Why book Image By Lisa for your bridal makeup?
At Image By Lisa, makeup and spray tanning aren’t just services—they’re our passion. Led by Owner and Master Makeup Artist Lisa Davis, a licensed and insured aesthetician with over 20 years of experience, our beauty boutique is dedicated exclusively to beauty. Our team of professional makeup artists, all personally trained by Lisa herself, ensures you receive the highest level of expertise and care.
We are proud to be one of the few artists in Tallahassee offering airbrush makeup, a technique that provides a flawless, long-lasting finish. While natural bridal glam is our specialty, our team is equally skilled at creating dramatic, bold looks, catering to all makeup styles to match your unique vision.
Because we collaborate with Tallahassee vendors and understand local wedding timelines, you’re in safe hands. We prioritize your vision and tailor every look to make sure you feel beautiful and confident on your big day. At Image By Lisa, you are the boss, and we’ll bring your perfect bridal style to life.
How far ahead is bridal makeup typically booked?
Bridal makeup is typically booked 12 months or more in advance, as times have changed and brides now secure their beauty teams earlier to ensure availability. However, it's always worth inquiring, as we occasionally have last-minute openings. We've even helped brides whose glam teams canceled at the last moment, so don't hesitate to reach out—even for a last-second booking!
What are the first steps to booking?
To begin booking your bridal makeup, the first step is fill out our bridal contact form for your wedding date, where makeup will be performed (venue, city, Airbnb etc), and makeup headcount (minimum head count of 6 is required to retain services). This helps us check our availability, travel times, and ensure we can accommodate your entire bridal party. Once we confirm availability, we can move forward with discussing your timeline, trial, contract, and any other details to create a seamless beauty experience!
How do we secure our date?
Once you’ve submitted your inquiry and we’ve confirmed availability for your big day, we recommend securing your date as soon as possible by paying the $50 deposit. This can be made via Venmo, PayPal, or credit card. Please note that the deposit is non-refundable and is not applied toward the final balance. However, it does cover the first 30 miles of round-trip travel.
After your deposit is received, congratulations—you’re officially booked! We will follow up with further instructions and gather more details about your wedding, including scheduling your bridal trial.
What are your bridal ON-SITE headcount minimums?
We require a minimum of six individuals (including bride) in the bridal party to book an on-site makeup artist. If a bridal party is under contract with us and, for any reason, the number of participants falls below the minimum on or before the wedding day, the fee for the original minimum of five will still apply.
What if I don’t meet the ON-SITE minimum or have a small bridal party?
We understand that some bridal parties may have fewer than six members but still wish to book our services. In these cases, to be on-site, we apply a minimum charge based on the standard headcount. For example, if there are three people in your bridal party and the rate is $100 per person, the total fee would be $600.
Bridal makeup services are also available in-studio, where appointments can be conveniently booked online as a regular makeup appointment. These in-studio bookings do not require a deposit or a contract, and our studio is open full-time, including Saturdays, to accommodate your schedule.
Those appointments can be booked here.
Why do artists have ON-SITE bridal headcount minimums?
As bridal makeup artists, our busiest days are typically Saturdays and Sundays, which means we reserve those days for larger bridal parties. Unlike many professions that generate income throughout the week, our weekends are prime time, and minimum headcounts help ensure we can provide for our families while managing the time and resources required for each event.
Setting up, performing services, and tearing down takes significant effort, so we need to protect those days for larger groups. This practice is standard among bridal beauty vendors, including hairstylists, and helps us balance weekend weddings with our in-studio clients during the week.
What if I have a large bridal party?
No worries! For groups larger than 8, we'll bring in a second artist to ensure your timeline stays on track. This allows us to work on two people at a time. All our artists are personally trained by Lisa and have extensive bridal experience. If your group exceeds 14, we may add a third artist to keep everything running smoothly.
What is your pricing per person?
MASTER ARTIST, Lisa Davis, Owner
TRADITIONAL MAKEUP (Liquid Foundation) Bride-to-be/Family/Bridesmaids: Includes lashes…. $125 per person
AIRBRUSH MAKEUP (description below) Bride-to-be/Family/Bridesmaids: Includes lashes…. $150 per person
JUNIOR/SENIOR ARTISTS
TRADITIONAL MAKEUP (Liquid Foundation) Bride-to-be/Family/Bridesmaids: Includes lashes…. $100 per person
AIRBRUSH MAKEUP (description below) Bride-to-be/Family/Bridesmaids: Includes lashes…. $120 per person
What do you charge for travel?
