Favourite venues in and around Tunbridge Wells, Kent and Sussex

Wedding Venues in Tunbridge Wells

My favourite wedding venues in Tunbridge Wells and around Kent and Sussex

You’re engaged, Congratulations! How wonderful!
Now you have to get down to it and start planning, overwhelming but exciting too!
The first major decision you need to make is booking your wedding venue. Once booked this will really help with all the other decisions you need to make. It will dictate how many people you invite, the style of your wedding, your dress etc. Wedding venues can often get booked up to 2 years in advance, especially for Saturdays during peak season May to September so don’t hang around!

As a Tunbridge Wells-based Makeup Artist I am a Recommended Supplier and have worked in many local Kent and Sussex venues, so I can share with you my personal experiences of working in these venues, and of course what the Bridal Suite is really like. This is where we spend the morning together getting all glammed up with family and friends, so a very important space! It won’t just be you and your bridesmaids, I will be there, the hair stylist, photographer, videographer and florist will be popping in too.

We want spacious and stylish rooms with plenty of natural daylight!

WADHURST CASTLE
www.wadhurstcastle.co.uk

Let’s begin with Wadhurst Castle, in the very desirable village of Wadhurst on the borders of Kent and Sussex, a short drive from Tunbridge Wells.
This beautiful Regency castle has so much to offer with gorgeous gardens surrounded by epic countryside views, even from the Bridal Suite! You can hold either your ceremony, reception or both outside or inside. Choices include the Walled Garden, a newly renovated Carriage Barn and a marquee on the lawn. A cottage is available for on site accommodation too.
I love working here for many reasons but particularly due to the lovely bedroom where the bride gets ready. It’s very spacious so plenty of room for all the bridal party including the photographer, videographer, me and the hairstylist. I always sit the bride in front of the window for the best natural daylight and of course that fantastic view! It certainly helps to calm any nerves.

SPRIVERS MANSION
www.spriversmansion.co.uk

This Georgian manor house really is perfect for a dream country house wedding.
Located in Horsmonden just outside of Tunbridge Wells, this is an exclusive-use venue like Wadhurst Castle, nestled in a 100-acre National Trust Estate. They have limited weekends on offer so I encourage you to enquire promptly!
Approached by a sweeping drive the house is surrounded by picturesque gardens set within the estate. You can hold either your ceremony or reception there or both. The elegant Yellow Room is a popular choice for the ceremony with doors onto the gardens, followed by a reception in their stunning marquee. This is provided and set up by the venue waiting for you to decorate in your own bespoke wedding style.
They have on-site guest accommodation and an amazing Bridal Suite. This comprises of 2 very large bedrooms with an elegant, stately bathroom Jack and Jill style, perfect for the Bride and Bridesmaids and of course the Groom once married!
Naturally, I love working here as so much room to accommodate everyone on the morning with lovely views from the windows for those relaxing bridal prep vibes.

THE OAK BARN, FRAME FARM
www.the-oak-barn.co.uk

If you are looking for an idyllic barn wedding, on the Kent and Sussex borders this venue ticks all the boxes! I have been lucky to work here many times and in every season it has so much to offer.

This award-winning eco-friendly farm comprises of a beautifully restored barn, perfect to hold your ceremony and reception in, the Byre for a more intimate ceremony and 6 Weaver’s Cottages sleeping up to 20 guests, so plenty of room for your family and friends to stay over.

The cottages offer spacious light-filled rooms to get ready on your wedding morning and there is a dedicated Bridal Suite with a very cool Verdigris copper bath.
The outside areas and surrounding countryside offer endless, gorgeous photo opportunities with sheep grazing in the fields, a picturesque pond with a jetty, and even a blue tractor!

The owners have really done an impressive restoration with great attention to detail, so much to love!

BORE PLACE
www.boreplace.org

Bore Place in Chiddingstone, Kent really is a unique venue for weddings. This 500-acre historic estate is offered exclusively to couples for the weekend. The eco-friendly site has a Jacobean Manor House, a large barn and surrounding cottages that accommodate up to 60 guests. Glamping is available too so everyone can stay! The organic dairy farm produces its own ice cream all set within magical gardens in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

I have spent the morning with my brides getting ready in the various, pretty cottages available and there are different licensed rooms and outdoor spaces to choose from for your ceremony.

The outdoor Hide area accessed from the Walled Garden makes a beautiful entrance to your ceremony, followed by drinks and canapés overlooking an ornamental pond. The large barn waiting to be decorated in your own wedding style is perfect for the reception party afterwards.
What I love about Bore Place is that all the proceeds from the weddings go towards the educational courses and programmes they run to support young people and the eco-sustainability of the venue. If this is important to you do book a visit.

SALOMONS ESTATE
www.salomons-estate.com

This beautiful Victorian Mansion is set within 36 acres of gardens, parkland and woods in Royal
Tunbridge Wells, Kent within an hour of London. If you’re looking for a country house venue but with the convenience of a town centre and station direct to London, then Salomons Estate is perfect.

