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

Chicago Indian Engagement Photos // Riverwalk + Rooftop

11.09.20

Chicago Indian Engagement Photos // Riverwalk, Rooftop + Lincoln Park

The weather here in Chicago has been simply amazing. In all my years as a Chicago engagement photographer, I don’t remember the most perfect combination of fall colors and warm temperature! These two took full advantage by taking their Chicago Indian engagement photos a couple weeks ago!

One of my favorites was at the end of the session for this Chicago Riverwalk engagement photo!

chicago indian engagement photographer riverwalk

We were able to get some epic photos on a rooftop! Love how close we were to these iconic Chicago buildings!

chicago indian engagement photographer rooftop

Chicago Lincoln Park Engagement Photos

We started their Chicago Indian engagement photos in Lincoln Park to take advantage of the fall colors! Chicago Indian engagement photographer tip: Find matching colors from their outfits in the background! Love that the red leaves in the top right corner match perfectly!

chicago indian engagement photographer Lincoln Park

chicago indian engagement photos Lincoln Park

Love the movement and flow of her dress!

We had to include the skyline for their Chicago Indian engagement photos!

All the smiles when he leaned in and started kissing her cheek!

Chicago Rooftop Engagement Photos

As a Chicago Indian engagement photographer, I’m always looking to find new views and perspectives. Nothing says ‘epic’ like Chicago rooftop engagement photos!

I don’t know what this building is called, but I remember drawing as an elementary school student for a class! Here we were just behind it!

Chicago Riverwalk Engagement Photos

We finished their Chicago Indian engagement photos with a stop at the Chicago Riverwalk! The sun sets so early this time of year!

Nothing says Chicago like the iconic Wrigley Building in the background!

One last romantic photo to end the night!

Thank again you two for a wonderful session! Some amazing locations for your pictures! Congratulations again on your engagement, best wishes to you as you plan your wedding!

with love,

your Chicago Indian engagement photographer,

Kenny Nakai

Tags: chicago engagement photographer, Chicago Indian engagement photographer, chicago indian engagement photos, chicago Lincoln park engagement pictures, chicago riverwalk engagement photos, chicago rooftop engagement photos

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Chicago Proposal Photos // LondonHouse Cupola + Riverwalk

10.28.20

Chicago Proposal Photos at LondonHouse Cupola Rooftop

Matt was worried all week. The weather forecast said rain. Would the weather derail his plans? Well, on their special day, the rain stopped and we were able to capture these amazing Chicago proposal photos at the LondonHouse Cupola rooftop! Scroll down to see Matt get on bended knee to ask Jessica for her hand in marriage! This first photo was a ‘recreation’ with the Chicago skyline! =)

Chicago LondonHouse proposal photos are always amazing with the skyline in the background!

Being on the rooftop overlooking the river helps create epic Chicago proposal photos! The city lights came on as they toasted to their engagement!

After taking their Chicago LondonHouse proposal photos, we headed down to the riverwalk for more pictures! Be sure to scroll to see more amazing photos taken at night along the riverwalk!

LondonHouse Cupola Proposal Photos

The wonderful staff at the LondonHouse prepared the Cupola Matt + Jessica.

As a Chicago proposal photographer, I love the intimacy of a LondonHouse Cupola proposal-

Jessica was totally surprised when she entered and saw all the roses and rose petals!

And here it was…the moment that Matt had planned for months finally happening! What a beautiful moment and I’m so thankful to been commissioned as their Chicago proposal photographer!

This look….for all the friends and family who want to know how Jessica looked after the proposal! =)

Jessica in love with her beautiful engagement ring!

Some of my favorite moments as a Chicago proposal photographer are when the emotions catch up to what really just happened! It’s certainly a whirlwind of a ride! A LondonHouse Cupola proposal filled with roses, a ring, and a Chicago proposal photographer! =)

Chicago proposal photographer tip: Know your landscape…I brought my ultra wide lens to capture these LondonHouse cupola proposal photos!

Chicago proposal photographer tip #2: Give the proposal a sense of place- Here I made sure to capture the Chicago river and bridges in the background! Such a romantic picture!

The best time to capture Chicago LondonHouse proposal photos is around sunset….when the city lights come alive in the background!