The first 30 miles of round-trip travel are covered by your $50 deposit. We do not charge travel fees for any venues within Tallahassee, including Shiloh Farms, or for Thomasville plantations such as South Eden, Loblolly, and Pebble Hill. For travel beyond the initial 30 miles, a fee of $100 per hour applies.
Can I schedule a makeup trial before securing my booking?
No, we reserve bridal trials exclusively for brides who have paid the deposit and are under contract with us. This ensures your date is secured on our calendar. Since bookings are made daily, there is a risk that your preferred date could be reserved by another client before you secure it. To avoid wasting your time and money, we only schedule trials for brides who have confirmed their booking with us.
YAY! I’M ON THE BOOKS! NOW WHAT???
How do I book my makeup trial?
Once your deposit is paid and your date is secured, you can schedule a trial here.
Many brides coordinate their trial with a special occasion, such as a bridal shower, trip, or engagement photoshoot.
Please note that we are typically booked for bridal services on Saturdays, so trials on Saturdays or Sundays are limited. Weekdays are the best option. We can accommodate Sunday trials, but a $50 upcharge applies since Sunday is our artists' only day off and the day we are officially closed.
We also recommend scheduling a bridal spray tan trial. Learn more about bridal tanning and our bridal spray tan parties here.
If you’re planning to get a spray tan before your wedding, it’s a good idea to schedule a spray tan 1-2 days prior to your makeup trial as well. This will give you a true feel for the depth of your tan and how your makeup will look with your extra glow!
Booking Instructions:
Bridal trials are scheduled online, just like a regular appointment. Simply choose "traditional makeup" or "airbrush" and include "BRIDAL TRIAL" along with your wedding date in the comments.
Be sure to select the artist who will be doing your makeup on the wedding day.
If you’re unable to find a suitable date, please email us. We’re always happy to accommodate our brides with additional hours or special arrangements. Let us know your needs, and we'll do our best to assist you.
What do I wear to my makeup trial?
For your makeup trial, we recommend wearing a top with a neckline similar to your wedding dress (e.g., strapless, off-the-shoulder, or V-neck) to help visualize the final look. Choosing a white or light-colored top will also allow you to better see how the makeup complements your overall bridal style.
If you’re planning to get a spray tan before your wedding, it’s a good idea to schedule a spray tan 1-2 days prior to your makeup trial as well. This will give you a true feel for the depth of your tan and how your makeup will look with your extra glow!
How should I prepare my face for the makeup trial?
Please arrive with a clean, makeup-free face and apply a light moisturizer beforehand. Avoid using facial oils or serums, as they can cause makeup to slide or not adhere properly. Do not moisturize your eyelids. We also recommend arriving with well-groomed brows and taking care of any waxing and plucking needs in advance.
Should I do airbrush or traditional makeup?
We are proud to be one of the few artists in our area offering airbrush makeup. While some brides choose airbrush makeup exclusively for themselves, others opt for it across the entire bridal party. Although it is a bit more of an investment, airbrush makeup provides several advantages: it is exceptionally long-lasting, photographs beautifully, and maintains a matte finish throughout the day and night.
If you're unsure which option is best for you, don't worry. You can book either traditional or airbrush makeup for your trial, and we can make adjustments during the consultation. Once we see your skin and discuss your concerns, changes can be made on the fly to achieve the perfect look.
Discover more about airbrush versus traditional makeup on our blog here.
What if I change my mind after my trial?
That’s absolutely fine! We take detailed notes on your makeup style, colors, and preferences to ensure your look is perfect. It’s your big day, and you’re in control. Changes can easily be made by texting us feedback before the wedding, or we can make adjustments on the day itself. This is quite common, as many brides find that after seeing photos of their trial makeup and getting feedback, they may want to go bolder or make other changes. We welcome adjustments and see them as a natural part of the artistic process.
How do we establish a timeline and start time for makeup?
We want your timeline to be seamless, so it’s essential to provide a final headcount of how many will need makeup services. Your photographer will let you know when everyone needs to be ready for photos, and from there, we’ll work backward to determine the makeup start time. Each makeup application takes around 40-45 minutes. As the bride, you’ll go close to last to keep your look fresh.
Standard Start Times: Early start times for bridal makeup are common, especially for afternoon weddings, with 7 am or 8 am being typical. With our extensive experience, we ensure your day flows seamlessly and stress-free, allowing you to enjoy every moment.
