Best luxury Chicago wedding + engagement photos from Chicago wedding photographer Kenny Nakai

Chicago Nighttime Engagement Photos // Botanic Garden

10.15.20

Chicago Nighttime Engagement Photos + The Chicago Botanic Garden!

After 13 years of being a Chicago engagement photographer, Nakai Photography continues to have success because of all the support we have received from our beloved clients and friends! Michele’s sister was a bridesmaid at a wedding I photographed 10 years ago and Michele has been following my work ever since! Needless to say, I was super excited to photograph her engagement photos with Zach!

I was thrilled when they wanted to have Chicago nighttime engagement photos with our beautiful skyline! These first three photos are the some of the best from their nighttime engagement pictures! (scroll down to see more of their Chicago nighttime engagement photos!)

chicago nighttime engagement photos skyline

Chicago nighttime engagement photos offer that little extra ‘WOW’ factor to your engagement pictures! As a Chicago engagement photographer, I am so thankful my clients love exploring our city to create epic photos!

chicago nighttime engagement picture skyline

Due to COVID closing down the lake front trails and parks, we had to be creative to capture the Chicago skyline…as a Chicago engagement photographer, it’s my job to know the perfect locations for each client!

chicago nighttime engagement photos skyline

Chicago Botanic Garden Engagement Photos

We started their afternoon at the Chicago Botanic Garden to capture beautiful photos in nature! The gardens are located on the NorthShore of Chicago, in Glencoe, IL right off the Lake Cook Rd exit on I94. With no traffic, it’s just a quick car ride up the expressway!

Chicago Botanic gardens engagement photo Japanese bridge

Right away…it is obvious from this engagement photo…these two love to laugh together!

Chicago Botanic gardens engagement photographer English garden

Chicago engagement photographer tip: Loved the fall colors in the background and the strong colors of the flowers! The layered colors and the perfect smile make for a wonderful engagement picture!

The most perfect nook for their Chicago Botanic Garden engagement photos! Something about the different texture (stone vs nature) and the different shapes (lines/circle vs nature) surrounding the newly engaged couple help make this picture special!

Love the movement of the willow trees blowing in the background paired with the movement of their walking – a beautiful bridge winding above the lake for their Chicago Botanic Garden engagement photos!

This bench. It took awhile to walk here…but if we are taking Chicago Botanic Garden engagement photos, we have to visit the bench where they sat on their second date! Did they think they would end up engaged?!!!

As a Chicago engagement photographer, I’m always drawn to symmetry and leading lines – centering on the couple!

The most perfect weather for their Chicago Botanic Garden engagement photos

Love all the variety of locations for their Chicago Botanic Garden engagement photos!

Chicago Nighttime Engagement Photos

We headed into the city for their Chicago nighttime engagement photos!

We caught some color in the nighttime sky!

Chicago engagement photographer tip: There is that perfect window of time where you can see color in the sky and the lights of the skyline coming alive!

Placed Michele and Zach in the perfect spot so it looks like they are apart of the skyline for these Chicago nighttime engagement photos!

Chicago engagement photographer tip: Change your angle and lens to create two different photos without your clients having to move!

Nothing like a romantic black and white to finish their Chicago nighttime engagement photos! I love how the blurry lights in the background seem so abstract, but you can instantly recognize the Willis Tower! It says “CHICAGO” without being cliche!

Congrats again Michele + Zach! Thank you for having me as your Chicago engagement photographer! It was so great to see you both laughing, smiling and enjoying yourselves in our beautiful city! Best wishes to you as you plan your wedding!

with love,

Kenny Nakai

Tags: Chicago Botanic garden engagement photos, chicago engagement photographer, chicago engagement pictures at night, chicago fall engagement photos, chicago nighttime engagement photos, chicago skyline engagement pictures

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Hyatt Lodge Wedding Photographer // Hawaiian Themed Wedding

09.17.20

Hyatt Lodge Wedding Photographer // Oak Brook, IL

Kristen + Jason brought the aloha spirit to their Hawaiian themed wedding! We made sure to capture all their little details in their Hyatt Lodge wedding photos! They also did a wonderful job honoring their Chinese and Japanese heritage throughout the day!

Kristen has been following my work for a long time…ever since the beginning of Nakai Photography…and it was a privilege to capture her special day!

