Whitworth Hall Wedding Makeup Artist | Nicola & John’s County Durham Wedding
- Paula Pace
- Oct 12
- 7 min read
Updated: Oct 13
Wedding Makeup Artist at the new Whitworth Hall County Durham – For the Wedding of Nicola & John
By Paula Pace , Bridal Makeup Artist www.paulapacemakeupartist.co.uk
A New Chapter for Whitworth Hall — and The perfect Wedding venue for Nicola & John
The Venue
Whitworth Hall in Spennymoor, County Durham has been a popular wedding venue in the North East for decades, with its unique herd of fallow deer and historical Grade II listed two-story country house in the small village of Whitworth.
As a Whitworth Hall wedding makeup artist, I’ve seen so many special days unfold here, and I was so excited to return to one of my favourite venues in County Durham for Nicola & John’s big day.
I'm pretty proud to say that I have been a chosen Wedding Makeup Artist at Whitworth Hall, County Durham many times since the 90s (yeah yeah I'm that old) and there was nothing better than that drive in to the grounds, passing the adorable herd of deer. You simply had to stop, get out and say hello to these beautiful animals that roam free within the parkland of Whitworth Hall. Back then, it felt just truly magical, especially for an animal lover like me.
Over the past few years, I'm sad to say, I had only been there once for a wedding back in 2017 and have not been there since, and hadn't realised that it had been empty since 2020, when COVID flattened hospitality businesses like a tornado. But then I heard about its recent renovations by the Apartment Group who are renowned for their stunning venue makeovers with unique touches and eye for beauty and detail. We had all been waiting with baited breath for the big reveal and really, it did not disappoint.
We loved Whitworth Hall before the fantastic renovations, but now it has been elevated to another level. The Ravine Chapel is simply stunning with its breathtaking waterfall feature. Nicola & John
The Bride - Nicola’s Soft, Radiant Airbrush Bridal Look
I met bride Nicola back in early January for her bridal makeup trial in County Durham and was delighted to learn that I’d be her wedding makeup artist at the newly refurbished Whitworth Hall — a venue I absolutely adore working at as a County Durham makeup artist. Her wedding was set for the following September, just in time for the venue’s grand reopening and exciting new chapter.
Nicola had booked me as her wedding makeup artist because she’s a big fan of airbrush makeup, which she’d had done years ago as a bridesmaid. She searched online for airbrush bridal makeup, and I happened to pop up! What is Airbrush Wedding Makeup?: The Ultimate Guide for Brides to Be in 2024
Nicola is an absolutely beautiful bride with the most outrageously chiseled, cut-glass cheekbones, and she was an absolute joy to make up. Below you’ll find what I used to bring her bridal makeup vision to life.
Nicola's Radiant Airbrush Makeup Bridal Look.
Base: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush flawless setting spray, Dinair airbrush Makeup in Olive beige and Vanilla with Makeup Forever HD Foundation
Eyes: Soft bronze, chocolate and champagne tones by BPerfect and Makeup Atelier to bring out her eyes, with a touch of shimmer and fluttery lashes and a short nip of Inglot black gel liner
Cheeks: Pink and bronze Makeup Atelier Paris - Dior backstage palette
Lips: Nude by Revolution with peaches gloss
"Nicola was a dream bride — calm, beautiful and glowing from within. Her smile said it all the moment she stepped into her gown and we all gasped." Paula Pace Makeup Artist
The Big Day - Farm cottage.
I’d love to say I ordered the weather for Nicola’s big day. You couldn’t have asked for a more perfect September day. Sunshine, blue skies, and that soft golden light photographers dream of. It was a gift.
The bridal prep took place in Farm Cottage, which was new to me. In the past, I’d always done wedding prep in the original bridal suite within Whitworth Hall itself.
Admittedly, the hair stylist and I had a bit of a moment trying to find the cottage — only because the entrance has changed since I was last there! It’s now just on your right as you drive in from the new entrance, before you reach the main venue and before the car park. But once we arrived though, we were blown away. The 2 story cottage is spacious, beautifully refurbished, and absolutely perfect for styling the bride and her bridal party while helping to keep them relaxed and calm, a perfect little prep haven. The Power of Delegation: How to Entrust Responsibilities to Bridesmaids on Your Wedding Day - Wedding day tips - Bridesmaid duties
I set up in front of the big window for the best light, overlooking the beautiful garden with its pretty apple tree full of red rosy apples. Susan the hair stylist styled Nicolas hair at the purpose built dressing area going for a classic Bridal Hair updo that showcased Nicolas stunning features.
