It was a great time and we were able to capture some creative photographs at the Chicago Botanic Gardens. I was privileged to be their wedding photographer…entrusted to capture their special day in a creative, unique and authentic manner.

I love how a slideshow really allows you to feel the emotions of the day. I hope you connect with Hannah and Jason through their wedding photographs. Enjoy the slideshow in it’s true high definition glory! =)

Music Credits:
Kalai – Divide Me
Joshua Radin – I’d Rather Be With You
John Legend – Each Day Gets Better

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We started the wedding day at the Hyatt in Northbrook. The groomsmen and bridesmaids each getting ready on the same floor. This allowed for easy access for me to pop in and out to take photos of both parties getting ready! But to be honest, all the action was happening with the bride. =)

***More than 70 photos will be posted on my facebook page next week! Feel to friend me if you want to see more!***

A photos of the wedding shoes and wedding dress in the background-

Her wedding jewelry and button made and worn for the bachelorette party earlier in the week! Vote for Hannah!

I love this portrait of the groom- almost belongs in an GQ magazine for an article on the executive of the year! =)

And as I mentioned, getting Jason’s real smile on camera can be a challenge…another reason why I love authentic photos of people! Especially on their wedding day!

Hannah look stunning in her wedding dress. I adore this photo of her. So simple. So classy. So beautiful.

ummm….another stunning picture. For all you future brides, Hannah’s wedding dress was tailored at Ms. Couture in Chicago! Just a couple blocks from my photography studio! They did a great job! And a thanks for the crew at Sonia Roselli Esthetique – Great work as always ladies!

Some details of the wedding dress

A black and white photo. And I already mentioned Ms. Couture…but they deserve another shout out for a beautiful veil! They made it!

For our creative photo session, we headed out to the Chicago Botanic Gardens. As spring had taken it’s time in arriving, we really had to look for flowers! I found this spot where we had some budding tulips in the foreground and daffodils in the background! A perfect spot for photos!

Love this photo! What a moment! =)

We found a spot for some cool groomsmen photos

The same spot with photos of the bride and groom

A bridal party photo – the first of many. This is an example of a photo that just comes alive in black and white

I found another patch of daffodils- and we definitely had to take advantage. Nothing says spring like daffodils!

I normally don’t do too much photoshop to my imagery – but with this photo of the bridal party…it just felt right. A more classic and traditional pose w/a modern vibe. =)

The bridesmaids getting their own photo-

I love these next three photos. A gorgeous bride + amazing light = phenomenal photography! That’s one of things I do well…the ability to see natural light and how it allows for different photos-

This was a conceptual photograph at first…and when I took it…I wasn’t too thrilled about it. But after converting it to black and white…and massaging it in Photoshop a little. I really like it! It comes close to the concept in my mind! I love it when I can trust my photography intuition! =)

A photo of the ladies=

We dismissed the bridal party and took a few more photos of the bride and groom before heading out to the ceremony-

Love the water, the reflection, and the daffodils in the background!

Probably one of my second favorite moments during a wedding…and as the wedding photographer, I almost always get to see their faces during this moment! =)

A prayer time-

The reception was held at Concorde Banquets in Kildeer, IL.

And true Jason’s interests…the bridal party huddled up on the dance floor! Game on! Totally impromptu and soooo much fun!

First dance- I really like incorporating the ambient light in my dancing photos. It helps make the imagery feel more ‘real’ as if you were really there witnessing the first dance.

And to close…a photo of their rings!

Thanks Hannah and Jason for a great time! I wish the best and my prayers go with you as you grow in your relationship together! And thank you for allocating so much time on your day for wedding photography! I think your investment really paid off! =)

with love,

Kenny

Min started her day at Sonia Roselli’s boutique in Rogers Park to get her hair and makeup done. This was my first time there and I absolutely loved the decor and ambiance. I am excited to be working with them again for a couple more weddings in the future-

Ben & Min shared a first look together before their ceremony at the Chicago Botanic Gardens. I love how you can see Ben wringing his hands as he waits to see his beautiful bride-

Friends help friends with their hair before a photoshoot- =)

I loved these next two images of the bridal party-

My favorite image of the two of them-

What a way to show respect and honor to your parents and future parents-

They surprised us all when they sang together to Jason Mraz’s song “Lucky”-

The emotions came out during the father-daughter dance-

Thanks for a great time Ben & Min! Congrats once again!

with love,

Kenny Nakai

I also remembering sitting next to Dru when he was first talking to Nicole via cellphone as they started their relationship long distance. After a long engagement process, as well as a daily countdown on facebook, they were finally married!

We started the day at the Marriott Hotel O’Hare for Nicole’s hair and makeup-

For some reason…I really like this next shot-

When I capture moments like this…I am reminded just how much I love wedding photography-

After the ceremony we headed out to the Chicago Botanic Gardens to grab some portraits-

I love the attention Nicole paid to the little details-

I think this image is one of my all time favorite toasting pic

Thanks for an awesome time you guys! I hope these pictures always bring you back to where it all began!

by His grace,

Kenny