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Hi, I'm Kenny Nakai.

 

As a Chicago wedding photographer, I’m lucky enough to document some of the city's most beautiful love stories.

 

I hope you find inspiration here and connect with the feelings I had when I created each photo.

kenny nakai chicago photographer in tuxedo on dark backdrop

Hi, I'm Kenny Nakai.

 

As a Chicago wedding photographer, I’m lucky enough to document some of the city's most beautiful love stories.

 

Welcome to my Chicago wedding blog, where I share my latest work and the deeper stories behind the photos. I hope you find inspiration here and connect with the feelings I had when I created each one.

CHICAGO WEDDING BLOG

REAL STORIES.

REAL VENUES.

REAL MOMENTS.

chicago skyline engagement night

It's been quite the journey since I started this Chicago wedding blog in 2007. Photography is more than something to post on social media. It's a time capsule. Stopping. Freezing. Holding a moment forever.

 

There is no greater privilege than being trusted to preserve these moments for the people I love working with.

 

Wedding photography has brought me to the rooftop Cupola at The LondonHouse and on to the turf at Wrigley Field. Not just documenting people, but our ever-evolving city, one frame at a time. One love story at a time.

Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Wedding Photos // S&J

Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Wedding Photos

We love photographing weddings and receptions at the Four Seasons Chicago…the interior decor and location make wedding photos look spectacular! We love their iconic staircase and the modern luxury vibe of the lobby. When you want pictures on Michigan Avenue, just take a few steps and you are there!

Shout out to Jamie from The Four Seasons, Erica from Great Events, and Sam from Epic Events for helping bring Sammi + Josh’s dream wedding to reality – everything was fabulous!

Make sure to scroll through all 90+ of our favorite images from their wedding day.

If you haven’t already, check out Sammi + Josh’s Chicago Museum Campus Engagement Photos.

Wedding Details:

Venue: Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Wedding Ceremony + Reception

Photographers: NAKAI Photography

Planner: Erica from Great Events, Inc

Florals and Decor: Sam from Epic Events

Band: Beatmix Music

Dresser: Caroline from The Wedding Dresser

Hair: Hair by Erin Ahern

MUA: Magda Rod Makeup

Before we get into the flow of their wedding day, here are a few of our favorites!

Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Wedding photo bride and groom dip in lobby

Love they symmetry of their staircase and strong lines juxtaposed with their soft embrace-

staircase Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Wedding

We made sure to stop by this hidden gem on Michigan Avenue for a couple Fourth Presbyterian Church wedding photos

fourth presbyterian chicago wedding photo bride and groom

We just had to hop down at the end of the night for a few night shots on Michigan Avenue – the city has such a different vibe when the sun goes down and the lights come on!

night photo on Michigan avenue Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding photo

Getting Ready at The Four Seasons Hotel Chicago

Starting their wedding photos with a few detail photos

details Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Wedding photo gown dress hanging in windowlay flat stationary details Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Wedding photo rings details Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Wedding photo

bride getting ready Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Wedding photo

Always love the moment when mom helps her daughter into her wedding dress!

bride getting ready Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Wedding photo

Her sister helping her with her shoes

bridal suite Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Wedding photo

bride by window Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Wedding photo bride smiling Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Wedding photo

A special reveal for her father-

brides father reveal Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Wedding photo

And then the bridesmaids had their moment too!

bridesmaids reveal Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Wedding photo

A little toast before the bride departs!

bridesmaids champagne toast Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Wedding photo

Wanted to take a few more portraits of Sammi – she looks stunning!

bride by window Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Wedding photo bride on staircase Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Wedding photo

Getting ready with the groom-

groom suite details Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Wedding photo groom toast Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Wedding photo groom getting ready Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Wedding photo groom getting ready Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Wedding photo groom toast Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Wedding photo groom laughing Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Wedding photo

A special moment shared by Josh, his sister, and mother-

groom hugging Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Wedding photo groom portrait Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Wedding photo groom portrait Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Wedding photo

