Soft Studio — Interior & Object Styling Quiet design for everyday living Curation ⟡ Styling ⟡ Art Direction Paris ✦ Copenhagen ✦ Worldwide
↓ Spring Palette out now

hopp.bio/wix

NATIONAL WINNER. 🏆

I’m absolutely over the moon to share that I have been named NATIONAL WINNER of the Customer Service Award – Make Up at the Nation’s Salon Awards 2026.

I don’t often blow my own trumpet, but I’m definitely going to today 🎺 because I’m incredibly proud of this one.

Customer service has always been at the heart of my business. For me, bridal hair and makeup is about so much more than the finished look. It’s about making every bride feel listened to, comfortable, confident and completely looked after from the moment she sits in my chair.

To have that recognised on a national level honestly means so much.

And what makes it even more special is the journey over the last two years:

2025 – 2nd nationally, Bridal Specialist of the Year
2026 – 6th nationally, Best Bridal Individual
2026 – NATIONAL WINNER, Customer Service Award – Make Up

I’ve worked incredibly hard to build a business I’m proud of, so seeing my name there as the winner is a very special moment for me.

Thank you to every bride and client who has trusted me, recommended me, reviewed me and supported my business over the years. You have all played a part in this.

NATIONAL WINNER. 🏆
Customer Service Award – Make Up 2026

Alison Petitjean
Award-Winning Bridal Hair & Makeup Specialist – North East@TheNationsAwards @NationsSalonAwards

Such a lovely morning getting the beautiful Gemma wedding ready 🤍

I had the pleasure of doing Gemma’s bridal makeup for her own wedding, so it was so lovely to see her again and get her glammed up for another special wedding morning.

This time I had the pleasure of creating both her hair and makeup, with this gorgeous soft, elegant updo finished with the prettiest hair accessory ✨

Always so lovely when my brides come back to me. 🥰

#WeddingHair #WeddingMakeup #WeddingGuestHair #WeddingGuestMakeup #ElegantUpdo SoftGlam NorthEastHairAndMakeup DarlingtonMakeupArtist AwardWinningBridalSpecialist

Bridal braid details 🤍

A beautiful chunky statement braid, softly pulled apart to create fullness and finished with delicate pearl pins for that extra detail ✨

I love how much a braid can completely transform a half-up style.

Hair detailing by me
Alison Petitjean
Award-Winning Bridal Hair & Makeup Specialist

#BridalHair #BridalBraid #BraidedHair #HalfUpHair #WeddingHairInspiration PearlHairPins NorthEastBridalHair DarlingtonHairStylist

My beautiful bride Sarah 🤍

After perfecting all the little details at her trial, it was so lovely to see her complete bridal look come together on the wedding morning.

A soft half-up style with a statement chunky braid, loose waves and delicate pearl details, paired with soft, natural bridal makeup.

She looked absolutely gorgeous and still completely like herself ✨

Hair & Makeup by Alison Petitjean
Award-Winning Bridal Hair & Makeup Specialist – North East

#BridalHairAndMakeup #BridalHair #ChunkyBraid #HalfUpBridalHair #BridalMakeup WeddingHair NorthEastBride DarlingtonMakeupArtist AwardWinningBridalSpecialist

Off to celebrate her sister’s wedding 🥂✨

She told me she never normally wears makeup, so it was all about keeping everything soft, natural and comfortable just enhancing her features without making her feel overdone.

And she felt amazing. 🥰

Hair swept into a polished low bun to sit perfectly with that gorgeous statement fascinator, finished with soft face-framing pieces.

There’s nothing better than helping someone feel fabulous for such a special family day. 🤍

Hair & makeup by me xx

#WeddingGuestHair #WeddingGuestMakeup #HairAndMakeup #SoftGlam #NaturalMakeup LowBun WeddingHair WeddingMakeup NorthEastHairAndMakeup DarlingtonMakeupArtist DarlingtonHairStylist AwardWinningBridalSpecialist

Chloe, wedding ready ✨

Soft, natural glam paired with a beautiful half-up style, using extensions to create extra length and fullness while still keeping everything soft and natural.

The perfect finishing touch with a little bridal hair sparkle 🤍

Hair & makeup by me
Award-winning Bridal Hair & Makeup Specialist – North East

#BridalHair #BridalMakeup #BridesmaidHair #BridesmaidMakeup #WeddingHair WeddingMakeup NorthEastBrides DarlingtonMakeupArtist DarlingtonHairStylist

Pammy bun for one of today’s bridesmaids ✨

Soft, textured and perfectly undone such a gorgeous style for a bridesmaid.

