Bridal Makeup at Redworth Hall, County Durham – A Real Valentines Day Wedding for Katie & Thomas
- Paula Pace
- 1 day ago
- 8 min read
Hello April
We’ve reached April 2026—(yay!)—and we’re on our way to what is hopefully a beautiful, long summer.
As a North East wedding makeup artist,covering the County Durham area, I’m lucky enough to be part of so many special days, but every now and then, a wedding comes along that stays with you that little bit longer.
Back in February, I was at Redworth Hall in County Durham, near Darlington, providing bridal makeup for Katie as she married Thomas on a magical and romantic Valentine’s Day.
Read on to follow Katie’s bridal makeup journey at the stunning Redworth Hall.
The Wedding Hair & Makeup Trial, County Durham
I met the lovely Katie just after Christmas, when I travelled with Simone Whitehead Bridal Hair to her home in Newton Aycliffe for her bridal trial.
With an exciting wedding planned for 14th February, it was so nice to hear all about Katie’s ideas for the day—her colour themes, the venue at Redworth Hall in County Durham, the overall feel, and the other suppliers she had chosen.
During our time together, Katie also shared the heartbreaking loss of her mum, who had been such an important part of the wedding planning. It was clear how much she was missed, and it made being part of Katie’s journey feel even more special.
For her makeup, Katie wanted a soft glam, natural look—something that enhanced her features while still feeling like her. So we chose Makeup Forever Hd Skin in Alabaster and Alabaster Dinair Airbrush foundations. Makeup Atleirs blush and eyeshadows with a mauve tone to pair with the bridesmaid dresses and flowers, Inglot black eyeliner and wispie lashes for a subtle fluffy, outer corner As with any bridal trial, it’s all about refining the look, so I always encourage brides to make a note of anything they’d like to tweak ahead of the big day. Paula Pace Makeup Artist | Wedding and Bridal Makeup Sunderland
For Katie's hair, she chose a loose, romantic boho style updo with soft pieces framing the face. Simone created a beautiful look that suited Katie perfectly, and we left her feeling happy, confident, and excited for her wedding, which was just a few weeks away.
You may find this blog by Simone about your wedding hair trial interesting BLOG
Redworth Hall, County Durham - Historical Manor House Wedding Venue.
Like Whitworth Hall, I used to be a regular Wedding Makeup artist at Redworth Hall, but over time, as more venues sprung up over County Durham, I got to go less and less. So it was fanatstic that I got to go back to see it - on a special day in the calendar for Katies day. The room had been updated with extra 'getting redy' space for us Wedding hair and makeup artists to get around without bumping into one another. There was another dressing room and as Katie had her 3 beautiful children, Dottie, Amelia Grace and Henry with her - the room was just perfect.
Just enjoy your day and remember it’s for you and your Husband to be! Not anyone else! Katie
Wedding Hair & Makeup at Redworth Hall Hotel, County Durham.
On the Wedding Day, Katie decided she would like her makeup more glam. More coverage in her foundation and her eyes more defined with stronger shades. this enables the eyes to stand out more from a distance. Her gorgeous long hair style remained unchanged and she looked just breath taking. I also learned that Katie was a huge The 1975 fan - and we listened to their music all morning while curious squirrels sat on a nearby branch and peered in at us.
We had such a laugh and Katie was so relaxed, she took everything in her stride and looked just so beautiful.
It was lovely to catch up with Katie after her wedding to share some of her moments with us about her amazing Valentines Wedding at The Redworth Hall Hotel, County Durham.
Tell me about your dress? Where did you buy it and what made you go for that style?
I bought the dress from Beautiful Day Bridal in Darlington. I’m honestly not sure I wanted something that wasn’t over the top. When I tried on the dress I immediately fell in love with it. It wasn’t too puffy or too tight fitting and just the right amount of sparkles. The back of the dress and the mini cape made of lace is what sold it for me, it was simply stunning to wear. And thanks to Sarah at Beautiful Day Bridal , she recommend you for my Wedding Makeup.
Why did you choose Redworth Hall for your wedding?
We’d actually had a lot of family occasions at Redworth Hall all of our children have had their christenings at Redworth. It was also where Thomas proposed to me, so it was very special to us from the start.
What advice would you give other brides getting married at Redworth Hall?