Be sure to scroll through to see all 60+ images on this blog post! If you haven’t already, be sure to check out their Lincoln Park engagement photos!

Wedding Details:
Wedding Ceremony + Reception Venue: The Hyatt Lodge at McDonald’s Campus, Oak Brook, IL
Photographer: Kenny from Nakai Photography
Wedding Gown: Pronovias from Bella Bianca Couture
Florals: Kio Kreations
Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka + Kate Spade Keds
Groom’s Tuxedo: Suit Supply at Nordstrom
Wedding Rings: Donna Jewelers
Earrings: Susan G. Allen Couture Bridal
Officiant: Rev Ron Miyamura
DJ: Remix Entertainment
Hair and Makeup: BM Hair and Makeup
Cake: Lezza Spumoni and Desserts

Hyatt Lodge wedding photos feel so peaceful as they have a lot of outdoor green space for pictures!

Oak Brook Hyatt Lodge Wedding Photos // Getting Ready

Her Pronovias gown hanging in the window where she was getting ready!

A photo of her Badgley Mischka shoes-

Included a photo of her Save The Date – though it was the perfect touch on her Hawaiian themed wedding invitation suite!

Love all the bling and sparkle as she leaned into put on her earrings!

Kristen’s mom helped put the finishing touches on her veil!

A close up photo of his Hawaiian themed wedding boutonniere. Kristen also surprised Jason with a personal handkerchief made with a fabric that belonged to his grandmother.

A few wedding pictures of Jason getting ready

Loved this spontaneous moment from his father!

Looking good in black and white!

As their Hyatt Lodge wedding photographer, I was thankful they decided to have a first look so we could have more time for their pictures around the Hyatt Lodge!

The Oak Brook McDonald’s campus has gorgeous modern lines as well as these strong curves as you can see in this stair case and in the outdoor bridges. Those strong architectural elements also help with making beautiful Oak Brook Hyatt Lodge wedding photos!

The architect for the McDonald’s campus made sure to incorporate lots of nature and large windows for all to enjoy the beautiful greenery! Photographer’s insight: Love how trees almost seem like they are leaning in towards the bride and groom!

Hyatt Lodge wedding photographer tip: Use the curved walkway to create these strong visual guiding lines! Also love the different textures…the smooth man-made concrete balanced with the organic leaves and flowing water below!

Hyatt Lodge Wedding Photographer’s Favorite Ceremony Photos

Loved this personal touch to honor their loved ones.

It wouldn’t be a COVID wedding without a livestream for all the remote guests following along!

Microweddings almost feel like destination weddings where you can fit everyone together in one large group photo!

Hyatt Lodge Wedding Photos // Reception

Hawaiian themed wedding escort card table. Including a hand carved mini surfboard with their names!

Great job Kio Creations on this sweetheart table!

Party favors were Honolulu Cookies! The truth must come out…not only do Kristen + Jason love Hawaii, I love it too! I think I love it as much as they do! Honolulu Cookie just perfectly brings you those Hawaiian vibes!

They had Chinese Dragons perform!

They are going to eat that head of lettuce in Kristen’s hands…hence the expression on her face!

Was really impressed with the Hyatt Lodge staff and guests for the way they adhered to COVID protocols – even while gathering at the bar!

One of the best parts of having your wedding at the Hyatt Lodge…late night McDonalds cheeseburgers and milkshakes!

One last photo of their rings. Photographer Insight: Took three elements from their Hawaiian themed wedding for this picture. The orchids, the handcrafted board + the palm leaves!

Congrats again Kristen + Jason! It was a fairytale wedding and it was perfect! So happy for the both of you and that you were able to celebrate safely in the midst of a pandemic. Your Hawaiian themed wedding details certainly brought the aloha spirit!

with love,

you Hyatt Lodge wedding photographer,

Kenny

Tags: Hawaiian themed wedding, Hyatt lodge oak brook wedding photos, Hyatt lodge wedding photographer, Hyatt lodge wedding photos

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Amazing Chicago Proposal Photos // Photographer on the Riverwalk!

09.08.20

Chicago Proposal Photos along the Riverwalk

The plan: 5pm Dinner at Chicago Cut Steakhouse. Proposal around 6:15pm. Be there ready to take Chicago proposal photos at 6pm.

