Intimate, romantic Backyard Wedding at the bride’s family home

Jenna & Robbie had to quickly adjust their wedding plans… thanks to the pandemic. Deciding to do something small & intimate outdoors, they knew that the bride's parent’s home was the perfect location and as you can see in these stunning images by Chicago wedding photographer SARAH SUNSTROM the end result was utterly dreamy! With a timeless and romantic aesthetic designed by BRIGHT DESIGNS IOWA it's elegance at it's very best. 

HOW DID YOU MEET? We were introduced by a friend at a bar. We began talking and exchanged numbers that ultimately led to our first date two weeks later.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROPOSAL: I had taken a new job back in my hometown and Robbie was still in Des Moines working on our house getting ready for it to be sold. I was heading back for the weekend, but had a quick meeting to attend with my brother. Once I returned to the house from the meeting I opened the front door to a path of roses. i followed the path of roses to Robbie standing there in the living room with our daughter. One of our first songs on the tv with a slideshow of our photos to date. Robbie got down on a knee and asked me to be his wife. I said YES!

TELL US ABOUT FINDING YOUR WEDDING DRESS: I knew I wanted a Hayley Paige gown so my mom, sisters and I headed to Chicago. I saw the dress sparkling on the rack so knew I had to try it on. It was history from there!

DESCRIBE YOUR WEDDING FLOWERS: Our flowers were mostly white with hints of blush pink. The Arrangements using Italian ruscus, lemon leaf, seeded eucalyptus, open blizzard and regazza roses, white lisianthus, white freesia, white waxflower and white hydrangea.

FAVOURITE DETAIL OF THE DAY: The chandeliers with the tent draping.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OUT TO A COUPLE PLANNING THEIR WEDDING? Hire a dream team of vendors! Also, don’t stress about the little things. Everything will turn out perfect!

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT? Seeing my dad cry when the String Quartet started playing.

WHAT ASPECT OF THE WEDDING WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU BOTH? The most important aspect was having all our family and closest friends in attendance and celebrating our special day with us!

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR HONEYMOON: Due to Covid, we have decided to hold off on honeymoon plans.

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD CHANGE OR DO DIFFERENTLY? Absolutely not. In many ways, we are happy that we were forced to make adjustments. A wedding in my parent’s backyard surrounded by the closest friends and family brought so much meaning.

A huge thank you to Chicago wedding photographer SARAH SUNSTROM for sharing this beautiful wedding with us today. 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.