MAKEUP WILL HOLD! Rest assured, even with an early start, our artists are expertly trained to ensure your makeup stays flawless all day long. Your look will be locked in, keeping you fresh and radiant well into the night.
Do we need a day-of schedule for makeup?
No, we do not need a detailed schedule, but we do need an accurate headcount. As long as most of the bridal party is on-site, we’ll flow seamlessly between hair and makeup without needing a strict lineup. Strict lineups are often more of a hassle.
Should makeup be done before or after hair?
We don’t have a strict preference and will coordinate with your hairstylist to create the best schedule for your day. Typically, there is a natural rotation between hair and makeup to keep everything on track. When makeup is done first, we may ask for hair to be swept aside to ensure a clear view. If hair is styled first, we can easily pin it back while we work. This flexible approach helps maintain a smooth timeline.
What if someone opts out of makeup?
While it may seem tempting to let a bridesmaid or two opt out of makeup, we’ve found that 90% of the time, they change their minds on the day of the event and ask to be squeezed in. Since the bridal timeline has already been established, we typically cannot accommodate last-minute additions without causing delays. To ensure everything runs smoothly, we encourage all bridal party members to get their makeup done.
Another important consideration is the cohesiveness of the overall look. When some members of the bridal party opt out, it can disrupt the unified aesthetic in your photos. Our professional makeup artists aim for a soft glam look that complements everyone, while an opt-out might stand out with little to no makeup—or with a mismatched style, like bold red lips—throwing off the group’s harmony. Photos are a lasting memory, and uniformity in makeup helps create a polished, cohesive look for your big day.
Please note that we have a 6-person minimum for makeup services. If the final number falls below that, your party will still be responsible for the cost of 6 makeup applications.
Lastly, anyone who opts out may not borrow or use any of our equipment, makeup, or lashes. If they choose to do their own makeup, they will need to bring their own supplies. This ensures fairness for everyone and maintains a professional and efficient process.
How can I prep my skin for the big day?
Skin condition is crucial for achieving a flawless makeup look, so starting a customized skincare regimen early is key. About a month before the wedding, consider treatments like microdermabrasion or a facial, allowing time for your skin to recover.
Dermaplaning is also a popular option—it gently exfoliates and removes peach fuzz, creating a smooth canvas for makeup, which is especially beneficial for airbrush applications.
Remember to stay hydrated and keep your skin moisturized. While the camera picks up color more than texture, we can flawlessly cover acne, discoloration, and any wedding-day breakouts. Even if you notice some texture up close, rest assured it won't be visible in photos.
Should I get a spray tan?
Spray tans can enhance your look in photos, as photography often lightens your skin tone by up to two shades. Most brides choose to get a spray tan 2-3 days before the wedding for optimal results. At Image By Lisa, we offer bridal party packages where the bride tans for free when four or more bridesmaids book!
For added peace of mind, consider scheduling a trial spray tan on the same day as your makeup trial to ensure you love the results. For more details on bridal spray tanning, parties, and common questions, check out this blog post.
What about teeth whitening?
A bright smile makes a huge difference in photos! I recommend whitening with Tallahassee Smile Labs, about a month before your wedding to ensure your teeth look their best on the big day.
ON WEDDING DAY:
Should we bring any makeup on the wedding day?
We provide everything you need for your makeup application, including moisturizers, primers, makeup, lashes, and a lip touch-up kit. However, it's a great idea for the bride and bridal party to bring a small clutch to carry essentials like oil blotting tissues, touch-up powder, a favorite lip color, or moisturizing lip gloss. These items can be helpful later in the day, especially if there’s excess sweating or emotional tears.
We also carry full-size lip liners, lipsticks, and lip glazes in our kit, which are available for purchase if you need them. Typically, we wait until the end of the session to apply everyone’s lip color, and each participant will receive a small tube of touch-up lipstick to keep for the day. This way, you can feel confident that your makeup will stay flawless throughout the entire celebration!
Although we use clean, high-quality makeup lines, we understand that some clients may have specific skin sensitivities or product preferences. If you’d like to bring your own moisturizer, foundation, or mascara, we’re happy to use your products to ensure you feel comfortable and confident.
What foods should we serve to avoid messing up our makeup?
Light finger foods are the best option to avoid smudging or transferring makeup. Opt for bite-sized options like crackers with dip, fruit, or chicken poppers. Avoid larger, messier foods, such as subs, sandwiches and pizza, which can cause lipstick to transfer onto the chin, especially when larger bites are required. They're also a hazard around that beautiful wedding dress!
