Weddings

Marie + Henry | Villa Parker Wedding | Wheaton Wedding Photographer

January 12, 2025

Veil blowing over bride and groom

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Bride and groom standing together with veil flowing behind them

Everything about this day was truly stunning…not only the details, the flowers, the venue, Marie’s dress and their beautiful details…but because Marie and Henry were just amazingly kind and loving couple to work with and I’m so honored to have photographed their day.

Villa Parker played host to their spectacular day. I love this venue and sincerely miss it now that I’m photographing Chicago weddings. Marie got ready in the bright and airy suite while Henry and his groomsmen prepared for the day with some pool right down the hall.

After putting the finishing touches on with a signature perfume and some final adjustments, Marie and Henry shared a emotional first look right in the courtyard, surrounded by sunshine…and maybe a few bridesmaids and groomsmen that were sneaking around hoping to catch a glance!

As soon as we started portraits, the wind picked up and Marie’s veil had a moment all for itself! With the wind and speckled sunlight, we created some of my favorite portraits of the day in that moment. Their wedding partly joined slightly after for portraits and they were such a supportive group of friends and family!

Their ceremony took place in the courtyard as well, in front of the beautiful fountain accented by beautiful pink, blue and yellow florals; which complemented Marie and Henry’s florals perfectly. I love the way I caught these two looking at each other during the ceremony, such beautiful little glances and looks of love.

And where to start with the reception! I love that they shared dinner and their first dance with their guests outside under the beautiful evening sky. The parent dances took place inside and the party just picked up after that. It was such a fantastic party and didn’t lose an ounce of energy all the way through until their private last dance.

After their private last dance, Henry and Marie’s guests met them in the courtyard, right by where they said “I Do” to send them off with a incredibly fun sparkler exit! The sparklers were timed so perfectly that they got to run through twice!

Henry and Marie, thank you for allowing me to capture your special day. Congratulations to you both!

Wedding dress hanging from brown door

White and blue wedding invitation suite with pink flower

White and blue invitation suite on top of white cheesecloth

Up close picture of wedding rings with date inscription

Wedding invitation laid flat with three rings to the left

Wedding invitation with three rings laid across

Blue and white vow books surrounded by blue flowers

Daisy Marc Jacobs perfume sitting in a pink ribbon

Wedding rings and wedding dress hanging on wooden hanger

Close picture of pearl wedding earrings and rings on pink flower

White wedding shoes laying flat with a pink flower

Bride sitting on bench in white robe surrounded by bridesmaids in pink robes

Bride in white robe posing with arms around mom in pink robe

Bride looking at camera while putting in earrings

Black and white photo of a man in suit playing pool

Groom in blue suit buttoning buttons standing outside

Woman in blue dress zipping up bride's white dress

Bride looking over her shoulder at woman in blue dress zipping up her wedding dress

