October 24, 2025
Wedding
Golden Morning Light: Capturing Getting Ready Moments at Notley Abbey
There’s something truly special about the early morning hours before a wedding begins. The world feels quiet and full of possibility, and nowhere is this more beautiful than at Notley Abbey in Buckinghamshire. When I arrived to photograph Anna’s getting ready preparations, the historic abbey was bathed in the most gorgeous soft morning light streaming through the tall windows – a photographer’s dream.
Anna, along with her bridesmaids Sophie and Shanika, had chosen to start their day early, and this decision created the perfect conditions for stunning bridal preparation photography. The gentle, directional light of morning is incredibly flattering and creates a romantic, ethereal quality that’s impossible to replicate at any other time of day.
Love is passion, obsession, someone you can't live without.
— William Parrish
Notley Abbey’s period architecture includes beautiful tall windows that become incredible natural light sources in the early morning. Unlike the harsh midday sun or the warm but dimmer afternoon light, morning light is:
- Soft and diffused – creating flattering, even illumination on faces
- Directional – adding beautiful depth and dimension to images
- Cool-toned – lending a fresh, romantic quality perfect for bridal preparations
- Abundant – filling rooms completely without creating harsh shadows
For Anna’s getting ready session, I positioned her near the windows whenever possible, allowing the natural light to illuminate her face as Sophie helped with her veil and Shanika made final adjustments to her dress. The result was ethereal, magazine-worthy images that felt both timeless and authentic.
Capturing the Intimate Details
Getting ready photos are about so much more than just documenting the process of putting on a wedding dress. They capture the nervous excitement, the laughter between friends, and the quiet anticipation before the ceremony begins. With Anna, Sophie, and Shanika, these moments unfolded naturally:
The Dress Details: Anna’s wedding gown hanging in the window light, showing off intricate lace details and delicate beadwork. These detail shots benefit enormously from natural light, which reveals texture and craftsmanship that artificial lighting simply can’t match.
The Jewelry and Accessories: Close-up shots of Anna’s earrings, bracelet, and wedding rings arranged thoughtfully. Morning light creates beautiful sparkle and highlights in jewelry photography without being overpowering.
The Bridesmaids’ Support: Sophie fastening buttons down the back of Anna’s dress, Shanika adjusting the veil, both bridesmaids helping ensure every detail was perfect. These candid moments of friendship and support are often the images brides treasure most.
Quiet Reflection: Anna looking out the window, taking a moment to herself before the day’s celebrations began – a peaceful, contemplative moment illuminated perfectly by the soft morning glow.
Notley Abbey provides an absolutely stunning backdrop for wedding photography. This 12th-century Augustinian abbey combines historic grandeur with intimate charm, and the bridal preparation suites offer elegant spaces with exceptional natural light.
The morning we photographed Anna’s preparations, the abbey’s character shone through in every image. Period features like ornate mirrors, vintage furniture, and classic architectural details added layers of visual interest to the photographs without overwhelming the main subjects – Anna and her bridesmaids.
Tips for Your Own Getting Ready Photography
If you’re planning your wedding day timeline and want beautiful getting ready photos, consider these suggestions based on Anna’s Notley Abbey session:
Start early enough – Allow at least 2-3 hours for leisurely preparations Choose rooms with great natural light – Request preparation spaces with large windows Keep the space tidy – A clutter-free environment photographs better Limit the crowd – Like Anna’s intimate group with just two bridesmaids, smaller numbers create more relaxed, authentic images Trust your photographer – Let them guide positioning and timing for optimal light
The Complete Wedding Day Story
Getting ready photos serve as the opening chapter of your wedding day story. They set the tone, capture anticipation, and document the transformation from everyday to bridal. Anna’s morning at Notley Abbey, illuminated by gorgeous window light and surrounded by her closest friends, created images that are soft, romantic, and deeply personal – the perfect beginning to her wedding day album.
Special thanks to Anna, Shanika, and Sophie for posting as models during this styled shoot at the Abbey.
Postcards from Jordan specializes in true-to-color and documentary wedding photography across the world, with bases in London and the East Coast of the United States. With expertise in capturing authentic getting-ready moments and bridal preparations, we create timeless images that tell your complete wedding day story. Contact us to discuss photography for your Notley Abbey wedding or other stunning venues around the world.Â
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© by Jordan Chapman 2025