Trusted Local Recommendations
Planning should feel exciting—not like you need a second full-time job. I have gathered a few trusted local recommendations to make it easier to find the right hair, makeup, floral, and cake professionals for your wedding, The Bridal Edit, or another special photography experience.
These businesses are independent, so you will contact and book each vendor directly unless your Tara Lee Photography collection includes different arrangements.
Meet My Preferred People
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with some incredibly talented local professionals and small businesses. These are people I know, trust, and genuinely feel good about recommending to my clients.
Whether you’re looking for hair and makeup, beautiful florals, a custom cake, or a little something extra for your session or celebration, this is a great place to start.
Each business operates independently, so be sure to contact them directly for current services, pricing, and availability.
Sierra Lord
Goldie Co. Florals
Best for: Bridal and portrait hair
Services: Hair styling
Service area: Glen Carbon and the Edwardsville area
Business: Reverie Beauty Co.
Best for: Weddings, The Bridal Edit, courthouse celebrations, bouquets, events, and floral installations
Location: 207 Saint Louis Street, Edwardsville, Illinois
Instagram: @goldiecoflorals
Website: goldiecoflorals.com
Goldie Co. Florals creates beautiful, distinctive florals for weddings, special events, and meaningful portrait details. Whether you need full wedding florals or one statement bouquet for The Bridal Edit, contact the team with your date, desired color palette, inspiration, and budget.
Caitlin White
Bri Funk MUA
Vintage Violet Bridal
Best for: Bridal and portrait hair
Services: Hair styling
Booking link: caitlinboatman.glossgenius.com
Best for: Bridal and individual portrait sessions
Services: Makeup and in-studio spray tans
Location: Edwardsville, Illinois, serving the St. Louis area and beyond
Instagram: @brifunkmua
Website: brifunkmua.com
Best for: Bridal gowns, prom, galas, and formal events
Location: Edwardsville, Illinois
Phone: (618) 268-7582
Facebook: Vintage Violet Bridal
Caitlin is one of Tara's trusted hair contacts and a great option for creating polished, camera-ready hair. Contact her directly to discuss the look you have in mind, appointment timing, and availability for your session or wedding-related portraits.
Bri specializes in soft, glowy makeup that still looks like you—only elevated. She works with brides and portrait clients and is a great option when you want natural or soft-glam makeup that photographs beautifully.
Vintage Violet Bridal offers a beautiful selection of bridal gowns and formalwear for life's special moments. Their experienced stylists help clients find a fit and style that feels just right, whether they are shopping for a wedding, prom, gala, or another formal event.
Ember Bridal Collective | Lyndsy Pomerantz
Best for: Wedding-day beauty and bridal portrait sessions
Services: On-location bridal hair and makeup
Location: Edwardsville, Illinois, with travel available
Instagram: @ember.salon.headspa
Led by Lyndsy Pomerantz, Ember Bridal Collective is a team of licensed hair and makeup artists specializing in elevated, on-location bridal beauty. This is an especially helpful option for brides who need coordinated services for themselves and multiple members of their wedding party.
CONTACT EMBER BRIDAL COLLECTIVE
The right artist won’t make you look like someone else—they’ll help you feel like the best version of yourself.
Choosing the Right Artist
Every artist has a different style and approach. Before booking, look through recent work and choose someone whose portfolio consistently reflects how you want to feel in your photographs.
Consider whether you prefer:
Soft and natural makeup
Full-glam makeup
Romantic or textured hair
Sleek, polished styling
An in-salon appointment
Someone who can travel to you
For wedding services, ask about minimums, travel fees, bridal trials, assistant fees, and the number of services the team can complete within your timeline.
FAQ
Is professional hair and makeup required?
No. You should never feel like you have to look like a different person for your session. Professional styling is simply an option if it helps you feel confident, polished, and cared for.
Will Tara book the artist for me?
Unless your selected photography experience specifically includes coordination, clients are responsible for contacting the artist, confirming availability, and completing the artist's booking requirements.
Is hair and makeup included with my Tara Lee Photography session?
Hair and makeup inclusion varies by session or collection. Review your proposal and booking details to see what is included. If it is not included, you will book and pay the artist directly unless Tara has provided different instructions.
When should I schedule my appointment?
Your styling should be finished with enough time to travel, get dressed, and arrive at your session without rushing. Confirm your session start time with Tara before finalizing the beauty appointment.
Should I schedule a trial?
A trial is strongly recommended for wedding-day styling. It may also be helpful for The Bridal Edit if you are testing a wedding-day look or planning something different from your everyday style.
The professionals listed on this page are independent businesses. Availability, pricing, policies, travel requirements, and services are determined by each vendor and may change. Tara Lee Photography does not guarantee availability or assume responsibility for services provided by another business.
Please contact each vendor directly for current information and read their contract before booking.
Can I use a professional who is not listed here?
Absolutely. These are recommendations, not requirements. You are welcome to work with any professional whose work and approach feel right for you.