5 bridesmaids finished… now onto the bride 👰‍♀️✨

#PammyBun #BridesmaidHair #BridalHair #WeddingHair #NorthEastBrides

Still taking this one in 🥹🏆

6th place nationally for Best of Bridal 2026.

After 16 years in the bridal industry, having my work recognised at a national level is something I’m incredibly proud of.

Thank you to every bride who has trusted me to be part of their wedding morning over the years. Here’s to the next chapter ✨
five:

#BestOfBridal2026 #6thPlaceNationally #BridalHairAndMakeup #AwardWinningBridalSpecialist #NorthEastBrides 🏆✨

A lovely morning in my garden studio pampering the gorgeous Karen, Mother of the Groom, ready for her son’s wedding. ✨

Karen came to me for both hair and makeup, and I absolutely loved creating her finished look. Soft, polished makeup with beautifully styled hair to complement that incredible fascinator.

One of my favourite parts of what I do is making the mums feel just as special and confident when they step out for such an important day.

Thank you Karen for trusting me with your hair and makeup — and for your lovely message afterwards. It was a pleasure having you in the studio. 🤍

Alison Petitjean
Bridal Hair & Makeup Specialist – North East

#MotherOfTheGroom #BridalHairAndMakeup #MotherOfTheBrideMakeup #NorthEastWeddings #DarlingtonMakeupArtist

6TH PLACE IN THE UK 🏆✨

From National Finalist to officially placing 6th in the UK for Best for Bridal 2026.

16 years doing what I love and now recognised within the UK Top 10 for bridal. Very proud of this one. 🥹🏆

Alison Petitjean Bridal Hair & Makeup

#BestForBridal #UKHairAndBeautyAwards #BridalHairAndMakeup #BridalMakeupArtist #UKTop10

The part of a wedding morning I absolutely love 🥂

90s music playing, corks popping, plenty of giggles and everyone just enjoying the morning together… then suddenly, it’s time for the final reveal. ✨

From all the fun behind the scenes to seeing the bride completely ready — this is why I love wedding mornings so much.

Bridal Hair & Makeup Specialist – North East

#BridalHairAndMakeup #WeddingMorning #NorthEastBride #BridalMakeup #BridalHair

Yesterday’s bride, Rhiannon. 🤍

From the very first stages of getting ready right through to the dress going on, this was such a beautiful wedding morning to be part of.

Rhiannon told me that when she looked in the mirror, it was the first time she could remember truly feeling happy and confident with her reflection. Hearing that meant more to me than she probably realised.

I created her hair and makeup with one aim — for her to still feel completely like herself, just confident, beautiful and ready to enjoy every moment.

Such a lovely morning with Rhiannon and her bridal party, and one I’ll remember for a long time. 🤍

Hair and makeup by Alison Petitjean Bridal Hair & Makeup Specialist.

#BridalHairAndMakeup #BridalConfidence #WeddingMorning #BridalTransformation #NorthEastBride BridalBeauty AwardWinningBridalSpecialist HBAFinalist

Soft, elegant bridesmaid hair and makeup. 🤍

A textured updo paired with fresh, polished makeup beautiful without taking away from her natural features.

I love seeing the whole look come together once the dress is on. ✨

#BridesmaidHair #BridesmaidMakeup #WeddingMorning #BridalParty #UpdoInspiration SoftGlamMakeup NorthEastWeddingSupplier AwardWinningBridalSpecialist

Soft, natural bridal makeup that still feels like you. 🤍

This look was all about fresh skin, softly defined eyes and enhancing her natural features without making her feel overdone.

A beautiful, polished finish that lets her confidence shine through.

#BridalMakeup #NaturalBridalMakeup #SoftGlamBride #BridalBeauty #WeddingMorning NorthEastMakeupArtist AwardWinningBridalSpecialist

One final little glimpse from our Italian adventure 🇮🇹

Burano was definitely one for the bucket list so colourful, full of character and even more beautiful in real life. Another amazing day making memories with my favourite people. 🤍

#Burano #ItalyHoliday #BucketListTravel #FamilyMemories #BehindTheBusiness SmallBusinessOwner

Reviews like this mean so much to me. 🤍

Knowing that a bride felt listened to, completely looked after and confident on her wedding day is the greatest compliment I could receive.

Thank you, Zoe, for trusting me and for taking the time to write such beautiful words.

