Weddings

Samantha + Martin | The Carter Chicago | Chicago Suburb Photographer

January 5, 2025

Bride smiling over her shoulder while walking away

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White wedding flowers

Where do I even start with Marty and Sammie? What an amazing couple surrounded by some amazing people. I was so lucky to photograph this wedding downtown Chicago at the beautiful Carter venue alongside Cantemir Photo as her second shooter.

When we first arrived to the venue, we began by photographing their stunning details and I couldn’t help but sneak in for a couple of candid shots of Sammie and her girls, having so much fun in the bridal suite that overlooks the whole venue. It’s such a cool setup and a great way to watch your guests arrive while staying tucked away.

After eveyone was ready, Marty and Sammie shared a beautifully emotional first look right outside in the courtyard, followed by private vow reading. You could tell they felt so much better having seen each other and we departed to take wedding party and couple photos around the city.

We came back to the venue just as guest were starting to arrive and Sammie and Marty loved that they could hide away in the getting-ready suite while guests filed in. A perfect place to hang out and relax before the ceremony!

They were married in a lovely ceremony and the photo of them exiting as husband and wife is one of the favorites I’ve taken to date. With the reception upon us, they opened the doors for us to photograph and their details were absolutely stunning. Beautifully consistent and neutral. After dinner, people were itching to get on the dance floor and the party was roaring, even when we left! What a fantastic day, filled with the most beautiful light, happy moments and true love.

Cheers to forever, Sammie and Marty!

Bride with long blonde hair laughing while opening champagne

White wedding invitation

White vow books with pearl earrings on top

Bride hugging bridesmaid in black outfit

Smiling bridesmaid in black robe

White wedding flowers with white ribbon laying on white background

Bride with blonde hair getting makeup done

Up close details of bridal dress

Groom smiling with bride behind him

Bride smiling up and groom

Black and white image of bride and groom reading vows

CTA Train in Chicago, IL

Bride looking down at floor with white dress and veil

Up close picture of bride hands

Bride smiling over her shoulder while walking away

Veil covering half the picture while groom kisses bride in the background

Bride and groom walking under maroon overpass

Couple posing in front of the Chicago river

Couple posing in front of the Chicago River

Welcome sign at Sammie & Marty's wedding

Black and white photo of Dad walking bride down aisle

Couple standing at the front of wedding ceremony

Black and white photo of couple walking away from wedding ceremony

Wedding reception details

White wedding cake with bow on top

White wedding cake with bow on top

Bride smiles at groom while dancing

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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