Meet Jenny Garrett | Southern California Wedding and Lifestyle Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jenny Garrett and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jenny, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk comes in levels, and in both life and business, what might feel low-risk to someone else doesn’t always feel that way to me. I’ve always been outgoing and friendly—I genuinely love striking up conversations with strangers and helping people feel seen and included. In my photography journey, that natural curiosity and openness has led me to photograph some truly incredible humans—just by being willing to talk, listen, and form genuine connections.

The biggest risk I’ve taken was quitting my teaching job. I had what I thought was my dream job. I wanted to give back to the community that shaped me, and my students were nothing short of amazing. I truly thought I’d retire there.

But I kept feeling this pull.
This nudge toward photography. Toward creating, storytelling, and capturing moments and documenting them
full-time.

It came down to one question: what could I live without?

And I realized—I couldn’t imagine putting the camera down for good. Teaching will always be part of who I am, and I can still weave it into my business. But with a full-time teaching job, there was only so far I could go. Photography needed more room to grow.

I had been considering leaving teaching for a few years but financially it just didn’t make sense. One day I had this overwhelming feeling it was what God wanted me to do and I just could not shake that feeling. It was not just a desire but a calling.

So I took the leap. I walked away from the classroom and stepped into a new chapter. And here I am. A full-time photographer.

As soon as I made that decision, everything in my life changed for the better.

It’s been beautiful, messy, fun, and challenging—and I wouldn’t trade it. I get to be home with my son, travel often with my family, and be there for people on one of the most memorable days of their entire lives. If nothing else, I hope my story reminds you that it’s okay to dream more than one dream. And it’s definitely more than okay to chase them!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve always been obsessed with weddings. Every TV show, every movie, every wedding I could attend—I was basically Jane from 27 Dresses. But it wasn’t just the aesthetics I loved. It was what weddings represented—joy, celebration, belonging. I knew I wanted to be part of that.

At first, I thought I’d be an event planner. But looking back, I always had a camera in hand—Kodak disposables, point-and-shoots, and eventually… I “borrowed” my mom’s Canon Rebel XSi and never gave it back. (Thanks, Mom.)

During my brother’s senior photos, I told the photographer, Gina Lee, I took pictures too. At the end of the session, I showed her a few of my images. She told me I had an eye—and that she was looking for someone to mentor.

From there, I started editing her sessions, assisting on shoots, and learning the ins and outs of the business. One day, she looked at me and said, “It’s time for you to start charging.”

So 16-year-old me did just that. By 18, I photographed my first wedding. I felt on top of the world.

Over the years, I dabbled in fashion, focused on lifestyle, and eventually found my way back to what I loved most: weddings. I built a following on Instagram… until I got hacked in 2020. It was crushing—but also one of the most important lessons I’ve learned in resilience, identity, and starting over.

Most recently, I left my full-time teaching job to pursue photography wholeheartedly. And let me tell you: this past year has been a journey. I’ve wrestled with doubt and imposter syndrome, financial stress and sleep deprivation… but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Because photography has given me more than a career.
It’s given me the privilege of documenting life’s most sacred and fleeting moments. It’s taken me to incredible places and introduced me to the most amazing people.

What sets me apart isn’t just my composition, lighting, or the locations I shoot—it’s my heart for people. Every individual I meet, every couple I have the honor of photographing, matters deeply to me. This work is personal. It’s the late nights, the early mornings, the running on matcha and passion, because I know how much these photos will mean—not just now, but for generations.

I grew up with my parents’ wedding photo hanging in our home. I remember staring at it often—not because of the dress or the details, but because of what it stood for. Even as a kid, I knew I didn’t just want a wedding—I wanted a marriage. And now, that’s what drives me as a photographer. The wedding is just the beginning, but those photographs? They hold a love legacy.