First Look on the Four Seasons Chicago Staircase

bride groom on staircase Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Wedding photo first look Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Wedding photo first look Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Wedding photo first look Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Wedding photo

Love the symmetry and love this in black and white-

Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Wedding photo bride and groom on staircase

We took time to set this wedding party photo – a little fashion magazine-esque

bridal party lobby Four Seasons hotel Chicgao wedding photo

bride groom in lobby Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Wedding photo

Wedding Photos on Michigan Avenue

We headed outside to take photos on Michigan Avenue!

bride groom on Michigan avenue chicago wedding photo

For all of us locals, we know that the building in the background is the John Hancock with modern architecture…and in the foreground, a little window to our bride and groom showcasing classic Chicago architecture-

4th presbyterian chicago wedding photo bride and groom4th pres chicago wedding photo bride and groomfourth pres chicago wedding photo bride and groomfourth pres chicago wedding photo bride and groom4th presbyterian chicago wedding photo bridesmaids4th presbyterian chicago wedding photo groomsmen

Josh wanted a little nature + green in his wedding day photos – we definitely made it happen with the 4th Presbyterian Church courtyard!

fourth pres chicago wedding photo bride and groomfourth presbyterian chicago wedding photo bridesmaidsfourth presbyterian chicago wedding photo groomsmenbridal party on Michigan avenue chicago wedding photo4th pres chicago wedding photo bride and groom

Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Wedding Ceremony Photos

In Jewish tradition, their ceremony is actually when they sign their Ketubah (their marriage contract)…which usually takes place before the ‘regular’ ceremony.

ketubah signing four seasons hotel chicago

Epic Events transformed the ballroom for their Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding ceremony!

Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding ceremony decor photoceremony decor photo Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding

She was all smiles walking down the aisle!

ceremony processional four seasons hotel chicago wedding photoceremony processional four seasons hotel chicago wedding photoceremony Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding ceremony processional four seasons hotel chicago wedding photochuppah four seasons hotel chicago wedding photo

Love how the parents are involved in this part of the ceremony-

ceremony Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding chuppah four seasons hotel chicago wedding photochuppah four seasons hotel chicago wedding photoFour Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding ceremony first kiss

Flawless execution on this post ceremony dip!

Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding ceremony dip kiss down aisle

Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Wedding Reception Photos

Guests were welcomed to the wedding with this beautiful escort card table piece-

decor Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding photo escort card tablegold bar for reception Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding photo cocktail sign Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding reception photo

The room looked amazing for their Four Seasons Chicago Hotel wedding reception!

room shot Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding reception white flowersdecor Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding reception photo white orchids

The sweetheart table-

reception Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding photo sweetheart table

Their grand wedding cake!

cake Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding reception photo white orchids

The details on the charger plate-

table setting Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding reception photo white orchids

The entered the ballroom like a basketball team runs onto the court- complete with a jump shot!

bride groom entrance Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding reception photo bride groom entrance Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding photo first dance Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding reception photo first dance Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding reception photo first dance Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding photo cake cutting Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding reception photo

Toasts and speeches by the parents-

speeches Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding reception photo speeches Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding reception photo speeches Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding photo grandmas Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding reception photo toast Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding reception photo

The father daughter dance started off like the usual way…

father daughter dance Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding reception photo

And then things took a surprising turn!

father daughter dance Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding photo toasts Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding reception photo

toasts Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding reception photo toasts Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding photo toast Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding reception photo toast Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding photo mother son dance Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding reception photo dancing Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding reception photo

Annnndd….then it was time for our favorite Jewish wedding tradition – The Hora!

hora dance Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding reception photo hora Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding photo hora Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding reception photo

This makes us smile every time we look at it! =)

hora chairs Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding reception photo hora Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding photo hora parents Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding reception photo hora parents Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding reception photo hora parents Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding photo

Always love hearing the BeatMix Music band!

