5 minutes with… Chicago wedding photographer Sarah Sunstrom

As a photographer Chicago wedding photographer SARAH SUNSTROM is passionate about documenting the moments and heirlooms that tell stories of legacy. "I consider it an honour to walk alongside you in this process, witnessing your love story unfolding. It's a privilege to capture the images that you and your family will cherish for many lifetimes yet to come." Read on to learn more about this talented lady.

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHER: I was always the friend with the camera growing up (before cell phones). My dad gifted me with a camera in 5th grade and I always enjoyed taking photos on family vacations and I loved the results I received. 

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR PATH TO GET THERE: I bought a DSLR camera while I was in college and promised myself after graduation I would learn how to use more than just a point and shoot. After receiving my degree, I started taking classes and couldn't get enough. My sister-in-law asked me to take maternity photos for her and my business came from those photos. I started with families, newborns and children. After a few years I discovered that my love was in photographing weddings. I closed the portrait side of my business four years ago to solely focus on weddings. I've never been happier.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE: My style is classic, nostalgic and a bit of editorial. It's an 'elevated you' look while honing in on the details that make your wedding unique. 

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT WEDDINGS? I love getting to know my couple and their family's traditions and heirlooms. What their grandmother wore on her wedding day, the special way they celebrate with grandpa and photographing her great aunt's hat pin in my bride's bouquet. 

SHARE YOUR FAVOURITE IMAGE WITH US AND TELL US WHY: This image was taken right before Bob saw his beautiful bride, Libby. Their love was so touching – both had tears in this moment. 

CAN YOU RECALL YOUR FAVOURITE WEDDING EXPERIENCE? My favourite experience was with a sweet bride's family last fall. Her grandmother was such a lovely woman and everyone missed her dearly, as she had passed on. Her grandfather's love for her grandmother was still very present. He wore his top hat and tails to the wedding – the same he wore when his love began with his beloved wife. The bride surprised her grandfather with Frank Sinatra's 'New York, New York'. This is the song he and his wife used to go out and dance to. All of their family gathered and danced around his wheelchair on the dance floor. A few tears flowed down his cheek and in that moment I knew that was the reason I photographed weddings – for the nostalgia, traditions and memories.

ASIDE FROM FAMILY & FRIENDS, THREE THINGS YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT: Lattes, garden roses and white sheets on my bed.

WHERE WOULD WE FIND YOU ON A SUNDAY MORNING: I would be curled up in the sunlight under a blanket. Sipping on a caramel latte and catching up on my latest novel. 

HOW WOULD YOU SPEND YOUR IDEAL DAY OFF? I would be spending the day with my husband and our three little girls. We'd pack a picnic basket and head to our favourite spot on the beach. We'd lay down a blanket, snack on lunch and look for shapes in the clouds.

Chicago wedding photographer SARAH SUNSTROM is a valued member of our vendor collective. Sarah believes that your love story is your legacy, but also a chance to celebrate your own unique love story: who you are as a couple, and the legacy you want to create. "As a photographer, I'm passionate about documenting the moments and heirlooms that tell stories of legacy. I consider it an honour to walk alongside you in this process, witnessing your love story unfolding. It's a privilege to capture the images that you and your family will cherish for many lifetimes yet to come." You can see more of her work in her portfolio here.