If you serve sandwiches, we recommend cutting them into bite-sized portions. Additionally, provide straws for drinks to prevent bridal party members from placing their lips directly on cups, which can wear down lip color throughout the day. Keeping food simple and mess-free will help maintain everyone's makeup and keep them looking fresh!
What setup is needed for makeup?
Most venues have bridal suites with sufficient table space, but if you're getting ready at a home or hotel, it's important to plan ahead. Ensure there's a full-sized dining table or a 6-8 foot folding table available, especially if two artists will be present. Makeup requires more space than hair, so having ample room is crucial.
Natural light is ideal, so we prefer to set up near windows. However, we always bring our own fill lighting and professional makeup chairs. Please note that work surfaces should be standard table height, as side tables or coffee tables can cause back strain and slow down the process. It's common for us to rearrange the space as needed to accommodate both hair and makeup comfortably.
What skin prep is needed the morning of?
The bridal party should arrive with clean, makeup-free faces and apply a light moisturizer. Avoid using facial oils or serums, as they can cause makeup to slide or not adhere properly. Do not moisturize the eyelids. Please ensure brows are well-groomed, with any waxing or plucking done in advance. Additionally, avoid moisturizers with an SPF higher than 20, as this can cause flashback in photos.
What should the bridal party wear during the glam process?
We recommend everyone in the bridal party and/or getting their makeup done wear robes or button down shirts to avoid any transfer or smudging of makeup!
Do you provide touch-ups?
Yes, we provide touch-ups before leaving the venue to ensure everyone looks flawless. It’s common for us to complete the makeup, leaving lips bare until the end, allowing bridesmaids and family to eat without worrying about smudging their makeup. We recommend that each bridesmaid brings a lip color and facial powder for touch-ups throughout the day.
We also provide each person with a small sample-sized lip color after the makeup application. For the bride, we suggest purchasing your lipstick shade during the makeup trial, so you have a full-sized touch-up option available on the wedding day.
How do we handle payment?
We offer flexible payment options to suit your needs. Whether it's a single payment or individual payments from each bridesmaid, both options are perfectly fine. We accept Venmo, PayPal, checks, credit/debit cards, and cash. Our business Venmo is @imagebylisa, and PayPal payments can be sent to imagebylisa@yahoo.com.
Payment is not required prior to the wedding day—payment can be made at the time of service. While including gratuity is standard in the beauty industry, WE DO NOT include it in our pricing. We believe tipping should be entirely up to the customer and based on their satisfaction with the service. Tipping can be done using any form of payment.
We do not charge any service fees for using credit cards, Venmo, or other digital payment methods. Although checks and cash are preferred, we gladly accept all payment methods for your convenience.
How can we avoid timeline delays on the wedding day?
Start-time punctuality: The most common cause of delays is the bridal party not arriving on time. If your start time is 8:00 AM, we will arrive at 7:40 AM to set up and be ready to begin promptly at 8:00 AM. To ensure a smooth start, designate the first one or two individuals who will be ready to go right on time. It’s best to choose someone who is punctual and organized—perhaps your “Type A” friend who never sleeps in. When the first person is ready on time, the entire schedule flows more smoothly. Please note: Delays can result in additional charges as outlined in our contract.
Minimize Distractions: While you’re in the makeup chair, it’s important to avoid distractions such as talking on the phone, FaceTiming, or texting. These activities make it difficult to follow directions, such as where to look or how to turn your head. Additionally, frequent movements and facial expressions can interfere with the precise application of makeup.
Pre-Groom Facial Hair & Brows: While we’re happy to tidy up stray hairs, unkempt facial hair or brows can slow us down significantly. Be sure to schedule any threading, waxing, or plucking a few days before the wedding to ensure you’re ready for makeup application.
Limit Questions to the Bride: One of the biggest timeline killers is when vendors, photographers, or family members bombard the bride with questions about details like timelines, setup, or logistics. This constant interruption causes the bride to turn her head, make expressions, and repeat herself—all while we’re applying detailed makeup. To avoid this, brief your bridal party, family, and vendors to direct questions to someone else or refer to the day-of timeline. This helps conserve the bride's energy and keeps everything on track.
Keep Everyone Present: It’s most efficient if the entire bridal party remains in the designated getting-ready area, rather than running back and forth to handle setup or errands. Excessive activity not only delays the process but can also lead to sweating and stress, which can cause makeup to break down faster. Rely on your planner, day-of coordinator, or trusted friends to manage the setup and deliveries to avoid unnecessary delays and keep the focus on your beauty preparation.
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