Beatmix music band Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding photo

Nothing beats feeling like you rock star at your own wedding!

band Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding photo bride groom on stage band Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding photo bride groom on stage

This dessert station is everything! Levain, Sweet Mandy B’s, Magnolia Bakery, Stan’s Doughnuts, etc. We could just park ourselves here and eat forever!

dessert band Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding photo dessert band Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding photo

And while it seems like we got all the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding photos one could get…we wanted to end with a few unforgettable night shots!

night shots Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding photo on Michigan avenuenight shots Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding photo in front of sign

Congratulations again Sammi + Josh! We love working with couples what want amazing photos – and we got them all for your Four Seasons Hotel Chicago wedding!

The Gwen – Rooftop Proposal Chicago

The Gwen // Rooftop Proposal Chicago

Everything was set for Sahil’s surprise proposal on the 6th floor rooftop of The Gwen Hotel. The staff laid out the MARRY ME sign, lit the candles, and spread out the petals. Couples are always searching for “rooftop proposal Chicago” and The Gwen has this wonderful location available! It is covered by a pergola (in case of inclement weather) and is located just off of Michigan Avenue.

If you were looking for a Chicago proposal photographer, be sure to visit our contact page!

the Gwen rooftop proposal chicago Marry Me sign with flower petalsrooftop proposal chicago The Gwen hotel flower petals in the shape of a heart

Her reaction when she sees what is going on!

rooftop proposal chicago The Gwen hotel surprised lookthe Gwen rooftop proposal chicago smiling at the surpriseThe Gwen Chicago rooftop proposal couple holding handsrooftop proposal chicago at The Gwen Hotel on bended kneeThe Gwen Chicago rooftop proposal couple kissing The Gwen Chicago rooftop proposal guy on bended kneerooftop proposal chicago The Gwen hotelrooftop proposal chicago at The Gwen Hotel couple huggingthe Gwen rooftop proposal chicago kissingThe Gwen rooftop proposal Chicago couple holding champagne glassesThe Gwen Chicago rooftop proposal photos couple holding handsThe Gwen Chicago rooftop proposa photos sweets platter

The Gwen Proposal Photos

We went beyond the typical ‘rooftop proposal Chicago’ photos – and took some pictures around The Gwen Chicago!

Chicago Gwen proposal photos indoors walking down hallwayChicago Gwen proposal photos kiss on staircaseChicago Gwen proposal photos indoors cuddling next to window lightThe Gwen proposal photos noses touchingThe Gwen proposal photos in lobby sitting while laughingThe Gwen staircase photo in lobby couple standing while laughing

Then came the second surprise…Mom traveled across the globe to surprise her daughter!

Congrats again Sahil + Shraddha! Hope these photos help you relive these special moments!

Chicago Langham Hotel Wedding // G&A

Chicago Langham Hotel Wedding

What an absolute dream for Gabrielle + Andrew’s wedding! This five star hotel never disappoints…it’s no wonder they are consistently rated one of the best hotels in the US.

They wove a few cultural events into their wedding. Starting with some fun Chinese wedding door games, a tea ceremony with parents and an incredible Lion Dance show during the reception. 

If you were looking for a Chicago wedding photographer to capture your special moments – be sure send us message!

Be sure to scroll through this whole blog post to see all 90+ of our favorites from their wedding day! 

In case you missed them, check out their Chicago Botanic Garden + Buckingham Fountain Engagement photos

chicago buckingham fountain engagement nighttime photos

Shout out to Emily from The Langham and Shaun from Events by Shuan Rajah for assembling an all star team of wedding professionals. Everything went flawlessly! Get more luxury inspiration from our Langham Chicago Wedding Guide, one of our favorite Chicago wedding venues!