Hair and makeup by Alison Petitjean Bridal Hair & Makeup Specialist.

#BrideReview #BridalHairAndMakeup #BridalConfidence #WeddingMorning #NorthEastBride AwardWinningBridalSpecialist HBAFinalist BestBridalIndividual

It’s getting so close now …✨
I’m so proud to be a national finalist for Best Bridal Individual at the UK Hair & Beauty Awards 2026.

Being recognised for the work I love means so much, especially after years of helping brides feel confident, beautiful and completely themselves on one of the biggest mornings of their lives.

Whatever happens on the day, reaching the finals is something I’m incredibly proud of but of course, I would absolutely love to bring that award home. 🤍

#UKHairAndBeautyAwards #HBAFinalist #BestBridalIndividual #AwardWinningBridalSpecialist #BridalHairAndMakeup NorthEastWeddingSupplier NorthEastBride

My bride doesn’t normally wear makeup, so it was really important that she still felt completely like herself. 🤍

I kept her makeup fresh, soft and glowing, enhancing her features without making her feel overdone. She loved the finished result, and seeing her feel so beautiful and confident was the best part.

#MatureBride #NaturalBridalMakeup #GlowingBridalMakeup #BridalConfidence #WeddingMorning NorthEastMakeupArtist AwardWinningBridalSpecialist

It was:

A little bridal finishing touch. 🤍

There’s something so lovely about those final moments perfecting the lipstick, checking every detail and making sure she feels completely ready before stepping into her dress
#BridalMakeup #BridalFinishingTouches #WeddingMorning #LipstickMoment #BridalBeauty NorthEastBride NorthEastMakeupArtist

A little glimpse of life behind the bridal mornings. 🤍

Yesterday we spent the most amazing day in Venice, making memories, getting completely lost and taking far too many photos.

Feeling very grateful for a little family time, beautiful views and a chance to switch off before coming back to all of my lovely brides.

#Venice #FamilyMemories #BehindTheBusiness #SmallBusinessOwner #BridalHairAndMakeup WorkLifeBalance

I’ll never get tired of these father-and-daughter reveals. 🤍

That moment he sees his little girl as a bride for the very first time the pause, the smile and all the emotion that follows. Such a special part of the wedding morning to witness.

Hair and makeup by Alison Petitjean Bridal Hair & Makeup Specialist.

#FatherDaughterReveal #WeddingMorning #BridalMoment #FatherOfTheBride #BridalHairAndMakeup NorthEastBride AwardWinningBridalSpecialist

The cutest member of the bridal party 🐾🤍

Natalie looked absolutely beautiful, but her gorgeous little fur baby definitely understood the assignment and stole the spotlight.

Hair and makeup by Alison Petitjean Bridal Hair & Makeup Specialist.

🐾 Bridal duties
🐾 Emotional support
🐾 Professional photo-stealer

#DogAtTheWedding #WeddingDog #FurBaby #BridalHairAndMakeup #WeddingMorning NorthEastBride AwardWinningBridalSpeciali

Natalie’s bridal transformation 🤍

From the first stages of getting ready, through to the final reveal, I loved creating her complete bridal look. Soft, glowing makeup and an elegant low ponytail finished with delicate accessories.

She looked absolutely beautiful.

Hair and makeup by Alison Petitjean Bridal Hair & Makeup Specialist.
#BridalTransformation #BridalHairAndMakeup #GlowingBridalMakeup #BridalPonytail #WeddingMorning NorthEastBride AwardWinningBridalSpecialist

Yesterday’s beautiful bride trusted me with both her hair and makeup without having a trial beforehand and the result was stunning.

We created soft, glowing makeup with defined eyes, paired with glossy curls and a half-up style finished with a delicate floral accessory. She looked so confident, elegant and completely herself.

#BridalHairAndMakeup #NorthEastBride #DarlingtonMakeupArtist #BridalMakeup #BridalHair WeddingMorning AwardWinningBridalSpecialist

Yesterday’s bride, Zoe, looked absolutely breathtaking. 🤍

I loved creating both her hair and makeup, and the whole morning felt so calm and relaxed. With the most beautiful countryside views around us, it was such a lovely wedding morning to be part of.

#BridalHairAndMakeup #CountrysideWedding #GlowingBride #WeddingMorning #NorthEastBride BridalBeauty AwardWinningBridalSpecialist

Zoe came to me feeling extremely anxious about her skin after a difficult journey with medication, discomfort and changes to her complexion.

