A couple hours later I get a phone call, “Kenny this is Nora, DISREGARD MY EMAIL! I HAVE to have you as my photographer- If that means no limo, then we’ll get a school bus, but I HAVE to have you!” =) And true to her words, we rode around Chicago in a converted school bus on the day of her wedding- But you know what? We have images that will last forever- =)

So you can be assured that I really wanted to do my best for Nora & Scott-

Here’s a couple images from their engagement session from Wicker Park in Chicago. You can see the rest of the images here.

***you can find more images from this wedding on my facebook page – feel free to ‘friend’ me if you can’t see them!”

We started the day at the Embassy Suites right off Michigan Avenue in Chicago.

Nora wore a pair of ballet shoes- I love the personal touch in all the little details-

I was able to find a little ray of light to grab this creative shot of the wedding bouquet.

Since the guys were all done, we headed downstairs from some creative portraits. The Embassy Suites has a cool restaurant that let us use their facility.

As a surprise, Nora gave Scott and his family cufflinks made in Scotland with their family crest- Talk about sweet-

The church was none other than St. Mary’s of the Angels in Chicago-

I always try to show the overall ambience when shooting a bride walking down the aisle. St Mary’s of Angels definitely has a nice backdrop! =)

A bagpipe sounded to lead the newly weds down the aisle!

We headed out to Washington Park in downtown Chicago (right across from the Newberry Library) for our creative portrait session.

A view of the Embassy Suites from above-

One of my favorite moments from the night-

Before we called it a night, we headed outside to grab a couple shots- after all, we are in downtown Chicago!

Thanks you guys for having me as your photographer and for giving up so much for me to be there- I hope it was worth it! =)

with love,
Kenny Nakai

Esther & Tae Ho were half a world away from each other when I was contacted by Esther. She was serving with the International Justice Mission in India while trying to plan a wedding! Here’s a quick description from their website:

International Justice Mission is a human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. IJM lawyers, investigators and aftercare professionals work with local officials to ensure immediate victim rescue and aftercare, to prosecute perpetrators and to promote functioning public justice systems.

I’ve always been a fan of IJM, since I first heard about them in college. Human trafficking and slavery is a serious problem in such a larger percentage of the world. I was really thankful to know that she was actually helping in India. Tae Ho also works with people a little closer to home as he serves on staff at Renewal Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, PA where he works with inner-city youth through various programs. Needless to say, I knew I would get along with these two and I was privileged to be apart of their wedding day.

Their wedding was in La Jolla, CA. It was my first time to La Jolla and I could not get over the beauty that is California. I think if you live there, you may get desensitized to the terrain, but coming from the flat lands of Illinois, I was soaking it all in. Ok…so enough about that…on to the pictures!

The reception was a fantastic little seafood restaurant called: Brockton Villa

Thanks you guys for a great time out in California! May He continue to guide your paths as you serve Him as one! I’m looking forward to seeing what He has in store for you both!

by His grace,

Kenny Nakai

The first time I met Sajan was at their engagement session earlier this year. And though it was a brisk Chicago winter day, he managed to warm things up with his humor and smooth lines- =) Here are a couple images, you can see the rest of them here.

I started the day at Jaicy’s parent’s place, and my second shooter, Nate Mathai started at Sajan’s hotel-

Yea, um…don’t ask me…but it sure looks like he is trying his Jedi mind tricks on me- maybe that’s how get got Jaicy!

And of course there was an awesome dance routine- I almost got trampled on at one point! =)

Congrats again! I pray that you continue to shine brightly as you live faithfully in your marriage-

by His grace,

Kenny

Thanks so much Kelly & Melissa for a great photoshoot! I wish you the best in your future together!

with love,

Kenny Nakai

I photographed Voltaire & Jamie down at the museum campus. It was a gorgeous day and both of them were really comfortable in front of the camera. I loved how playful they with each other…completely catching me off guard at times! I think you can see some of the fun in the images below- Goodtimes!

Thank you guys for all the trust! I can’t wait til your wedding!

with love,

Kenny Nakai

I almost deleted this next shot right after I took it, and I am glad I refrained! I really like this one!

This one was my favorite from the day- I love the way they are smiling and looking at each other- =)

Thanks you guys for a great time and for opening yourselves up to me! We definitely got some genuine moments! =)

See you soon!

with love,

Kenny

Marilyn & Manoj were such a fun couple…and their nerves were calmed through their laughter and their connection with one another.

And for those of you who live in Chicago, you know that we have been having some miserable weather recently. April was cold and wet. So when we headed out to the lakeshore near Rogers Park for this eSession, I was thoroughly enjoying every minute of being outside without feeling cold.

A great combination for a wonderful engagement session.

This cracks me up everytime- I just have the Mortal Kombat theme song going on in my head when I look at this- =)

Manoj caught her off guard with this one-

Thanks guys for a great time! Can’t wait til the wedding! Have a great time at your engagement reception! =)

with love,

Kenny Nakai