Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book? I have so many questions!
The first step is to contact me to see if I am available on your wedding date! I normally book brides between 12-18 months out from their weddings, so it's never too early to check! At that time, send me any questions you may have! I am happy to answer them!

Any information you give me helps me to not only get to know you, but to give me the information necessary to get us moving in the direction of completing a contract.

A contract? 
Yes, I require a contract and a 50% retainer fee to book. I book up very quickly, especially in peak season! The contract serves to protect both of our interests. It guarantees that you receive the services we agree upon. The fee serves to book me for the services to be rendered on the date of your wedding as well as cover the cost of travel, supplies, and time leading up to the date of your wedding or special event.

On my wedding day, do I come to you? Do you charge a site fee?
I work fully on-location. That means I come to you to apply your makeup and style your hair. 
I charge no additional fee for working on location, but may charge a fee if your wedding is a long distance from me.

Do you travel? 
I have a wide area that I cover. I work between Mobile, AL and Pensacola, FL, (including the areas south of I-10 - the beaches!) for no additional travel fee. I am willing to travel outside of those areas, most often as far as New Orleans to the West and 30A to the East. I base my travel fee on the size of your wedding party, distance, wedding day timeline, and surrounding bookings I may have. Please contact me to discuss this.

Do you work alone? 
Yes, I do, for the most part. With larger wedding parties, I will often bring in an additional artist, Haley, who is absolutely fantastic. Brides will always work with me and me alone, regardless of how many artists I bring.

How many people can you work with in one day? 
By myself, I can accommodate between 5-6 people for both hair and makeup in one day, provided I have enough time.

With Haley, we can work with larger parties, usually up to 10-12 people with enough time.

How long does it take you to do hair and makeup?
It takes me approximately 1 hour to complete a combined service of makeup and hair styling or updo, per person. 
It takes me approximately 30-45 minutes to complete a single service either makeup or hair styling or updo, per person.

The Bride takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes usually.

Prior to my arrival, the Bride should decide the order and schedule of each client set to receive services. Each client should be ready and available 5 minutes prior to her start time with a clean face (no residual makeup) and clean, dry hair, depending on the services to be rendered. I can help with creating this schedule, too!

Do you airbrush? 
No. I achieve a smooth, lightweight finish with a variety of techniques that I cater to each client personally. 

I am a destination bride, do I need to have a trial?
Not necessarily! Many brides enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a bridal trial, but I am absolutely comfortable doing a trial within a service. I always apply your makeup and style your hair in steps, asking questions along the way and assuring that each step we take is something you love!

What brand of makeup do you use?
I use a wide variety of makeup! In 18 years, I've developed a long list of favorites, but that list is ever changing as I try new products (always on myself first!). 

Becca
Bare Minerals
Benefit
Clinique
Laura Mercier
Tarte
HUDA
Milk
MAC

How long will my makeup last?
Your makeup should last 8-10 hours, easily. But remember, the less you touch your face, the better your makeup will wear.

What happens if I cry or sweat?
Most of the products I use are waterproof and water resistant, especially the eye makeup! You must remember to BLOT not WIPE! Dab your tears gently with a tissue. Blot your sweaty forehead with a tissue or oil blotting paper. This will prolong your makeup and keep it wearing evenly throughout the day.

I don't normally wear much makeup, will I look tacky or over done?
Never! I work very hard to ensure that each and every client looks and feels comfortable and natural. My goal is for you to look like your best self. While the makeup I apply may be heavier than you are used to, in photographs, I guarantee you will look beautiful and put together. 

I am very happy to apply as little or as much makeup as each client prefers to wear. I have worked with women who preferred to wear no foundation at all (I don't wear foundation myself) and preferred a lightweight primer and powder only. I have also worked with women who preferred moisturizer, primer, foundation, concealer, highlight and contour, and powder. It is truly your personal preference. 

Are you comfortable with clients bringing in pictures for reference?
In short, yes. But I caution all of my clients to find reference pictures of subjects that have similar skin tones and hair textures to their own. As it is often difficult to gauge based on an isolated image, it is often a better plan to bring several images with specific features you like, while understanding that it is nearly impossible to achieve the exact look that an artist has achieved on an entirely different person. For instance, I can't achieve a big Elsa side braid on a client with shoulder-length, baby fine hair. I will work very hard to reach a look you absolutely LOVE and that flatters your features. 

I haven't decided how I want to wear my hair or makeup, can you help?
Absolutely! I often work with undecided clients and we achieve beautiful results - often it's a process that includes me asking various questions about your normal routine, and then working to flatter and emphasize your best features.