I have to say Nicola looked incredible, like she had literally stepped out of a Wedding Magazine.
Paula did my makeup for my wedding at Whitworth Hall in County Durham and also did my wedding party makeup, she listened to what I wanted in the trial and worked with me no matter how long it took and my makeup on the day looked amazing and lasted all day and night, she is such a lovely friendly person too, I would highly recommend, thanks Paula xxxNic xxx
We chose Whitworth Hall in Durham because of its beautiful grounds, the nature, the deer and the intimacy of the venue. The Wedding team at the Apartment Group are also amazing and treat us like VIP's every time we visited. Nicola & John
💕 Nicola & John's Love-Filled Day
The star of the show was Buddy, Nicola & Johns miniature Dachshund, who wore a matching Tux and eucalyptus shade dickie bow and looked pretty dapper. The ceremony took place in the Ravine Chapel with views of the jaw dropping waterfall.. Afterward, guests enjoyed drinks on the lawn as Nicola and John were led away by Ryan their photographer for some unmissable golden hour portraits in the parkland with the deer. Don't they just look simply breathtaking?
The speeches were emotional, the first dance was magical, and by the end of the night, every detail — from Nicola’s radiant look to the venue’s stunning backdrop — had come together in unforgettable perfect harmony. Congratulations Nicola and John. x
Nicola - any advice for North East Brides who are looking to tie the knot at the amazing Whitworth Hall, County Durham?
I recommend staying at Home Farm the night before the Wedding with your bridal party, so that you can get all your Wedding Hair and makeup preparations done there on the morning of the Wedding. One of my bridesmaids made us all an amazing breakfast in the amazing kitchen to get us ready for the big day.
My other tip would be to have a second pair of outdoor shoes/wellies at hand for the photos in the field. Its most definitely a photo opportunity that shouldn't be missed no matter what the weather is like.
Credits & Thanks
Makeup: Me Paula Pace Makeup Artist - About | Paula Pace Makeup
Hair: Susan Ranson.
Photography: Ryan Etherington Ryan Etherington Photography | Durham
Venue: Whitworth Hall, Whitworth Hall – Estate and Deer Park
Dress:About Us | Bridal Factory Outlet Northallerton | Wedding Dresses
Cake: Holly's Delicious Cakes - Home | hollysdeliciouscakes
Flowers All In Bloom Willington Facebook
Buddy's Tux - Diamond Pawture DiamondPawture - Etsy UK
Buddy's Chaperone - Cameron at Wagging Tails Weddings
Special thanks goes to my photographer Ryan Etherington who did an unbelievable job of our photos and captured every moment beautifully. The photo of us with the deer is out of this world. Nicola
North East Brides - Planning your own Whitworth Hall wedding? Here's what Whitworth Hall have to say...
The venue now offers 28 boutique bedrooms as well as dedicated ‘night before’ accommodations tailored for wedding parties. This combination of historic ambiance and contemporary comfort is expected to make Whitworth Hall an attractive choice for weddings, private celebrations, and luxury stays alike. Stuart Bailey, CEO of the Apartment Group, expressed his enthusiasm about adding Whitworth Hall to their portfolio: “Whitworth Hall in County Durham, is not just a venue – it’s an experience. We’re proud of our reputation for transforming historic estates into unforgettable spaces, and Whitworth Hall might just be our most magical project yet. With deer roaming the parkland, a chapel with a waterfall, and ravine ceremony space, we’ve created a venue that must be seen to be believed.”
Nestled within 72 acres of picturesque parkland, Whitworth Hall is a Grade II listed estate steeped in romance, history, and natural beauty. The grounds are home to more than 100 resident fallow deer, providing couples and their guests with an enchanting backdrop that its owners describe as unparalleled in the North East. Among its standout features are a private chapel complete with an outdoor waterfall, a grand ballroom boasting panoramic views of the deer park, an outdoor ravine ceremony space that blends nature with elegance, and a meticulously restored Library Bar dating back to the 1700s.
If you’re planning your wedding at Whitworth Hall, 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.
Get in touch today to book your bridal makeup trial and let’s create your perfect wedding day look together!
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