As I mentioned in the previous post, I am a wedding photographer available worldwide for destination weddings! But for fun…I’m also available for destination engagement sessions too! Like this trip to New Orleans. It was my first time in NOLA, and I had a great time exploring the city. I was inspired by the culture, architecture, and of course…the food. =)

To start things off for part 2 of our destination engagement photo shoot, we returned to the Warehouse district after the sun had set. I love Jason’s natural smile in this photo.

And then by accident…I was bending down changing some camera gear, when I saw this…and I had to take a photo-

One of the more technically difficult photos of the night. I love the motion blur caused by the moving vehicles. New Orleans architecture all around them. And of course…they look good too =)

Since this was my first time in New Orleans, I was told I have to eat a beignet. Fried dough? ummmm yes please! So we headed to the famous Cafe Du Monde in the French Quarters. Even though it was late after dinner…Cafe Du Monde was still crowded, and the ‘heart-attack-in-a-napkin’….I mean ‘beignets’ were still fresh out of the fryer! Oh. my. good. ness. It was good.

If you are ever in New Orleans, be sure to stop by – here’s a photo of the place…with Jason and Hannah relaxing and having a good time. This photo reminds me of a famous American painting. Though at this moment, the name of it is slipping my mind. Let me know in the comment box if you know what I am talking about! =)

More French Quarters at night photos

When people visit New Orleans, they usually head out to Bourbon street….We were there on a weekday, and I was told it gets packed on the weekends.

More French Quarters photography

The next morning, we headed back out to the French Quarters to grab some photos during the day.

I love all the balconies in the French Quarters…well they are all over NOLA. This one was getting remodeled, but I thought it looked cool and thought to grab a photo-

Love this black and white photo. Yes…that would be the French Quarters. Here in Chicago, we don’t have architecture that looks like this.

And to close out our day, we had a photo shoot at a bayou! We have lakes, rivers and streams in Illinois, but no bayous. I love the symmetry of this photo-

A photo of them on the bridge

This was a fun photo. I love strong composition of the X behind Jason…and I think their pose and smiles are a nicely juxtaposed.

And for our first meal in New Orleans, we had charbroiled oysters from Dragos, which was featured on “The Best Thing I Ever Ate” show from the Food Network. Well….the Food Network’s recommendation was so good, that we headed out to another spot as featured on “The Best Thing I Ever Ate“: Domilises for a shrimp po’boy! This place was a real hole in the wall! No larger than your average dining and living room! And it was in a residential area! Our GPS took us there, but we didn’t even see it! It turned out, Domilises was remodeling, and their sign was on the ground. The only way we knew it was there was by the influx of people into the establishment.

But yes…the po’boy here was pretty amazing. The bread was so soft and not chewy. The sauce they used with the shrimp….sandwich heaven. So yea, it’s a little out of the way, but if you want a great shrimp po’boy, I have to agree with the chefs on “The Best Thing I Ever Ate”…well, don’t take my word for it…take theirs! =)

Thanks again to Jason and Hannah for flying this frigid cold Chicago Wedding photographer to warmer weather down in New Orleans! I had a great time with you guys and can’t wait until the wedding! And a shout out to Hannah’s friend Lisa who helped with so many location recommendations for us!

with love,

Kenny

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Studio: 855 W Blackhawk St #104 Chicago, IL 60642

Since they are only in Germany for a little time more, we wanted the photos to reflect ‘Germany’ as this was where their marriage started and where their first child will be born.

We headed out to a local ‘castle’ where royalty used to live. I love the architecture and color in this photo….but I LOVE the shadow of the bump on the wall! Make sure you check it out!

Chris likes to pretend he understands the ‘pains’ of labor- what a funny photo!

Carolyn & Chris love good photography and I always enjoy working with them….this was a pretty photo-

In Illinois, everything is flat…but in Germany…there are a lot of hills- a cool silhouette photo showcasing her maternity phase- =)

Love the sun rays shinning through in this photograph

The ‘glowing’ soon-to-be parents!

America is relatively young. Europe and Germany have lots of cobblestones- something you definitely realize when you are pregnant….so I’ve been told. =)

Love this moment-

One of my favorite maternity photos from the day-

Pregnant and growing? Yup!

Thanks for another great time in Germany guys! It was fun just hanging out and spending time with you guys! Can’t wait to see the new addition on skype when the time comes!

with love,

Kenny

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855 W Blackhawk St #104 Chicago, IL 60642

And boxing was a tough assignment! Though I had full access…the speed of the punches and the low light conditions made for a challenging environment. I kept imagining what it must have been like to be a sports photographer back in the day…ringside as Muhammad Ali tore up opponents. This photo of Muhammad Ali is just epic. The composition, the lighting, and of course…the right timing.

And to think…THEY DID THIS ON FILM! So to all you sports photographers who have shot on film…I tip my cap to you. I can’t imagine what it must have been like.

