We were lucky to catch up with Justine Grace Garcia recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Justine Grace, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

My mission is simple: to document and preserve special memories that last generations. Why is this important to me? Because my parents lived twenty-five years of their marriage without a single wedding photo. And because life is too short to let memories fade away with time. My parents eloped twenty six years ago and not a single photo was captured to document the special moment! Growing up, I would hear their amazing story of how they met and how they eloped. However, they never had any photos to show their kids how dreamy and perfect their elopement was. So, for their silver anniversary two years ago, we went to Sedona and Payson to document their vow renewal. Once my mom received her photos, she posted them everywhere. From her iPhone lock & Home Screen, to her work desktop background, and even my dad’s mini van screen, their silver anniversary photos were displayed. It is my value to treasure every moment that goes by in life and preserve not only the moment, but how we feel during the moment. So, what better way to document life’s precious moments than documenting a couple exchanging their vows and saying “I Do” to the love of their life!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Justine Grace and I photograph weddings and elopements for the simplistic and modern lovers. My passion for photography extends beyond clicking a button on your wedding day. I am a friend to listen and support you on the most important day of your life. I create an environment that is stress free for my bride and groom by being overly prepared for what the day has in store. I am here to help you plan your wedding day and be as hands on as you want me to be. I am here to document how you felt as you flood with excitement and nervousness walking down the aisle to be met with the love of your life. I am your friend first and foremost and my goal is for you to enjoy and be present on your wedding day. Lay back, and once the day is done, I’ll deliver your wedding gallery for you to reminisce on. I document feelings and emotions just as much as the memories that took place!

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

Photography was never the goal. I kind of just stumbled across the idea of operating a wedding photography business, believe it or not. I graduated with my Bachelors of Science in Nurse and am a licensed and registered nurse. It was during COVID that I realized my passion for documenting emotions and memories can serve so much people. I was in the middle of nursing school when COVID went full lock down. Classes became 100% online and I needed a creative outlet. So I picked up my camera and started to arrange photoshoots in the desert when the lockdown eased up. One thing lead to another, and I found a business coach who changed my mindset about starting and growing a business. Once I finished school and was in a comfortable spot in my nursing career, I decided to go part time and grow my wedding photography business. This has been the best choice I’ve made so far. I get to serve clients in all walks of life, I get to be present for the most important day of their lives, and deliver products that they’ll have forever… how epic is that?!

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

I feel like this is one of the first things that you have to do as a business owner, but is also the hardest! Personally, I’m still working to grow my clientele. My current process includes being present, believe it or not. Being present on social media platforms and just sharing my values, my mission, and the products I offer. Wedding Photography is not a necessity in most people’s opinion, but it is for me. Wedding photography is not just snapping a photo. It’s documentation of your wedding day. It’s documentation of how you felt and how you looked and what took place on your wedding day. Because let’s face it. As time goes so does our memories. The best way for me to communicate this message and grow my clientele has been to just be present on social media platforms. Between instagram, Facebook, and google, my clients have been finding me and resonating with my why.

Contact Info:

• Website: justinegracephotography.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/justinegrace.photography
• Facebook: Facebook.com/justinegracephotography

Image Credits
Portrait & Flat Lay Design: Paige Lorin Photography