My greatest hope is that long after the cake is gone and the flowers have faded, those images will still take them back—to the joy, the vows, the way their hearts felt when they chose each other. A reminder of everything good and sacred about that day.
And I want that story told in the most luminous, honest, and beautiful way possible.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Whenever I describe my hometown, I always say it’s the cutest little town in the world. The community is unmatched — warm, creative, and full of charm. I love that we’re tucked between so many different landscapes and some of my favorite neighboring cities.

If I had a full week and no budget? Here’s exactly how we’d spend it:

Day 1
We’d start in my hometown, Redlands. Lunch at the Redlands Public Market, a little downtown shopping, and of course, a midday matcha from Hooray. We’d do dinner at The State/ The Black Antler Book Club and end at The Oyster Cult for cocktails, surrounded by family and friends.

Day 2
Next stop: a night of camping at Moro Bay in Crystal Cove. Beach day by the ocean, campfire chats late into the night. We’d swing by Trader Joe’s first to stock up on snacks and dinner supplies — naturally.

Day 3
We’d check into Lido House and brunch on-site (their ube pancakes are unmatched!). While waiting for our room, we’d take a Duffy boat out for a spin, then hit Fashion Island for some retail therapy. Dinner? Always Javier’s.

Day 4
Disneyland! Every rollercoaster at least twice. Trader Sam’s for tiki lunch vibes and Carthay Circle for dinner. We’d stay overnight at the Grand Californian Hotel — nothing beats walking right into the park.

Day 5
Time to unwind at Glen Ivy Hot Springs. Massages, facials, the mud grotto — all the pampering. We’d end the day back in Redlands with dinner and cocktails downtown at The Cope House.

Day 6
Three words… Pappy and Harriets. We have to stop by this iconic spot in Joshua Tree and hit a concert. We dance the night away and stay at a fabulous airbnb. My friend can sleep in but I’ll wake up early to catch the sunrise and journal in the calm pastels of the desert. We’ll go on a little hike before hitting up Joshua Tree Coffee on our way out.

Day 7
A full day and night at the ever-dreamy Korakia Pensione. We’d grab brown sugar matchas from Varraco, shop El Paseo, and sip nightcaps at Tommy Bahamas. We’d end the night with a swim under the stars, laughing and chatting before flying somewhere fabulous in the morning.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people I have to thank for where I am today.

First and foremost, to God—thank You for writing every chapter of my story with such care. Through every high and low, I know You’ve been present, guiding, shaping, and working all things for good. None of this is possible without You.

To my husband, Daniel—thank you for being my biggest cheerleader and constant support. You believe in me when I question myself and stand beside me in every season. You even became my second shooter and assistant—proof that love really does show up, camera bag in hand.

To my son—my why and my greatest joy. I pray you always know how deeply you are loved, and how hard I’m working so that you, too, can chase your dreams one day.

To my parents and brother—thank you for the foundation you gave me. Your love, encouragement, and examples have helped shape the woman I am today. I’m forever grateful for your belief in me.

To my Grandparents— for showing me that true love really does exist and lasts if you nurture and cherish it.

To the rest of my family and my husband’s family—thank you for the endless encouragement, support, and inspiration. Your love never goes unnoticed.

To my mentor, Gina Lee—thank you for giving a 15-year-old girl a chance to turn a spark into something lasting. Your belief in me changed everything.

To my friends—you are truly the best kind of people. The ones who don’t just show up, but stay in it with me. Loyal, life-giving, and full of joy—I’m endlessly thankful for you.

To Giorgio—thank you for always being the voice of reason, the honest pep talk, and the call I didn’t know I needed.

To my Société Privée family—thank you for pouring into me, cheering me on, and making space for me to grow. I’m so grateful to be a part of this community.

And to my clients—past, present, and future—thank you for trusting me with your most treasured memories. I literally couldn’t do this without you. Your stories are the heartbeat of my work.

Website: https://jennygarrett.co

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennygarrettco/?hl=en

Image Credits
Jenny Garrett Co. for all images