80+ Captivating The Gwen Wedding Photos

09.15.23

The Gwen Wedding Photos

Ursula + Tim were married at the same place where Tim proposed: The Gwen Hotel! It was only fitting that they host their wedding there! It was full of wonderful moments with their closest friends and family! Be sure to scroll through this whole blog post to see all 80+ pictures!

Shout out to Vasso from The Gwen and Linda from Affairs With Linda for coordinating a flawless day! We also loved the hip hop mashup by Rush Street Rhythm!

Wedding Details:
Ceremony: St Josaphat Parish
Reception: The Gwen Hotel
Planner/Coordinator: Affairs With Linda
Florals/Decor: Floral Gardens
Photographers: NAKAI Photography
Gown: Martina Liana from Genevieve’s Bridal Couture
Band: Rush Street Rhythm

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chicago mag mile wedding photos

chicago magnificent mile wedding photos

The Gwen Wedding Photos // Getting Ready

the Gwen wedding photos chicago getting ready

Love this tender moment when Dad checked in on his daughter-

the Gwen wedding photos chicago getting ready

Mom was taking it all in herself-

Just a few magazine worthy portraits of the bride!

The groom getting ready…thought the photos looked really good in black and white-

St Josaphat Parish Wedding Photos // Ceremony

Tim had to take a moment as the emotions began to flood-

Both fighting back the tears-

Chicago Michigan Avenue Wedding Photos // Wrigley Building

Took photos in front of the Wrigley Building on Michigan Avenue. Everyone loves the architecture and river in the back ground!

These gold doors have been under construction all summer, so it was great to take photos with it again!

Having a little fun on their wedding day!

The Gwen Wedding Photos // Reception

Beautiful decor in side the The Gwen ballroom

Mom & Dad giving a toast to the bride and groom-

One last photo to end the night!

Congrats Ursula and Tim! Thank you for having us there to capture your special day! Can’t wait to share the full set of images!

with love,

your Chicago wedding photographer,

Kenny Nakai

Tags: chicago wedding photographer, chicago wedding photography, michigan avenue, the Gwen chicago wedding photos, the Gwen hotel wedding photos, the Gwen wedding photos, wrigley building

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10+ Unreal Buckingham Fountain Engagement Photos

09.12.23

Unreal Buckingham Fountain Engagement Photos

Angela + John wanted photos with one of Chicago’s iconic landmarks: Buckingham Fountain! The photos are pretty unreal as we had a nice mix of clouds and sunshine for their session. We finished the afternoon with a skyline view at North Avenue Beach! Be sure to scroll all the way through to see all the photos!

If you were looking for a proposal, engagement, wedding or family photographer, be sure to contact us!

Love all the layers in this photograph…from the dancing to the John Hancock peeking through in the top left corner.

Always love the little fun and cute moments that happen during a session!

Finished off their Buckingham Fountain engagement photos with some champagne!

North Avenue Beach Engagement Photos

Ok…one last photo from Buckingham Fountain…just because!

Thanks for a wonderful session Angela + John! Can’t wait to photograph you both on your wedding!

with love,

your Chicago engagement photographer,

Kenny Nakai

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80+ Enchanting Loews Chicago Wedding Pictures

09.01.23

Enchanting Loews Chicago Wedding Pictures

The weather cooperated for Jessica + David’s rooftop terrace wedding at the Loews Chicago! There might have been a few tears shed when David got emotional at their first look. It was such a special moment. After a few photos around the hotel, we went to the Adler Planetarium for the skyline! Be sure to scroll through this whole blog post to see Jessica + David’s 80+ Loews Chicago wedding pictures!

Shout out to Misha from Nouvelle Events and the staff at the Loews Chicago for a wonderful job throughout the whole day! Everything works better when the team is on point!

Wedding Details:
Venue: Loews Chicago Downtown Hotel
Photographers: NAKAI Photography
Planner/Coordinator: Misha from Nouvelle Events
Decor: Steve’s Flower Market
Band: Greenlight Chicago
MUA/Hair: The Bridal Artistry Team
Gown: Mira Couture
Cake: Bittersweet Pastry Shop

When the sun hits the Loews Chicago Hotel rooftop terrace just right…it is pretty magical-

Just a beautiful day in the neighborhood – with a world class skyline behind you!

We ended the night for a few Loews Chicago wedding pictures at night!

Special moments with mom and maid of honor-

Looking stunning in her wedding gown!

It’s all in dad’s eyes-

One last photo for the magazine shoot…err…before we head up to the first look =)

Mom getting a little practice in!

Last check before game time-

First look on the Loews Chicago rooftop terrace-

One of my favorite photos from the day-

Photographer’s insight: Love the symmetry, leading lines, shadows/light, nature vs buildings – topped off with the perfect dip…full of energy!

Just an epic bridal party photo with the skyline!

Loews Chicago Rooftop Wedding Ceremony

Beautiful decor by Steve’s Flower Market-

They certainly wowed the crowd!

Congratulations again Jessica + David! It was such a wonderful day and I can’t wait to share the full gallery! Hope you enjoyed reliving each moment through your Loews Chicago wedding pictures!

with love,

your Chicago wedding photographer,

Kenny Nakai

Tags: chicago Loews wedding photos, chicago wedding photographer, Chicgao wedding photography, greenlight band, Loews Chicago wedding photos, Loews Chicago wedding pictures, nouvelle events, steve's flower market

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10+ Breathtaking Chicago Adler Planetarium Engagement Photos

08.24.23

Chicago Adler Planetarium Engagement Photos

Our skyline is is amazing. Lauren + Jake wanted to include the skyline in their engagement pictures…so we headed out to the Adler Planetarium! We may not have mountain ranges, but we have world class architecture! Can’t wait til their wedding next year!

If you know anyone in need of a proposal or engagement photographer…be sure to send us message!

Love our skyline…love the symmetry in their Chicago Adler Planetarium engagement photos

Chicago River North Engagement Photos

We took a walk with their puppy for a few photos! Though this location may not be as popular or well known…I love the Chicago River and bridges in the background!

The sun poked through for a brief moment….and I made sure to take advantage of it!

I always get excited when couples want to include their dog in the session!

Thanks for being so great Lauren + Jake! So glad we were able to make this happen!

with love,

your Chicago engagement photographer,

Kenny Nakai

Tags: adler planetarium, adler planetarium engagement photos, Chicago Adler planetarium engagement photos, chicago skyline engagement photos, dog, engagement photo with a dog, river north

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80+ Gorgeous Wedding Photos at The Drake Chicago

08.09.23

The Drake Chicago Wedding Photos

It was such a beautiful day for Mary + Andrew’s wedding! We were able to have their first look overlooking Lake Michigan and Lake Shore Drive on the rooftop of The Drake Chicago! Minnie, their furry four legged family member made an appearance in the park across the street. We finished the night off with pictures in front of The Drake sign!

Shout out to Sonam from The Drake and Kate from JDetailed Events for helping make the day flow seamlessly!

Be sure to scroll through this whole post to see all 80+ photos and if you haven’t already…check out Mary + Andrew’s Fall Chicago engagement photos!

Wedding Details:
Reception Venue: The Drake Chicago
Photographers: NAKAI Photography
Ceremony: St Michael Church
Florals: Juliet Tan Floral Design
Coordinator: JDetailedEvents
Dresser: The Wedding Dresser
Gown: Dimitra’s Bridal Couture
Hair/MUA: The Bridal Beauty Team