Wedding Details

Venue: Chicago Langham Hotel Wedding Ceremony + Reception

Planning: Events by Shaun Rajah 

Photography: NAKAI Photography

Decor: Juliet Tan Floral Design

Music: Okyne Media Lab

Videography: Mirar Weddings

Hair/MUA: The Bridal Beauty Team

 

Before getting into the start of their day, here are a few of our favorites from their Chicago Langham Hotel wedding! We love the lobby space…their glass ornamental orbs are beautiful pieces of art-chicago langham hotel wedding photos bride groom in lobby walking smilingWe stole the couple off of the dance floor to take a few pictures at night. Andrew put on quite a show with his champagne spray!chicago langham hotel wedding photos at night bride groom popping champagneThe Langham is just steps away from this epic view of Michigan Avenue. Nothing says Chicago wedding photography like a night time photo on the river-chicago langham hotel wedding photos at night bride groom on a bridge over Chicago river

Chicago Langham Hotel Wedding Photos // Getting Ready

The Langham Hotel has bridal suite has a beautiful view of the Chicago River- chicago langham hotel wedding getting ready details dress gownA details spread picturechicago langham hotel wedding getting ready details invitation suitechicago langham hotel wedding getting ready details rings on invitationA little champagne toast to start off the festivities!getting ready chicago langham hotel wedding robes champagne toastAlways love a photo of Mom helping put on the dressgetting ready chicago langham hotel wedding mom helping into dressbridal suite chicago langham hotel wedding maid of honor helping with shoeschicago langham hotel wedding getting ready maid of honor helping with necklaceA stunning portrait of Gabrielle! Looks like an advertisement in a wedding magazine!bridal suite chicago langham hotel wedding portrait of bride in front of windowportraits of bride chicago langham hotel weddingportraits of bride chicago langham hotel wedding A fun reveal with her bridesmaids!bridal suite chicago langham hotel wedding bride reveal to bridesmaidschicago langham hotel wedding getting ready bridesmaids revealGroom’s detailsdetails chicago langham hotel wedding watch cufflinksAndrew getting a little assistance from his father and best mangroom chicago langham hotel wedding father helping get dressedgroom chicago langham hotel wedding best man helping get dressedgroom photos chicago langham hotel wedding father helping get dressedgroom photos chicago langham hotel wedding black and whiteportraits of groom chicago langham hotel wedding portraits of groom chicago langham hotel wedding

Chinese Wedding Door Games

It’s always a lot of fun photographing Chinese door games! Here the groom has to win the approval of the bridesmaids before he sees his bride…and it often starts with a little cash.Chinese wedding door games in langham chicago hotelChinese wedding door games in langham chicago hotelChinese wedding door games chopsticks and jelly beansChinese wedding door games passing a strawberryChinese wedding door games operation game

First Look

first look chicago langham hotel weddingfirst look chicago langham hotel wedding bride and groomchicago langham hotel wedding first look bride and groomchicago langham hotel wedding first look bride and groomchicago langham hotel wedding first look bride and groom

Creative Portraits 

A photo under the marquee is a ‘must’ for any Langham wedding!

chicago langham hotel wedding under marquee bridal party

These two brought their “A” game with regards to their ‘dip’ photo!

chicago langham hotel wedding under marquee bride and groomchicago langham hotel wedding under marquee bridal party

Wrigley Building Wedding Photos

A few timeless photos next to the Wrigley Building with the Chicago River in the background-

bride groom Wrigley building chicago wedding photosWrigley building chicago wedding photosbridesmaids Wrigley building chicago wedding photosgroomsmen Wrigley building chicago wedding photosbridal party Wrigley building chicago wedding photos

bride groom Wrigley building chicago wedding photosportraits Wrigley building chicago wedding photosbridal party Wrigley building chicago wedding photosbride groom Wrigley building chicago wedding photosWrigley building chicago wedding photos in front of gold doorsportraits Wrigley building chicago wedding photosWrigley building chicago wedding bride and groomportraits Wrigley building chicago wedding photos bridal partyWrigley building chicago wedding bride groom lift and laugh