Amateur boxing night at The Standard Club turned out to be a great event. Chicago boxer Lee Roy Murphy, a former Light Heavyweight National Gold Glove winner, was the guest of honor-

I love the look in his eyes-

Favorite photo of the night-

Yes…this very room at the Standard Club hosts wedding ceremonies, receptions, and…once a year, amateur boxing night.

I hope you enjoyed something a little different than weddings and engagement photos- it was definitely refreshing to shoot something different…and to grow a greater appreciation for those sports photographers who have gone before me-

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855 W. Blackhawk St #104 Chicago, IL 60642

Right after we landed, we headed to lunch at Drago’s! As soon as we walked in, the oyster bar looked familiar…Drago’s was on the Food Network TV show, “The Best Things I Ever Ate“! I watch this show regularly and I was excited to eat their famous charbroiled oysters! hmmmm! Here’s a pic for you all-

The oysters from Dragos were the real deal. But the entree I had, fried softshell crab…was off the hook! Combined with the charbroiled oysters…this was easily one of the top two meals I’ve eaten in 2010. This crab was huge…the size of both of my hands! Unbelievable. Drago’s is a must visit.

We started our time in New Orleans with a trip out to the Garden District. Some pretty huge and old houses lined the main streets! It was fun exploring different buildings! I love the couch in this next photo-

And nothing says New Orleans like a streetcar trolley rolling by! And you know can know we are in the Garden District by the color of the streetcar.

We headed to a local park in the Garden District, and I was taken back by this tree! I loved the ‘moss stuff’ hanging on the tree branches in this next photo. If anyone knows what this ‘moss stuff’ is…feel free to let me know!

While I was snapping away…they had this fun pose! Shot with a manual focus Nikon 50 1.2 – the ‘glow’ and ‘rainbow’ in these next two photos is not from photoshop…but from the lens- I love it!

I love the smiles and emotions in this photo!

Another distinct tree to be photographed-

I love the NOLA street cars!

We got the streetcar wires in the background of this photo

As the sun was setting we found spot in the Warehouse district of New Orleans and captured this gorgeous light

I love this photo of the two of them laughing!

More fun photos in the warehouse district!

There is a whole fun story behind this photo…but regardless…I love their real smiles and emotions.

And to close this part 1 of the ‘Epic’ New Orleans Engagement Session, I leave you with one last shot in the Warehouse district- I love the symmetry and leading lines in this photo.

Thanks Hannah and Jason for a great time! Thankfully there are so many more photos to share! Stay tuned for more photos! =)

with love,

Kenny

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Studio: 855 W Blackhawk St #104 Chicago, IL 60642

Last Minute Holiday Photos! – a limited promotion by Nakai Photography
-A mini studio session (30 minutes at my new Lincoln Park studio) – for couples, families, dog owners
-1 8×10 print
-2 5×7 prints (of the same image as the 8×10)
-50 Holiday cards w/custom designs (designed for exclusive use by Nakai Photography)
-All for a special promotional price of $200!
-and in the spirit of the holidays, bring in a new toy to donate…and you get $50 off!

So please spread the word on this promotion! It’s only going to last for a couple weeks! I’m looking forward to shooting more families in my new Chicago studio! Feel free to email me at: info {at} nakaiphotography {dot} com to set up a time for a photo session!

I had a great time with my cousins who drove in from the suburbs to Chicago. Dawn & Yutaka have the cutest girl and I adore the way she says my name! She almost sings my name! The emphasis goes up in the middle and down at the end. The. Best. They brought some cute props and we had a great time taking these holiday photos! It was their first professional photography session, so I wanted to make sure they got some good photos! =)

We start off with a nice family portrait

I love how she is standing on her tippy toes in this photo!

Her smile just makes you want to smile!

Dawn and Yutaka both have personalized stockings, so we had their little one carry hers too!

An awesome portrait of the reindeer!

Nothings says anticipation of Christmas better than milk and cookies! =) I think it helps bring a smile to everyone’s face!

Thanks you guys for a great photo session! It was a fun time! I’m glad that you guys were able to see the new studio! And a shout out to Dawn, Yutaka, Keith and Donna for the studio gift! It was a surprise and will no doubt be used on a daily basis! You guys were so thoughtful and generous- Thanks for all your support!

with love,

Kenny

Contact – Portfolio – Facebook – Twitter
Studio Location: 855 W. Blackhawk St #104 Chicago, IL 60642

Last Minute Holiday Photos! – a limited promotion by Nakai Photography
-A mini studio session (30 minutes at my new Lincoln Park studio) – for couples, families, dog owners
-1 8×10 print
-2 5×7 prints (of the same image as the 8×10)
-50 Holiday cards w/custom designs (designed for exclusive use by Nakai Photography)
-All for a special promotional price of $200!
-and in the spirit of the holidays, bring in a new toy to donate…and you get $50 off!

So please spread the word on this promotion! It’s only going to last for a couple weeks! I’m looking forward to shooting more families in my new Chicago studio! Feel free to email me at: info {at} nakaiphotography {dot} com to set up a time for a photo session!