Be sure to scroll down to see the exciting moments when Hunter proposed to Kirsten! But first a couple Chicago riverwalk engagement photos!

If you notice, there is a ring on her finger, something must have gone right! Keep scrolling to see their Chicago proposal photos!

Chicago Proposal Photographer at Work

As a Chicago proposal photographer, I was there ready and waiting ahead of time. I scouted out my spots to take their photos…almost like the secret service doing a location sweep before a political event. I received the text…they should arrive around 6:30pm. I found my location for the first set of photos. Up high, out of the line of sight, partially hiding behind a flower pot.

Then they emerged into sight. This is the moment Hunter pointed and said, “that’s a good spot for a selfie!”

Selfie taken at 6:31pm. All is going according to plan! Thankfully the crowd dispersed and they had this spot to themselves!

Selfies took a few moments, so I found myself running to get a different angle. He cued up Kristen’s favorite song on his phone. A 3 minute slow dance!

A three minute slow dance means I have time to run over the bridge to take this next photo! As a Chicago proposal photographer, having these extra three minutes of a slow dance means I can move to countless different spots to capture this moment!

As they dance, Kristen gives him this smile. She’s enjoying this beautiful moment with Hunter. This spontaneous dance was special…but does she know?! =)

And there it is…Hunter on bended knee! Good communication is important, as his Chicago proposal photographer, I asked that he face her west so I could photograph her expressions! He got it right! A priceless moment!

As a Chicago proposal photographer, I never tire of seeing a person’s reaction to the question! The joy! The bliss!

She said YES! Cue the tour boat passing by and cheering!

Fist PUMP! They heard the cheers from passing pedestrians! No doubt Hunter was so happy and relieved that She SAID YES! All the hard work of planning had paid off! Ring? Check. Spot? Check. Date + time? Check. Chicago proposal photographer? Check. SHE SAID YES!

Can’t have a full set of Chicago proposal photos with out showing off the bling!

I pulled back and let them enjoy their moment of bliss!

As their Chicago proposal photographer, it was fun capturing them burning off their post proposal energy!

Chicago Riverwalk Engagement Photos

After a few moments, we started their Chicago ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS! In just a short time, it went from lifestyle photos, to Chicago proposal photos…to Chicago engagement photos! Fiance has a nice ring to it!

Went up on a bridge to capture these Chicago riverwalk engagement photos

Beautiful Chicago engagement photos don’t just incorporate iconic Chicago features, but make sure you capture their emotions!

Chicago riverwalk engagement photos don’t just have to be along the water, the area above is just as photogenic!

Photographer’s Tip: Try to have the space behind the couple as clean and simple as possible! It helps make them stand out from the background! Here the blue windows create contrast and draw your attention to them!

One of the best spots for Chicago riverwalk engagement photos – with a great view of the Wrigley Building!

Though we had been taking photos together for awhile, their smiles were a giveaway…they were still excited about the proposal!

The lights create that romantic urban vibe for these Chicago engagement photos

One last photo to end their session – a shot of the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower! A night they will never forget! If you know anyone getting engaged and is need of a Chicago proposal photographer, send them my contact information! =) Friends help friends make sure they have a good photographer!

Congratulations Kristen + Hunter on your engagement! Due to all your diligent planning Hunter, your Chicago proposal photos came out so great! The day could not have gone any better! May these photos always bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart! =)

with love,

your Chicago proposal photographer,

Kenny Nakai

Tags: chicago engagement photographer, chicago engagement photos, chicago proposal photographer, chicago proposal photos, chicago riverwalk engagement photos

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Hyatt Lodge Wedding Photos Oak Brook

09.05.20

Hyatt Lodge Wedding Photos Oak Brook // Kristen + Jason!

Kristen + Jason were married yesterday at the Hyatt Lodge in Oak Brook! Everything about their Hawaiian themed wedding was perfect! Just wanted to share these three teaser pictures for their friends and family to enjoy until more photos are posted here in the coming weeks!

If you haven’t already seen them, be sure to check out their Lincoln Park Engagement Photos in the Rain!

Wedding Details:
Wedding Venue: Hyatt Lodge in Oak Brook
Photographer: Nakai Photography
Dress: Pronovias from Bella Bridal Couture
Shoes: Badgley Mischka

Love all the nature for their Hyatt Lodge wedding photos!

