to translate the deep emotion of this shoot into every frame. I played with soft, diffused light and rich shadows, embracing the natural drama of the moor. Close-up shots captured the intensity of a stolen glance, the grip of entwined hands, the smouldering stares. Wide-angle shots showcased the vastness of the moorland, making the couple appear as though they were the only two souls left in the world – a love story lost in time.
The bridal portraits from this Wuthering Heights-inspired shoot are steeped in dark romance, evoking the windswept passion of the Brontë world. With moody lighting, raw emotion, and a touch of gothic elegance, each frame captures a love story that feels both untamed and timeless. Our bride, draped in flowing fabrics, her gaze intense, her presence hauntingly beautiful—like a heroine from the pages of a novel. Shadows and light intertwine, creating a sultry, cinematic feel that echoes the wild, melancholic beauty of the Yorkshire moors. This is romance at its most dramatic—fierce, poetic, and unforgettable.
For Couples Who Love a Wild, Romantic Aesthetic
If you’re drawn to the idea of an untamed, dramatic love story for your wedding, take inspiration from this shoot. There is something deeply romantic about embracing nature, stepping away from traditional settings, and letting the landscape and history shape your story. Whether it’s a moody elopement on the Yorkshire moors or an intimate ceremony in a gorgeous boutique hotel such as this one, your wedding photography can be a reflection of the passion and depth that makes your love unique.
This Wuthering Heights-inspired shoot was a dream to capture – proof that the perfect wedding by day isn’t just about sunny days and white roses. Sometimes, it’s in the stormy skies, the wind-tangled hair, and the feeling of being utterly lost in each other’s company, as if nothing else exists. Just as Heathcliff and Cathy’s love endured time, the right wedding photography can turn fleeting moments into something eternal.
If this speaks to your heart, let’s create something beautifully, wildly romantic together.
Olivia x
Shoot suppliers
Photography: Olivia Weldon Photography
Shoot coordinator, concept & makeup artist: Lauren Jackson from Bespoke Beauty & Makeup (https://bespokebeautyandmakeup.co.uk/)
Florist: Ivy & Eve Bespoke Florist (https://ivyandeveflorist.co.uk/)
Venue styling: Hayley for Ambience Venue Styling Leeds, Halifax & The Dales (https://www.ambiencevenuestyling.com/wedding-stylists/leeds-halifax-the-dales/)
Models: Dailyn & Kyle (IG: @dee.dee.794)
Dress: The Bridal Boutique Baildon (https://www.thebridalboutiquebaildon.com/)
Suit: Joshua Adams Menswear (https://www.joshuaadams.co.uk/)
Hair styling: RJ Bridal Hair (https://www.rjbridalhair.com/)
Social media content creation: Toast Socials (https://toastsocials.com)
Venues: The Penny Bun & Denton Reserve (https://dentonreserve.co.uk)
Accessories: Starbox Creations (https://starboxcreations.co.uk/)
Stationery: Adaelle Design (https://www.adaelle.com/)
Cake: Poppy Pickering Cakes (https://poppypickering.co.uk/)
