So…I think I deserve to get the best ‘wingman’ award for the day. OR the best ‘assist’ if you will. I had to sell the photo session to Varuna w/o making his secret obvious: that in an hour, Ritish would ask for her hand…right in front of my lens! =) I played it off well, and she HAD NOT IDEA. =)

We just started walking around the University of Chicago campus taking photos. Since the photo shoot was a surprise to Varuna, I wanted to ease her into the pictures. We were able to get some amazing photos as Ritish and Varuna were both so happy to be together, that they almost seemed oblivious to the camera! Little did Varuna know…that the shoot would end at the Rockefeller Memorial Chapel where Ritish had something special in mind for his proposal! Read on to see the pictures!

***more photos from this engagement session and proposal can be viewed on my facebook page! Feel free to friend me if you can’t see or comment!***

A beautiful spring day for some photos!

I love the architecture at the University of Chicago. You would not think you are on the south side of Chicago! =)

Look at their smiles in the photo!

Magnolias were blooming!

Their emotions don’t get any more real and authentic. My job as a photographer is not just about taking pictures, but allowing the real personalities of my couples to shine through. THIS IS WHO THEY ARE.

Spring engagement photography wouldn’t be complete without some colorful tulips!

And for Ritish, I busted out my special Nikon manual focus 50 1.2 lens! Are you a photographer? Check out the creamy bokeh in this photo!

Inside the Rockefeller Memorial Chapel…he asked for her hand on one knee….the way to do it!

And in case you didn’t know the ending to the show…she said yes!

We took advantage of the Rockefeller Memorial Chapel interior for some creative photos!

I feel the love between these two…it was a joy to witness and be apart of their special day!

In the back of the Rockefeller Memorial Chapel…I just had to have them go up and get a photo!

Since this day was filled with SOOOOO many wonderful moments, I decided to create an HD slideshow for them! So enjoy a more full experience of Ritish + Varuna’s University of Chicago: Rockefeller Memorial Chapel Engagement & Proposal! An amazing couple + love = memorable photos!

Music Credit: Ludovico Einaudi: I Giorni

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New Chicago Studio in Lincoln Park: 855 W. Blackhawk Chicago, IL 60642 *by appointment only*

For our second shoot in San Francisco, we started at a popular site where Anisa & Imran spent countless hours when they were first dating! Though the place was technically ‘closed’ they were kind and generous enough to let us inside to grab some photos of such a memorable place!

Just a little playful moment. I love their smiles and laughs-

Real smiles and real laughs…real emotions. =)

Then it was her time to return the love. I LOVE Imran’s face! =) =) =)

You would think this photo belongs in a magazine ad or something. What a great looking couple!

I often find inspiration for a photo in the weirdest places. You know where this was taken? In the hallway below Anisa’s apartment. As we were walking through…I thought…”when we leave, we definitely have to grab some shots here!”

Right down the street from Anisa’s apartment, there were a bunch of murals…and of course…I love colors and patterns! I found one that I liked, and we grabbed these photos- Can you feel the emotions between the two the these next two photos? I could look at them all day. love. love. love.

Fun times!

The sun was coming out after a drizzly day…and though we were finished w/the shoot, I convinced these guys two walk up the steep San Francisco hill to grab these next three photos. And I think you’ll agree…IT WAS WORTH IT! =)

Possibly one of my favorite shots from and engagement session.

And another ridiculously fun moment!

Thanks to Anisa & Imran for a fabulous time in San Francisco! Though it was my first time…I can’t wait to go back! California is pretty awesome! ESPECIALLY when it is snowing in Chicago! =) Thanks for being such great ‘models!’ You guys did a fabulous job! See you soon!

with love,

Kenny

Contact – Portfolio – Facebook – Twitter
New Chicago Studio in Lincoln Park: 855 W. Blackhawk Chicago, IL 60642 *by appointment only*

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

with love,

Kenny Nakai

Afterwards we headed out to the Erawan Museum – where the mythical elephant with three heads resides. That elephant it so big, you can actually go inside it’s body!

To end our day- they took me out to this amazing restaurant on the ocean! It’s their favorite place for seafood- and I must concur…it was my favorite meal in Thailand. =) Fresh grilled prawns, scallops, fried fish….mmmmmmmmm….~

Thanks North & Tangmoe for a great time in Thailand! It was great getting to know you both- best wishes on your marriage!

with love from America-

Kenny Nakai

There are a few more images posted on my facebook profile- so if you want to see more- head on over there!

This photo cracks me up everytime I look at it! =)

Glenn thought I was switching lenses and just threw a fireball at Nicole! I didn’t tell him to do this pose…but I helped his cause with a little photoshop. =)

Thanks you guys for being so willing to try new things! I had a great time, and I hope these images make you smile as you remember all the laughs from the day-

Can’t wait til the wedding!

with love,

Kenny

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

And though there was a foot of snow on the ground, we shot for over an hour in the cold and had a great time- =)

This was one of the first ones we took, but it is one of my favorites-

Having a great time in a quiet forest.

This was by far to highlight of my day…walking on a frozen river! **I do not advocate this by any means…*** We made sure it was really solid before embarking on the ice-

I title this one: “Eyes upon us”

Don’t you remember doing this? Sliding on ice? Good times!

And it was crazy how these two climbed up a tree and were chillin 12 feet in the air! I love it!

Don’t try this at home! It’s cause Joe has some mad strength!

Love this action shot-

And one last ‘nice’ one before we wrap up-

Thanks you guys for a great time! Thanks for sitting on snow, climbing trees, hiking up hills, skating on ice, and all the other activities you did during the shoot! It was a blast! Can’t wait for the wedding!

May He continue to open your hearts and challenge you to grow closer to Him as you prepare for marriage these last few months-

by His grace,

Kenny Nakai