Congrats again Kirsten + Jason! It was wonderful celebration and we captured some great Hyatt Lodge wedding photos! I hope you both enjoyed your buffet meal today! =)

with love,

your Chicago wedding photographer,

Kenny Nakai

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3 Best Chicago Wedding Photographer Locations // Rooftop

09.03.20

Best Chicago Wedding Photographer Locations // Nicole + Drew

Nicole + Drew held their COVID microwedding at the Radisson Blu a couple weeks ago, and though it was a wonderful celebration, we didn’t get to take that many wedding photos! After their amazing Chicago Engagement Session Photoshoot at Night…we all wanted more pictures! So we planned a post-wedding shoot at epic locations to get the best Chicago wedding photos! If you like what you see here, be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram to see more photos there!

As we were brainstorming for location ideas, I casually mentioned to Nicole…that a rooftop would be amazing if we could get access to one! As Chicago wedding photographer for the past 13years, some of my best Chicago wedding photos have come on various rooftops throughout the city!

These first three pictures are some of their best Chicago wedding photos from the day! Be sure to scroll down to see all 25+ photos!

We also stopped by the Wrigley Building on Michigan Ave for a few pictures!

One of The Best Chicago Wedding Photographer Locations: Wrigley Building

Wrigley Building wedding photos are iconic a favorite among Chicago brides! It captures the Chicago River and our city’s wonderful architecture!

We also got just enough sunshine on her dress to help make it sparkle!

Photographer’s Tip: Use a shallow depth of field to make your clients ‘pop’ in front of the blurry background!

Sometimes it’s those in between moments when there is a gust of wind that catches your veil and hair for a spontaneous moment!

Photographer’s Tip: Love the vertical lines and the architecture in these Wrigley Building wedding photos. The strong lines are balanced with the flowing nature of her veil! Their pose…standing apart mirrors the pillars in the background, yet they are connected through their hands!

Is there any wonder why people love Wrigley Building wedding photos?

Best Chicago Wedding Photos on the Chicago Riverwalk

We crossed Michigan Avenue for Chicago Riverwalk wedding photos!

Photographer’s Tip: Love the horizontal lines – so clean and modern, and balanced with their kiss! The concrete is balanced and framed with green foliage!

Nicole + Drew made sure to have a few family photos! =)

This photo has it all, the Chicago riverwalk, bridges and Chicago’s famous architecture!

Chicago riverwalk wedding photos are always wonderful, but I love their smiles and the fun they are having in this picture!

We headed to the South Loop to get a few pictures with a different take on the Chicago skyline!

Photographer’s Tip: Symmetry and leading lines make for strong composition!

There’s something about this photo that almost feels like a ‘fairy tale’ – there’s a narrative aspect to it!

Best Chicago Wedding Photographer Locations: A Rooftop!

Chicago rooftop wedding venues are quite popular right now (think COVID). Not just because they are outside, but because of the view!

I have photographed over a dozen rooftops in Chicago, so I came prepared to maximize this location for their Chicago rooftop wedding photos! I LOVE that you can see the horizon behind the buildings – makes us feel on top of the city!

Aren’t these rooftop photos some of the best Chicago wedding photos you’ve ever seen?

A view from the north side of the rooftop. Nothing like the John Hancock in the background to give us a sense of place! We are in Chicago!

The background is so perfect, this almost feels like a postcard! This spot feels like it was made for an intimate Chicago rooftop wedding!

Something about a veil always makes a photo feel more romantic!

One last photo for their storybook ending on an epic photoshoot. Can I say it one more time? I love Chicago rooftop wedding photos!

Congrats again Nicole + Drew! So glad to share the best Chicago wedding photos from your session! Nothing beats Chicago rooftop wedding photos, Chicago Riverwalk wedding pictures AND Wrigley Building wedding photos! So many epic pictures to choose from!!!

with love,

your Chicago wedding photographer,

Kenny Nakai

Tags: best chicago wedding photographer, best chicago wedding photos, chicago riverwalk wedding, Chicago riverwalk wedding pictures, chicago rooftop wedding, chicago wedding photographer, chicago wedding photos, wrigley building, wrigley building wedding photos

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