This gorgeous yellow-toned bridal editorial is the work of fine art wedding photographer Emma Pilkington, whose imagery we’ve been proud to feature on Love My Dress before. Emma has a wonderful eye for light and space, and this shoot at The Parkes Estate is a beautiful example of what she does best.
The concept began with colour. Emma wanted to explore a soft, warm yellow palette and The Parkes Estate, with its characterful interiors and beautiful natural light, gave her exactly the backdrop she needed. The result is a body of work that feels warm and considered without being overdone.
Gowns from Monetre and Rue de Seine (the latter supplied by brilliant Manchester based bridal boutique, Jean Jackson Couture), alongside the most embroidered veils and signage by the inimitable Rebecca Anne Designs took centre stage, with florals by Winter & The Willows picking up the palette beautifully.
Hair and makeup by Sarah Morten keeps everything feeling natural and elegant throughout, and Stories of Events helped shape the overall editorial direction of the day.
Emma photographs weddings as well as styled shoots, and if you’re searching for a photographer with this kind of artistic vision, she is absolutely one to know. Enjoy the full gallery below!
This editorial began with colour. I was drawn to the idea of working with a soft yellow palette – something warm and uplifting, but still understated. I wanted to explore how tone and light could shape the mood of bridal imagery, while also acknowledging the subtle shift towards slightly darker, more gothic influences that are emerging within the wedding industry.
There was a quiet inspiration drawn from romantic, atmospheric storytelling – something reminiscent of the mood and of the upcoming Wuthering Heights movie release – balanced with a modern, fashion-led perspective.
The intention was to create something that felt calm yet expressive, where the dresses, movement and natural light could quietly hold the story. Rather than leaning too far into drama, I wanted the atmosphere to feel restrained – allowing depth to come through texture, shadow and composition.
We chose The Parkes Estate for its character and softness. The interiors have a subtle warmth and texture that worked beautifully with the colour direction, and I loved how the light moved through each space. It gave us gentle contrast and a sense of quiet moodiness while keeping the overall feel relaxed and editorial.
Nothing felt rushed – we gave ourselves time to observe how the environment interacted with the dresses and let each frame develop naturally.
The gowns from Monetre and Rue de Seine brought a lovely balance of structure and fluidity, which suited the setting perfectly. Styling was kept minimal and intentional, so the focus remained on silhouette and form. I’m always drawn to imagery that feels effortless but considered, where posture, fabric and light do most of the work.
For me, this shoot was about creating bridal imagery that feels modern yet timeless – something that sits comfortably between couture fashion and wedding storytelling.
I wanted the photographs to feel open and atmospheric, allowing the viewer to pause and notice the smaller details – the way fabric moves, how light settles across a room, or the quiet confidence of a simple silhouette. It reflects the kind of work I’m most drawn to – imagery that feels intentional, emotive and gently expressive, with just a hint of romantic moodiness beneath the surface.
Loved, Trusted & Recommended
The businesses below are personally recommended members of the Love My Dress Wedding Directory, selected for the talent, creativity, quality and genuine care they bring to every wedding they become part of. We are immensely proud to recommend these trusted partners to you.
Below, you’ll find a full list of all suppliers, vendors & venues mentioned in this article. Those marked with a ✓ are personally recommended members of the Love My Dress Wedding Directory.
Founder of Love My Dress, podcaster and editor, Annabel lives in rural North Yorkshire with her husband and business partner Philip, their two daughters, one at university and one aged 15, and a lively menagerie of furry hounds. She loves photography, meditation, long walks, being outdoors and star gazing. She also has a slightly unexpected obsession with blockchain and market analysis, studying price charts and patterns and has a deep fascination with market psychology. Annabel is known for her integrity, trust and advocacy within the wedding industry, values that underpin both her editorial voice and professional relationships. Alongside her work on Love My Dress, she also supports Philip in running the family’s sustainable flower farm and floral design business, Moonwind Flowers.