On her wedding morning, my aim was to create fresh, radiant skin that felt comfortable, looked beautifully polished and still allowed her to feel completely herself.

Seeing her confidence return was incredibly rewarding. Her skin looked healthy and glowing, and I completed the look with a soft, elegant bridal ponytail.

A bridal transformation built on trust, reassurance and a personalised approach. 🤍

Hair and makeup by Alison Petitjean Bridal Hair & Makeup Specialist
#BridalHairAndMakeup #GlowingBridalMakeup #BridalTransformation #SoftGlamBride #BridalPonytail NorthEastBride AwardWin

A quiet moment before the celebrations began. 🤍

Fresh, glowing bridal makeup designed to enhance her features while still allowing her to feel completely herself. She looked elegant, radiant and absolutely beautiful.

Makeup by Alison Petitjean Bridal Hair & Makeup Specialist.

On-screen text:

Fresh, glowing bridal makeup 🤍

#BridalMakeup #GlowingBridalMakeup #MatureBride #WeddingMorning #NaturalBridalMakeup NorthEastMakeupArtist AwardWinningBridalSpecialist

Imogen had a vision, and I’m so pleased I could bring it to life with her hair and makeup. She looked absolutely incredible and arrived in unforgettable style. 💜#promhair #prommakeup #hairandmakeupartist #promglam #prominspiration awardwinningartist northeasthairstylist hairgoals makeupartist glamou

Soft texture, beautiful movement and carefully placed volume came together to create this elegant bridesmaid updo. Designed to complement her dress perfectly and create a beautifully balanced finish.

Hair by Alison Petitjean Bridal Hair & Makeup.

#BridesmaidHair #BridalHairSpecialist #WeddingHair #ElegantUpdo #LuxuryBridalHair NorthEastBridal BridesmaidStyle DarlingtonHair WeddingMorning HairStylist

Sometimes the most meaningful moments are the ones in between.

A quiet pause before the celebrations begin… taking it all in before walking towards one of the most unforgettable moments of your life.

These are the moments I love capturing just as much as creating beautiful bridal hair. 🤍

#WeddingMorning #BridalHair #BrideToBe #WeddingMorningMagic #LuxuryBridalHair NorthEastBride AwardWinningBridalSpecialist BridalStylist WeddingDay NorthEastWedding SoftCurls BridalInspiration AlisonPetitjeanBridalHairAndMakeup

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

Award-Winning Bridal Hair & Makeup in Darlington

Hi, I'm Alison — an award-winning bridal hair and makeup artist with over 20 years of experience crafting timeless, radiant looks that highlight your natural beauty.

I believe every bride deserves to feel effortlessly elegant and truly herself on her wedding day.

My personalised consultations and calm, professional approach ensure your look is perfectly tailored to you — refined, polished, and designed to last from 'I do' to the last dance.

Recognised with multiple awards, including Bridal Hair & Makeup Specialist of the Year 2025 at The English Hair & Beauty Awards, and runner-up for Makeup Artist of the Year 2025.

I'm proud to bring a luxury experience to every bride I work with.

Offering on-location services across the UK and beyond, I travel to country estates, city venues, and destination weddings — making your bridal beauty journey seamless and unforgettable.

This is more than hair and makeup — it's your moment to shine.

Let's create something extraordinary together.

Travel expenses are incurred outside of Middleton St George.

Gift vouchers are available, and any makeovers or services can be purchased.

Areas covered are Co. Durham, Teesside, Darlington, Stockton on Tees, Middlesbrough, Newton Aycliffe, Bishop Auckland, Redcar, Marske by the Sea, Shildon, Ferryhill, Chilton, Billingham, Barnard Castle, Thornaby, Crook, Tow Law, Bedale, Yarm, Thirsk, Hawes, Leyburn, Northallerton, Guisborough, Hartlepool, Richmond, and Spennymoor.

I also cover all areas around Durham and Tyne & Wear, including Gateshead, Newcastle upon Tyne, Consett, Peterlee, Blaydon, Killingworth, Cramlington, Wallsend, Gosforth, Longbenton, Hebburn, Jarrow, Whitley Bay, North Shields, South Shields, Boldon, Sunderland, and Seaham.

Additional areas that I also service within North Yorkshire are Malton, Ripon, Whitby, Pickering, Scarborough, Filey, Harrogate, York, Knaresborough, and Wetherby.

​

Award-Winning Bridal Hair & Makeup in Darlington