You truly feel on top of the world and these LondonHouse Cupola proposal photos really show it!

What an amazing picture of the newly engaged couple!

Showing off that engagement ring!

This is one of the reasons you have a Chicago LondonHouse proposal – for this romantic picture!

As I told Matt + Jessica – with 13 years as a Chicago proposal photographer…sometimes a little rain keeps the crowds away! This photo would not have been possible without a crowd in the background had it not rained earlier in the day!

Chicago Riverwalk Proposal Photos

We went across the street from the LondonHouse for their Chicago riverwalk proposal photos! I love how timeless these next two photos are in black and white! Nothing says Chicago like the Wrigley Building!

And nothing says Chicago like the Marina Towers in the background!

Love how the glowing lights create the most perfect romantic vibe!

These Chicago riverwalk proposal photos taken at night are pretty amazing!

Chicago proposal photographer tip: Different variations. You’ve seen a ton of Chicago proposal photos taken along the riverwalk. But taken at night while standing on the bridge yields very different results! Love creating these unique pictures for Jessica + Matt!

We finished their night at the Langham Hotel – for one last set of Chicago proposal photos at one of their favorite spots for drinks!

Congratulations again Jessica + Matt! So happy for the two of you and your Chicago LondonHouse proposal photos are EPIC! Wishing you all the best as you begin planning your WEDDING! =)

with love,

your Chicago proposal photographer,

Kenny Nakai

Tags: chicago londonhouse proposal, chicago proposal photographer, chicago proposal photos, Chicago riverwalk proposal, chicago rooftop proposal, londonhouse cupola proposal, londonhouse rooftop proposal

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Chicago Boating Engagement Photos / Sunset + Wrigley Field

10.23.20

Chicago Boating Engagement Photos + Wrigley Field + Sunset!

Though the temperature just dropped this past week, overall, the weather this past fall has been amazing! It was perfect for Megan and Michael’s Chicago boating engagement photos! We were able to cruise the river in shorts…in October! We ended their session with Chicago sunset engagement photos. Before we share their photos on the boat or at Wrigley Field, here’s one of the best shots with the Chicago skyline!

Chicago Boating Engagement Photos

As a Chicago engagement photographer, I always enjoy fresh perspectives when taking pictures in our city! When Michael mentioned they he is an avid boater, we knew we had a great idea on our hand! Chicago boating engagement photos!

Pairing your Chicago engagement photos with a personal interest is a sure way to capture natural and meaningful pictures together!

Love their laugh and smiles paired with the Chicago skyline in the background!

With COVID season upon us, their Chicago boating engagement photos allowed us to be socially distant from EVERYONE!

Nothing says “Chicago engagement photos” like a shot with our iconic bridges! Nothing says “unique perspective” like taking said Chicago engagement photos on a boat in the middle of the river!

As the boating season here in Chicago winds down, the river was empty! It made for such peaceful photos!

One of my favorite views of the city when on a boat is from the east. While we would have loved to have gone out to the lake through the locks, due to our time constraints, we just made sure to get this view!

Wrigley Field Engagement Photos

Just prior to our boating trip, we stopped by Wrigley Field for a few pictures!

Chicago Sunset Engagement Photos

After finishing up our time on the boat, we headed down to Buckingham Fountain for a few Chicago sunset engagement photos with the skyline! Though the fountain was not on, we were still able to capture the glowing lights of the buildings!

Love how this photo incorporates this iconic Chicago “diamond roof?” building in the background!

As a Chicago engagement photographer, capturing the sunset is challenging as the sun sets west, and the light is generally blocked by the tall buildings. But the sunset does create beautiful colors in the sky!

Loved this picture with the glowing lights behind them!

Thanks Megan + Michael for a wonderful engagement session! Your Chicago boating engagement photos were so great! (If anyone else would like to have an engagement session on a boat, let me know!) Can’t wait until your wedding next year!

with love,

Kenny Nakai

Tags: chicago boating engagement photos, chicago engagement photographer, chicago engagement photos, chicago engagement photos at night, chicago engagement photos on a boat, chicago sunset engagement photos, chicago Wrigley field engagement photos

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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 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!

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 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!

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

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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