It’s a huge honor whenever a couple trusts me to be their wedding photographer. But, when a friend asks me, that means more than I can explain.
Garrett has been one of Zach’s best friends since preschool and is honestly one of the most kind, loving, and respectful men I’ve ever known. (I mean, he’s willingly watched Gilmore Girls with me. He’s a keeper.) For what seems like a long time, our friend group has been waiting for Garrett to find someone worthy of his love, and Jenna is—without a doubt—that woman.
Garrett Smith and Jenna Elwert will become husband and wife and Jenna will officially become Chewie’s mama in September 2021. But, today, I’m so excited to share Garrett and Jenna’s Coxhall Gardens engagement photos in Carmel, Indiana on the blog!
Between a mutual friend & Bumble, Garrett & Jenna were meant to meet.
In 2019, Tori told Leslie that she had a friend who would be perfect for Leslie’s twin brother, Garrett. In fact, Tori was so certain that she brought it up to Peggy, Leslie and Garrett’s mom.
Peggy mentioned this to Garrett, and Tori and Gwen (another mutual friend) told Jenna about Garrett and sent her a photo of Garrett and Chewie (Garrett’s goldendoodle). Coincidentally, this photo was from the Smiths’ family photos that I had the pleasure of taking just a few weeks before. So, you can see photos from this shoot below!
While they weren’t opposed to meeting, neither Garret nor Jenna took action. That is, until Jenna saw the same photo of Garrett and Chewie on Bumble and decided to swipe right.
After they matched, Garrett messaged Jenna and more or less said, “Hey, it sounds like we have some mutual friends.”
After playing a little trick on Garrett by pretending she had no idea what he was talking about, Jenna and Garrett went to Top Golf for their first date where, according to Jenna, she “beat the crap out of him.”
Since then, Garrett and Jenna have been busy hiking, kayaking, fishing, exploring state and national parks, camping, watching The Bachelor, pursuing their faith, dominating dance floors (whether the dance floor be an actual dance floor or just Garrett’s living room), and spoiling Chew Baby.
And, now, they’re getting married!
Side Note: Garrett and Jenna take dancing seriously. You can scroll to the reception section of Leslie and Bret’s blog post to see what I mean!
Garrett proposed before a hike at Turkey Run State Park.
Now, we all knew the question was going to be popped soon. It was just a matter of when.
During the holidays, Zach, Garrett, Chris, and Trent (the high school besties) get together for “Bromas.” The wives/girlfriends aren’t always invited, but this year, we were permitted to attend.
However, Jenna had to work and couldn’t make it, leaving room for everyone to ask Garrett, “When the heck are you going to propose?!”
And, as it turned out, Garrett had just placed the order for Jenna’s ring!
His original plan was to propose while he and Jenna were on vacation with Jenna’s family. However, knowing that Jenna would be suspicious, especially after she found the receipt for the ring (LOL!), Garrett pulled an audible.
With nothing to do on a Sunday afternoon and surprisingly nice weather in January, Garrett asked Jenna if she wanted to take Chewie to hike a Turkey Run for the afternoon. They packed a picnic and were excited to get outside.
And, while sitting on the blanket enjoying their lunch, Garrett pulled a single rose out of his bag (They’re big Bachelor fans!), got down on one knee, and asked Jenna to be his wife. And, Jenna said, “Yes!”
Garrett & Jenna decided to take Coxhall Gardens engagement photos in Carmel, Indiana.
I’ve had the pleasure of having these two in front of the camera as a bridesmaid and groomsmen (for both the Peterson and Ulyat weddings), so I was VERY excited for their engagement photos.
Wanting a location with nature but also a bit of architectural interest, Garrett and Jenna decided that they wanted to take Coxhall Gardens engagement photos in Carmel, Indiana.
And, they killed their session! From their perfect outfits and their very dapper pup to how Garrett and Jenna light one another up, their session was a dream!
Garrett and Jenna, thank you for letting me drag you all over the gardens, especially considering you’d just returned from vacation and were in the process of moving. I hope you feel the photos were worth it!
Garrett & Jenna, we’re so excited for you!
Garrett and Jenna will get married at The Edge in Anderson, Indiana on September 11, 2021. And, Chewie will be the “Assistant to the Best Man” since he’s allowed to attend the wedding!
I have no doubt that Garrett and Jenna’s big day will include oh-so-lovely details, a packed dance floor, and a lot of love.
Congratulations, Garrett and Jenna! Zach and I cannot wait to celebrate with you or witness how your marriage blesses everyone you meet for decades to come.
In the meantime, though, I hope you love your Coxhall Gardens engagement photos in Carmel, Indiana!
Chewie’s bowtie just melts me. He’s such a dapper doodle! 
That ring! Way to go, Garrett! 
I’m forever jealous of Jenna’s gorgeous hair. She’s going to be the most stunning bride! 
And, this is just about as Garett, Jenna, and Chewie as it gets! LOL! 