Have the early check in on the Bridal suite for photos Room 8 was my Bridal room (there are two rooms) and a family room to get ready in (you’re going to need the space!) we had room 405 for that!
Also, not necessarily related to Redworth but overall don’t sweat the smaller stuff.
Something probably will crop up but there’s more than likely nothing that can be changed about it at that point.
Just enjoy your day and remember it’s for you and your Husband to be! Not anyone else!
How long did you have to plan your wedding?
We had a year and a half to plan! Which seemed like so long but after my mother passed and we fell pregnant, so a lot of our time was eaten up by that. I also did a lot of planning with my mum before she passed away so there wasn’t much left for me to sort after I’d had our daughter (probably for the best).
Katie, you're a talented cake maker yourself - did you make your own Wedding Cake?
I had planned to, but after giving it some thought (and realising how much there was to do before the wedding—especially with a new baby and a toddler!), I decided to take the pressure off and leave it to someone else.
Now the wedding is over, I’ve picked up my cake-making business again and I’m really enjoying being back baking Birthday, Christening cakes and bakes in and around County Durham.
Katie creates the most beautiful cakes—if you’d like to see more of her work, you can find her here.
Claire Hirst was your photographer -we love her too, what was it about Claire's Wedding Photography style you loved?
I've followed Claire for a very long time, my cousin had an equestrian photoshoot done by her very many years ago. Claire was the one photographer me and my mum both said I should have if I was ever to marry! I’ve always loved how natural and un staged Claire’s style was, so I actually checked Claire was free for our date before I secured it fully with the venue that’s how much I wanted her! I’d have moved my date for a time when she was free!
Also what made you choose me for Wedding Makeup and Simone for Bridal hair?
I was looking for a hair and makeup Duo originally. When I initially enquired I didn’t realise you worked together until you asked if I needed my hair done also. So I snapped you both up!
With 3 gorgeous children did you manage a Honeymoon?
We actually had a little disaster for our honeymoon originally, we had booked a spa stay somewhere in Scotland. The hotel where we were supposed to stay at phoned us a week before to say that they couldn’t accommodate the spa trip anymore as there was no space anymore for our treatments to go ahead. After some back and forth we decided the hotel wasn’t worth our time and had terrible customer service. So we decided to book back at Redworth Hall and stayed there again! Was a lovely stay and the staff were wonderful.
Also a shout out to all your other suppliers - and anything else you would like to say about them.
Firstly Chloe from Redworth Hall Hotel!
She really became like a friend to us over the years!
Sarah from Beautiful Day Bridal, she really went above and beyond in helping me with things from my dress all the way down to advice on other suppliers (including yourselves as hair and makeup for the day)
Sabbie Designs for my dress alterations, we didn’t stop talking during our sessions and she is such a wonderful person my dress was stunning. I’d lost a lot of weight after buying my dress due to being pregnant at the time of purchase and was so worried that it wouldn’t be able to get altered but it wasn’t any trouble for Sabbie, she made it beautiful again just as the day I bought it!
Also Magnum Entertainment, the DJ was amazing, I don’t think we stopped dancing all night long! I was gutted when it came to the last song. Couldn’t recommend them more!
Can you share how your wonderful mum helped you with your special day?
My mum was a huge part of my original planning. We picked the menu and drinks together. We also had a day at Redworth Hall Hotel, seeing the venue together and planning how things would look on the day. I had also asked her if she would plan something special for me for on the day as a way of being there for me. We booked a Stringed Duo for the ceremony which was magical and my mums way of being there as I walked down the aisle. We had also a few dedications to her, she had a seat reserved for her with her photos and a bouquet on. My bouquet has a pearl charm with pictures of my grandma and mum on also, along with a few songs that were played during the day as a token to her.
Katie & Thomas Redworth Hall, County Durham - Wedding Suppliers
Photographer - Wedding Guide | Planning your Wedding Photography in North Yorkshire — Claire Hirst Photography
Wedding Hair - in North Yorkshire - Simone Whitehead Bridal Hair | best Wedding Hair North East
And finally...
If you’re planning your wedding at The Redworth Hall Hotel, or anywhere in County Durham and the North East, I’d love to help you feel radiant on your special day. As a professional bridal makeup artist based in Sunderland, I specialise in creating flawless, natural looks tailored to you — including airbrush makeup and bridal trials to ensure you’re 100% happy.
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