Michigan Avenue Wedding Photos

A little shutter drag to have the vehicles in motion/blurred – to bring your attention to the subjects on Michigan Avenue-

Michigan avenue chicago wedding bride groomMichigan avenue chicago wedding bride groom black and white

Michigan avenue chicago wedding bride groom dip and kisscovered riverwalk chicago wedding bride groom

Make sure you see their reflection in the window panes!

covered riverwalk chicago wedding bride groomchicago langham hotel wedding pictures bride and groomchicago langham hotel wedding pictures bride and groom

Chicago Langham Hotel Wedding Photos // Ceremony

We start their wedding ceremony photos with a traditional tea ceremony – starting with her grandparents.Chinese tea ceremony Chicago wedding photos langhamYou can’t see it in the web sized file, but there is a tear rolling down Gabrielle’s cheek, mirrored by her sister wiping her tears in the background-Chinese tea ceremony Chicago wedding photos langhamChicago Chinese tea ceremony wedding photos langhamChicago Chinese tea ceremony wedding photos langhamJuliet Tan Floral Designs always does a great job with the decor-Chicago Langham hotel wedding ceremony decor Juliet Tan Decorceremony Chicago Langham hotel wedding groom processionalprocessional Chicago Langham hotel wedding ceremonyprocessional Chicago Langham hotel wedding ceremonyceremony Chicago Langham hotel wedding processionalprocessional Chicago Langham hotel wedding hugging parents  Chicago Langham hotel wedding ceremony Devonshire ballroom

Devonshire ballroom Chicago Langham hotel wedding ceremonyDevonshire ballroom Chicago Langham hotel wedding ceremonyChicago Langham hotel wedding ceremony first kiss

They surprised us with a dip down the aisle! What a great moment captured!

Chicago Langham hotel wedding ceremony recessional exit dip and kissChicago Langham hotel wedding ceremony exit Chicago Langham Hotel Wedding // Receptioncocktail hour Chicago Langham hotel wedding escort card tablecocktail hour Chicago Langham hotel wedding escort card table cocktail hour Chicago Langham hotel weddingA room shot showcasing the grand space in the Devonshire Ballroomreception details Chicago Langham hotel wedding room shotreception details Chicago Langham hotel wedding sweet heart tabletable setting reception Chicago Langham hotel wedding plate menufirst dance entrance Chicago Langham hotel wedding First dance pictures-first dance Chicago Langham hotel wedding receptionfirst dance Chicago Langham hotel wedding receptioncake cutting Chicago Langham hotel wedding receptionToasts with their friends and family-toasts Chicago Langham hotel wedding receptiontoasts Chicago Langham hotel wedding receptiontoasts Chicago Langham hotel wedding receptionAnd then the Lion Dancers showed up!Chinese lion dance chicago langham hotel weddingChinese lion dance chicago langham hotel weddingChinese lion dancers chicago langham hotel weddingChinese lion dancers chicago langham hotel weddingtoasts and speeches chicago langham hotel weddingtoasts and speeches chicago langham hotel weddingFirst dances with the parentsparent dance chicago langham hotel wedding father of brideparent dance chicago langham hotel wedding mother of groomdancing chicago langham hotel weddingdancing chicago langham hotel weddingA little popcorn fun- and for inquiring minds – she missed! You can see the kernel on his shoulder =)popcorn treat chicago langham hotel wedding We went outside for a few photos at night! outside at night chicago langham hotel wedding photo dip and kissoutside at night chicago langham hotel wedding bride and groombride groom outside at night chicago langham hotel weddingelevator kiss chicago langham hotel weddingThank you Gabrielle + Andrew for having us as your wedding photographers! We got all the photos and then some! Hope these pictures help you relive your Chicago Langham Hotel wedding!

with love, 

Kenny Nakai

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I'm Kenny Nakai, a Chicago wedding photographer creating beautiful, timeless imagery since 2007. For couples who value artistry, authenticity, and the moments that last forever.

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