But Serafin persisted and his efforts paid off…she couldn’t help but notice what a great guy he was after all!

***more photos are posted on facebook Feel free to ‘friend’ me if you can’t see the 60+ images there!***

They decided to have their wedding ceremony at their alma mater, Loyola University in Chicago, IL. The Madonna della Strada Chapel is a gorgeous venue right on the lake front.

Wedding Ceremony
Madonna Della Strada Chapel
1032 West Sheridan Rd
Chicago, IL 60660

They held their reception in downtown Chicago, at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) ballroom. It’s right across the street from the Art Institute on Michigan Avenue. The ballroom is a great space with high ceilings and a lot of character. You almost feel like you are stepping back in time when you walk in.

Reception Ballroom
School of the Art Institute of Chicago Ballroom (SAIC)
112 S. Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60603

Before we start with the wedding day photos in chronologcial order, I wanted to share with you my two favorite photos from the day.

I’m still working on the title, but right now I am thinking something along the lines of “Making a break for it!” For this photo, I really tried to be creative with the Loyola University campus-

Another photo I really love…taken at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago Ballroom. Being a little creative with angles and poses-

The ladies got their hair, makeup, and nails done in Lincoln Park at Johnathan Breitung Salon Luxury Spa. A great space that can accommodate any of your wedding needs. The dress was put on at Hotel Sax, which is next to the House of Blues downtown.

I love this photo of Maria in her wedding dress, I love the details in the lace and ribbon.

Stunning!

This was a fun moment in the limo when the champagne was being opened-

Serafin was looking pretty good in his ‘barong’ – Filipino formal wear.

The beautiful Madonna della Strada Chapel-

This photo would be a great for a blackberry ad- =)

The bride making her entrance with her father-

A view of the chapel from the balcony-

We took a bridal party photo outside the chapel-

Though we ran into traffic on Lake Shore Drive, we managed to grab a skyline photo of downtown Chicago at one of Maria’s favorite spots on the lake.

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago-

The ballroom from the balcony

Gorgeous orchid centerpieces

A cupcake tower! Filled with all kinds of cupcakes! mmmmmmmmmmmmm

Another detail shot of the orchids on the napkins-

Party favors

First dance photo

Maria & Serafin- I hope you are enjoying California! It was a beautiful wedding filled with so many awesome moments! Thank you for having me as your photographer and I wish you the best as you begin your new life together!

with love,

Kenny

Contact – Portfolio – Facebook – Twitter

***to see more images, head to my facebook page*** (feel free to ‘friend’ me if you can’t see the images)

The dress…I loved the juxtaposition of the shapes in the image-

The shoes-

Poking through! Make sure not to mess up the hair and makeup! =)

The traditional Filipino formal attire is a “barong”. The groom and groomsmen were all sporting their barong’s.

I love this shot of Rey looking out the window

Check out the third little guy in the back- =)

A glance back at the boys-

They wanted to shoot at Millennium Park, as that was the location of their engagement. We had a “Random” portraiture of the group- It can be interpreted in many ways-

My favorite bridal party picture-

Aileen wanted to shoot an Abbey Road picture (a la the Beatles)

And since the reception was at the Holiday Inn – Merchandise Mart, we had to take advantage of the city.

There was a great view from the reception hall- as the Holiday Inn – Merchandise Mart is located on top of the Sun Times building.

Thanks you guys for a great time! And I will always remember how it thunder stormed before and after our photoshoot in the city. =)

Take care!

with love,

Kenny Nakai