Although I took a hiatus from my monthly featured vendor blog series to focus on my crazy busy 2017 wedding season, my posts are now back by popular demand. This month’s featured vendor is the charming Gina Tarbell of Gina Tarbell Artistry. I got the chance to work beside Gina in the Spring of 2016 when she did hair for a large bridal party at a wedding I shot just east of Oneonta, so last fall when I paired up with local makeup artist Erin Muller and we began putting plans together for a styled shoot, I was thrilled when she suggested that Gina do hair! And, wow – Gina absolutely knocked the shoot right out of the park. From her initial vision, to the uber-dramatic execution for an edgey look for our model Meghan, Gina totally nailed her component of the shoot.
If you’d like to see both of the looks she styled for the shoot, click here. And then read on to learn all about Gina, what words of advice she’d offer her clients, and what makes her tick.
Can you share the story of how your business got its start?
My journey into hair and makeup began the year after my own wedding. In 2007 I married my high school sweetheart in the Catskills, I had an incredibly difficult time finding a hair and makeup artist who was willing to travel to my hotel where I was getting ready with the ladies in my family. In fact, I was only able to find a hairstylist and on my wedding day I did makeup for myself, my sister, my mom, and my mother and sister in law! Whew! So the following year while working in a salon I offered to travel to any bride that booked with us. Over the past 10 years my business has really evolved. I am so grateful to be part of such an incredible industry.
What do you think sets you apart from others? What unique experiences/services/etc do you offer your brides and bridal parties?
I am a NYS licensed Cosmetologist. I own a small studio in downtown Oneonta where I offer Manicures, Shellac, Pedicures, Facials, Dermaplaing, lash extensions and full body waxing. I like to be able to help my brides throughout their planning process and if they need something that I can’t personally help with –any advice or vendor recommendations– I’m happy to help point them in the right direction. I can offer skin care treatments to help get their complexion on track to allow for a flawless makeup application on their wedding day. Anything I can do to assist in making their wedding day as stress free as possible.
If you could give your brides any advice for their wedding day, what would it be?
What do you like most about working in the wedding industry?
Tell us about what inspires you…
I am always inspired by the love of the bride and groom. I love to hear about how they met, and what brought them to this day. It’s exciting to be there on the day that a couple starts a new journey together. Hearing their story reminds me of my own love story and brings me back to my own wedding day. A wedding is the joining of two imperfect people, so it’s natural that marriage isn’t perfect. It’s constant compromise and growth. To me, at the end of the day whats important is the person who I come home to, the people I share my life with and love. Love is my inspiration.
Find, follow, and contact Gina of Gina Tarbell Artistry
Website: Gina Tarbell Artistry
Wedding Wire: Gina Tarbell Artistry
Instagram: @gina.tarbell.artistry