You can get married in either the Gold Room or the Drawing Room inside or outside on the Terrace overlooking a sweeping lawn with magnificent wooded views. There are numerous pretty photo opportunities with a picturesque bridge over a stream, lawns leading to a large pond and panoramic scenery.
Its impressive Theatre Room accommodates up to 200 guests so perfect for that larger celebration! There is a newly refurbished cottage on site to stay in and more guest rooms too.

Recently they have redecorated their Bridal Suite with everything you could need for your bridal prep. I have worked here many times and love the large window where I sit my brides for the best natural daylight and the lovely view.

There is a dressing table for the hair stylist to work from and a changing area complete with a clothes steamer, very important!

THE BEACON
www.the-beacon.co.uk

A country house full of character and charm in Royal Tunbridge Wells, set within 17 acres overlooking Happy Valley is a truly stunning place to hold your wedding!
Renowned for their cuisine the owners have consistently updated this venue to offer so many wonderful and super stylish options. One of my favourites is dining al fresco on the terrace surrounded by olive trees that transport you straight to the Mediterranean. Imagine drinks and canapés here with your guests!

Ceremonies can be held inside or outside, where they have created an amphitheater for guests to view the happy couple. An opulent, decorative marquee is perfect for large receptions with incredible views and woodland walks, surrounding a natural lake.

A beautiful, spacious room is offered for bridal prep and with panoramic views across Happy Valley I always sit my bride in front of the windows for superb natural daylight.
A newly created honeymoon suite, the Summerhouse offers al fresco bathing with a view and 6 other rooms in the house will accommodate your guests.

A very unique and stylish wedding venue option.

Wedding Venues in Tunbridge Wells – Wedding venues Kent – Wedding venues near me – The Beacon Tunbridge Wells

Makeup Lessons Available

Makeup Lessons Available in Tunbridge Wells

Ash and Craig’s Lockdown Wedding in Tunbridge Wells, with Joe Burford Photography

I’m delighted to be sharing this intimate wedding from Tunbridge Wells with you.

Gorgeous couple Ash and Craig tied the knot under covid restrictions, but although the guest list was limited in numbers it certainly wasn’t on love! Their close family were all there, except Ash’s father who unfortunately due to travel restrictions was stranded overseas. Thanks to the wonder of technology, he witnessed the entire magical day and Ash’s mother stepped in to give her away.

The Venue – Hotel du Vin, Tunbridge Wells

Ash and Craig chose the beautiful Hotel du Vin to host their intimate ceremony and reception. The grade two listed sandstone building was the perfect setting and was elegantly decorated by local florist Kelly and Hicks. Clare also created the delightful white rose and baby’s breath bouquet.

Ash got ready in the bridal suite, a stunning room with a glorious view of the gardens and beyond to Calverley Park. There was plenty of space to accommodate her bridal party but of course only six were allowed at a time including the hair stylist, photographer and me. That didn’t stop the fun with Ash’s gorgeous sisters and oh so glamorous mother pouring the champagne, selecting the music and enjoying having their hair and makeup done too.

The Wedding Makeup Look

On the morning, I recreated the soft, natural look that Ash and I had designed at her trial.

Her flawless complexion was achieved using a radiant primer and a light base. Her eyes were accentuated with a shimmering, ivory gold across the lid and a warm ochre shade in the socket line. Definition was added with a chocolate  brown shade in the outer corner and a dark brown eyeliner gel on the upper lash line. Bronzer was used to contour and a pop of coral pink added a healthy glow to her cheeks. Lip liner and a pink tinted lip gloss completed this beautiful,natural radiant bridal look.

Key products used

Delilah Pure Light Liquid Radiance, Dior Forever Skin Glow, Tarte Palette Maneater, Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess, Delilah Colour Blush, Delilah Nude Lip Wardrobe, Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray.

Nicola Downey, the hair stylist worked her magic and swept Ash’s hair into a soft updo studded with pearl pins, which highlighted the pearls on the embroidered lace bodice of Ash’s exquisite dress from Caroline Castigliano. Delicate lace flowers crept down onto the full, swishing skirt and were also added to Ash’s long, flowing veil.

Ash made such a stunning and elegant bride, surrounded by her two gorgeous sisters and very glamorous mother.

Supplier Credits

joeburfordphotography.com | nicoladowney.com | kellyandhicks.co.uk | carolinecastigliano.com | hotelduvin.com | delilahcosmetics.com | tartecosmetics.com | dior.com | esteelauder.co.uk |  urbandecay.co.uk

Lockdown Wedding in Tunbridge Wells

Makeup Training in Tunbridge Wells

Makeup Angel Garden Makeup Studio

I am delighted to announce the opening of my new Garden Studio, a beautiful light filled space dedicated to all things makeup in the heart of Tunbridge Wells. 

Designed with large windows and a skylight to allow in plenty of natural daylight, the Studio offers the perfect environment for makeup application, and a comfy sofa for your consultation and other bridal party members to relax on. 