Christy & Dennis are a couple I ran into at T’s first birthday party this past spring! I was the photographer for that birthday celebration, and Christy and Dennis had expressed an interest in having me photograph their family at sometime in the future. Well…they happened to hear about my “Last Minute Holiday Card Portrait Promotion” and thought it was a great idea for their family!

So they headed into Chicago to visit me at my new Lincoln Park studio! I love my new space and I can’t wait to have more family portraits taken here! We started with a photo of “N” next to frosty. =)

And of course…a family portrait w/frosty! It is a holiday card portrait session!

The loving family!

The next time “N” visits the studio for a portrait session, he won’t need mom & dad’s hands to stand up…he’ll be running around!

He liked his moose. So much that he wouldn’t turn him around for me to take a photo of the two of them! =)

A fun family portrait! So simple, but yet I love it!

I love all of their expression in this photo!

And lastly…a portrait of the little guy. “N” crawled right up to me and was staring at himself in my lens. He was so close…that you can see a reflection of me in his eyes!

So if you happen to know of anyone who might be interested in a “Last Minute Holiday Card Portrait” let them know about this limited-time-only promotion!

Thanks Christy and Dennis for stopping by the new Chicago studio! I hope you enjoy the photos!

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Studio Location: 855 W. Blackhawk St #104 Chicago, IL 60642

A shout out to my friend Nathan, who connected me with Crystal and Joe – most of business comes through referrals, and I appreciate people who help to share my work with others! It’s always good to see you bro!

I hope you enjoy the photos from the youngest baby I’ve ever photographed since forming Nakai Photography!

A quick outdoor portrait- the weather was surprisingly warm for November-

The one thing about newborns, and most moms can attest to this: they change so much…so quickly. After about four weeks, a child looks completely different than as a newborn. I really cherish the opportunity to photograph this little guy after only seven days of life.

Look! He opened his eyes! I love it!

He only smiled for a second or two…but I was able to capture this moment…a photo of mom and dad’s hands- and the rare smile of a newborn!

Another fun part of newborns: the yawns! It’s amazing how big their mouths get!

Another little smile!

The older brother was a great help and even went along with my ‘creative’ photo!

And at last…the new family portrait! Just in time for Thanksgiving!

Thanks Crystal and Joe for sharing your family with me! It was great to spend time with you guys and I’m looking forward to seeing these guys grow up! I hope you enjoyed the portrait session and the photos!

with love,

Kenny

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And now…he is just beginning to walk! Time just flies! I had a great time catching up with these two and spending time with their little guy- He did a great job hanging in while we played and took LOTS of photos-

On a side note: Hoa just started up a cake making business, so if you were wanting a birthday cake or any other kind of cool/custom cake like they have on the Food Network (ie: Cake Boss, Ace of Cakes, etc) check out her stuff at: www.mamawacakes.com

A fun picture of the toss up- One of the best things to do before he gets too big-

A cute portrait…all strapped in his radio flyer

The roles were reversed as Hoa wanted to be pulled!

What a cute smile!

It’s so fun to see kids who are just learning to walk…you can just picture him falling on his booty in this photo-

I think he enjoys pulling on his dad’s hair-

Great hand eye coordination…ET phone home! I love these types of ‘lifestyle’ photos…not anything super posed, just life and having fun!

A nice family portrait- Nakai style!

SOOOOO CUTE!

And lastly…a photo of some hands and shoes- love it!

If you were interested in a family lifestyle portrait session, feel free to contact me! Photo sessions also make great gifts! =)

Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave a comment below!

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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

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Ceremony: Twin City Bible Church (TCBC)
806 W. Michigan St
Urbana, IL 61801

Reception: iHotel & Conference Center
1900 South First Street
Champaign, IL 61820

Yih-Chun & Evelyn both attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign…also my alma mater (Go Illini!). I also lived down there for four years after graduating, and I like to say that I know Champaign-Urbana pretty well. BUT I really wanted something special for their wedding photos and I stumbled upon this awesome location-

Evelyn looked stunning in her wedding dress.

He couldn’t stop smiling whenever he looked at her-

Being creative with the environment

I love this detail shot of her bouquet of lilies.

I love, love, love this photo of the two of them. There was so much chemistry between the two of them, and I think this photo captures that connection-

We also spent some time in the Japanese garden and Japan house grabbing some photos.

A park in Urbana…

I have spent so much time at TCBC through the years, I could literally walk through this place with my eyes closed. =) I was blessed to photograph a wedding here-

I LOVE this moment right before the first kiss- it happened so fast, but we got it! Look at her playful face!

The iHotel in Champaign, IL. I love this venue, full of amazing architecture and art. I also appreciated Evelyn’s choice on lighting. Those purple lights really add so much to a venue.

The wedding cake

Grabbed this photo of the handsome groom

Just look at all the expressions during this toast- makes me smile everytime

We had to grab some more photos at the iHotel before I left-

Another one of my favorite photos from the day-

Yih-Chun & Evelyn: Thanks for planning so much time for photography! I think it was worth it! =) And as wedding photographers yourselves, thank you for trusting and investing so much into having me as your wedding photographer!

with love,

Kenny

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