Black and white picture of bride's dress being zipped up

Bride straightening her necklace

Bride putting in earring on wedding day

Bride in veil and white dress rubbing perfume on wrists

Bride spraying perfume and holding back her hair

Bridesmaid in pink dress putting on bride's veil

Bride spraying perfume on wrist

Groom posing with his hand in pocket in front of trees in blue suit

Bride walking up behind groom in blue suit before their first look

Black and white photo of a man in suit smiling during his wedding

Bride in white dress and groom in blue suit kissing during their first look

Bride in white dress and groom in blue suit standing in front of trees

Veil blowing over bride and groom as they touch foreheads

Veil blowing over bride and groom

Bride looking over her shoulder with veil in front of face

Bride in white dress and groom in blue suit posing for wedding portraits

Bridal portrait in white dress with pink and blue flowers

Up close picture of bride holding pink and blue floral bouquet

Bride holding her flowers and looking down over her shoulder

Bride looking up at camera holding flowers

Bride facing away from camera with veil tossed behind her for portarit

Bride and groom standing together holding flowers

Bride looking over her shoulder as groom rests on her temple

Bride and groom rubbing noses

Bride and groom walking hand in hand with their wedding party

Wedding party in salmon dresses and blue suits

Bridal party in salmon colored dresses laughing at each other

Wedding party huddled together and looking down at their flowers

Pink and blue wedding party bouquets

Bride posing with bridesmaid in salmon dress

Groom in blue suit looking at camera while his groomsmen walk behind him

Black and white photo of man hugging bride

Black and white photo of bride staring up at man

Bride and groom standing near bush

Black and white photo of a groom behind bride smiling at camera

Groom in blue suit standing behind bride and kissing her on the cheek

Bride and groom kissing in yellow archway

Black and white bridal portrait

Pink, yellow and blue flowers next to a chair during wedding ceremony

Wedding ceremony with guests sitting in white chairs

Up close photos of pink flowers in wedding ceremony

Black and white picture of man playing piano

Pink and blue flowers in small bud vase sitting on white tablecloth

Black and white photo of groom in glasses hugging father

Wedding officiant in gray suit and pink tie smiling

Black and white photo of bride looking up at groom during wedding ceremony

Bride and groom looking at each other during wedding ceremony

Groom looking at bride during wedding ceremony

Bridal party bouquet during wedding ceremony

Black and white photo of bride during wedding ceremony

Couple exchanging rings at wedding ceremony

Bride and groom kiss at the altar after wedding ceremony

Black and white photo of two men shaking hands while bride smiles in background

Groom in blue suit looking away from camera

Bride and groom greeting guest in red dress

Pink and blue wedding bouquet

Bride and mom in blue dress posing together for portrait

Wedding reception table numbers on a mirror

Wedding guest table numbers on mirror

Wedding mirror seating chart

Outdoor wedding reception with dark chairs

Wedding table with blue place settings

Pink and blue flowers in a bud vase for wedding reception

Blue napkin at wedding place setting

Opaque table number with number 6

Opaque table number for wedding reception

Pink, blue and yellow flowers on sweetheart table

Wedding guests standing in the grass at cocktail hour

Floating candles wedding reception decor

Sweetheart table surrounded by pink, blue and yellow flowers

Table 4 opaque table decor

Wedding guest in blue dress smiling

Bride and groom smiling and running into wedding reception

Guests clapping and cheering for bride and groom

Wedding guest clapping at table surrounded by other guests

Black and white image of woman holding her dress with wedding ring

Man in blue suit smiling at bride while dancing

Black and white photo of bride spinning during first dance

Groom holding up bride during first dance

Groom spins bride during first dance

Guests cheer with blue cups at outdoor wedding reception

Couple poses slightly behind a bush during wedding portraits

Groom smiling at camera while holding

Bride and groom pose with long veil

Bride hugs groom from behind with veil flying

Back of groom's head with bride's hands showing off wedding ring

Black and white photo of wedding ring on man's chest

Couple in blue suit and wedding dress walks up paver walkway

Black and white photo of bride smiling up at groom

Bride with arm wrapped around groom in blue suit with flowers over his head

Black and white photo of a woman under veil smiling towards the camera

Bride and groom standing chest to chest looking down at flowers

Bride looking down as groom kisses her on head in front of fountain

Bride and groom standing in front of gate arm in arm for wedding photo

Black and white photo of bride and groom in front of a wall

Black and white photo of wedding guest smiling from the side

Bride and groom sitting behind table holding up glasses

Mother in gray suit and man in blue suit dance

Black and white photo of mom and son dancing

Bride in white dress dances with Dad in gray suit

Bride in white dress dances with Dad in gray suit

Bride in white dress dances with Dad in gray suit

Bride in white dress dances with Dad in gray suit

Bride in pink heart sunglasses smiling back over her shoulder

Black and white photo of man laughing at wedding guests

Wedding guest in white shirt and orange tie dances

Wedding cake with "The Harts" written on top in front of brown door

White wedding cake with blue and white flowers and "The Harts" written on the top

Man in pink sunglasses with pink tie dancing at wedding reception

Bar sign in front of blue and pink flowers

Wedding guest in pink dress dancing

Wedding guests dancing

Wedding guests dancing

Wedding guests dancing

Bride and groom kiss behind their wedding cake

Bride and groom bend over to cut their wedding cake

Wedding guest in light colored dress dancing with her arms up

Guest in pink dress dances with her arms around a man in a white shirt

Black and white photo of bride leaning over and touching her heart shaped glsses

Bride and groom singing to each other

Groom dancing with his hands in the air

Woman in blue dress holding sunglasses while dancing

Black and white photo of wedding couple and groom holding beer

Bride dancing with wedding guest in blue dress

Man in white shirt and pink tie holding a drink dancing at wedding reception

Wedding guest in blue dress and pink glasses dancing

Bride in pink sunglasses dancing in a wedding guest train

Man in salmon tie dancing at wedding reception

Black and white photo of bride and groom dancing

Large group dancing with woman in blue dress in the middle

Bride looking up at groom

Black and white photo of groom looking down at bride during dance

Black and white photo of groom hugging bride

Bride and groom walking arm in arm through sparklers after their wedding

Black and white photo of groom looking down at bride during sparkler exit

All photos captured while associate shooting for the amazing Crystal Leffel Photography.

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BEHIND THE LENS

ABOUT MELISSA

Believer in lifelong love, passionate about morning golden hour, exploring new places and the emotions forever frozen through photography.

One of my favorite memories in childhood was sneaking away with my sister and looking through old photo albums, especially our parent's wedding album. We loved seeing our grandparents, family members
and family friends in those pages. We imagined what they were laughing about and what songs they were dancing to. We giggled and loved every minute of holding that gold and white album in our hands. Providing those happy, tangible and emotional memories for my clients is one of my favorite parts of wedding photography.

I grew up in the Chicagoland suburbs and I love the variety that the area offers in wedding venues and locations for your engagement session. The amount of options here are pure perfection. But pairing my love for new places with my passion for wedding photography is a wonderful adventure. I crave the adventure and excitement that a new
places offers, all while bringing the MSP experience to each and every
spot l travel to with my couples.

My husband Rob and I have been together for over thirteen years and when I'm not serving my amazing clients you can find us traveling, spoiling our pup Wally (a 7 year old Border Collie, Husky and German Shepherd mix) and trying new restaurants...but probably ordering something similar every time.

I pride myself on offering my couples a creative, high-touch, seamless wedding photography experience from start to finish. I will share tips and tricks learned over many years of photographing weddings, so your day can be as stress-free as possible and you feel comfortable in front of the camera. I look forward to learning about you and your partner.

© MEL SCHROEDER PHOTOGRAPHY 2025