I am looking forward to welcoming all my brides to be for their consultations and makeup trials,  and clients attending tutorials, workshops and occasion makeups. I work with a range of premium cosmetic brands including Delilah Cosmetics, a British boutique brand, cruelty free and vegan which can be purchased at a special discounted price. 

What makeup colours suit you?

Have you ever wondered what makeup colours really suit you and how best to apply your products? I previously worked as the UK Training Manager for a leading Japanese cosmetics company and I offer makeup lessons at the Studio bespoke to each client.

After an initial consultation I will create a look on one side of the face, which you will then recreate on the other side. This is the best way to learn and remember effectively.

This lesson is for anyone who wishes to learn the basics, wants to improve their skills, a Destination bride or a Makeup Artist that needs some advanced training and industry knowledge. The lesson can be shared by two people or purchased as a gift. Please see my website page Makeup Tutorials for all the details. 

Come and join me for a glass of bubbly or a cuppa and together we will create your bespoke, flawless makeup look. 

Makeup Training in Tunbridge Wells

HOW TO GET PERFECT WEDDING MAKE UP

What is the perfect wedding make up look? Obviously this can vary according to your style and colourings but there are certain factors that should always be considered. 

Your eyes will need to be expertly defined to register well on camera, so you look your absolute best in your photos and in your wedding film. It is also advisable to pay attention to your eyebrows, they frame the eyes and the whole face and should balance with your eye make up. There has been a fashion for very dark, defined eyebrows, however this can look very harsh and often ageing! Thankfully a more natural, swept up brow is now on trend.

Everybody wants flawless skin on their wedding day. Looking after your skin should be a priority in the months leading up to your wedding day, do consider a course of facials if you have any particular problems. In fact everyone can benefit from the right facials, the more hydrated and clear your skin is, the less base you will need.

With a combination of primers, base, powder and a spritz of make up fixer, your skin should look great for your entire wedding. Choosing the right foundation in terms of colour and texture is vital. Try a swipe of your base on your jawline for a colour match and on your cheeks for texture, where we tend to have the largest pores.

THE NATURAL GLAM MAKEUP LOOK

This gorgeous naturally, glamorous look is definitely one of my most requested bridal make up looks. It incorporates well defined eyes and brows, flawless, radiant skin and a nude lip. 

Read on to see how I created this look and what products I used.

I started by sweeping a pale, shimmering gold across the eyelid and then blended it into a richer gold in the outer corner. I also used these eyeshadows, applied with a fine brush as eyeliner on the bottom lashes. A warm, red brown was softly blended into the socket line and a deeper tone used on the outer corner of the lid for definition. Lashes were added and a black gel eyeliner was traced along the upper lash line. This covers up the false lash line, defines the eye and a little upwards flick elongates and lifts the eye. When using mascara, don’t forget to opt for a waterproof formula.

As Chelsea had lovely, natural eyebrows, only a little eyebrow pencil was needed and brow gel used to keep them brushed up and in place.

After the skin was moisturised and allowed to nourish, I applied a radiance primer to create a glowing, dewy effect. A long lasting formula foundation was added for coverage and set with a fine, translucent powder. A cream concealer was blended under the eyes and set with a powder formulated for the delicate eye area. Too much concealer can emphasis any fine lines so needs to be kept to a minimum.  Using a bronzing powder I contoured the cheeks and added a little under the jawline and across the forehead, close to the hairline. I then swept a golden toned shimmering highlighter over the top of the cheek bones and down the nose for an added touch of radiance. A touch of soft, coral blush gave a healthy pop of colour on the cheeks.

Finally lips were outlined with a natural nude lip pencil and filled in with a peachy nude lipstick. A pale pink lip gloss completed the look.

For these final images, the look was subtly strengthened. I added a copper tone to the eyes, lips were painted with a dusky rose colour and a pop of pink was added to the cheeks to tie it all together. 
I hope these wedding day make up looks inspire you and below I have listed the products used.

Do get in touch if you would like any advice, a make up lesson or your wedding day make up.

WEDDING MAKEUP PRODUCT LIST

EYES – primed with Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Sin, Tarte Eye Shadow palette Don’t quit your Day Dream, Delilah Gel Line in Ebony, Ardell lashes in Demi Wispies.

CHEEKS – Estée Lauder Bronzer in Light, Youngblood Mineral Makeup Loose Powder Blush in Sherbert, to highlight Delilah Pure Light Illuminating Powder in Aura. (look with hair up, Delilah Colour Blush in Lullaby)

BASE – Delilah Pure Light Liquid Radiance as primer for a glow, Estée Lauder Double Wear Light, Tarte Shape Tape Concealer, Laura Mercier Translucent Powder.

LIPS – Delilah Colour Intense Lipstick in Flirt, (look with hair up, Hush was used with Ultimate Shine Lipgloss) Youngblood Lip Pencil in Au Natural.

Photographed on location at The Oak Barn in Benenden, Kent by John Knight Photography. Hair by Hopelessly Romantic Hair and wedding dresses from Go Bridal in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.