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

Chicago Proposal Photographers w/Andrea + Kate!

12.30.20

Chicago Proposal Photographers Capture THE MOMENT!

Poor Andrea was a little nervous preparing to ask Kate for her hand in marriage. There were so many details to consider! Talk with her father, custom design the ring with RL Jewelers and plan out the details of their morning!

Andrea had search for Chicago proposal photographers and found Nakai Photography…he wanted his Chicago proposal photos to be everything for Kate! Also…with COVID travel restrictions in place, he knew these photos would help tell the story of their special morning!

And so we planned it all out. The Wrigley Building in the background, the perfectly lit Christmas Tree, and a surprised fiancé! This was the photo that Andrea wanted! (scroll down to read more about their Chicago proposal photos!)

chicago proposal photography winter Christmas tree

One their best pictures from their Chicago proposal photos – a picture with the Chicago River in the background and a ring on her finger! =)

chicago proposal photography winter river

A picture of some important hardware. Their ring, their champagne saber (Kate’s first gift to Andrea!), and their bottle of champagne! As Chicago proposal photographers, we are here to tell YOUR story and I think this picture helps tell a little of theirs!

chicago proposal photographers winter Michigan Ave

Chicago Proposal Photos // The Real Story

Now…the first proposal picture at the beginning of this blog post was the one Andrea had envisioned for his special moment…but I was waiting on the other side of the tree! There was some confusion on west facing east and the Tribune Tower…but regardless…Andrea saw where I was hiding out and moved in for his moment!

chicago proposal photographers winter Christmas tree

She said YES! 13+ years as Chicago proposal photographers, and we never tire of the pure joy and emotions that come out after a proposal!

chicago proposal photography winter Michigan Ave

Kate was completely surprised and was all smiles for their special moment!

We can’t predict how we will feel when moments in our life happen. After Kate said YES to his proposal, Andrea was suddenly overwhelmed with emotion. It was so special to witness and I love this tender moment between the two of them.

To all of Kate + Andrea’s family all over the country and globe, here they are – the newly engaged – on Michigan Avenue with our iconic Chicago architecture in the background!

Chicago proposal photos with the Wrigley Building in the background and the tree where he proposed!

One thing about these two: they love to laugh…and this photo just about sums it up! =)

They walk this pathway regularly from their home to Michgian Avenue….they love seeing the clock tower from the Wrigley Building!

They wanted to take a few Chicago proposal photos from the their condo – so we made sure to capture a few with their Christmas tree + the John Hancock in the background!

We proceeded to their rooftop where we were treated to this gorgeous view! You can actually see the tree and spot where Andrea proposed!

Love the symmetry, the Chicago architecture in the background and their silhouette!

Andrea saber’d (is that the correct word?) their bottle of champagne!

Chicago proposal photographers need to get a close up of that ring!!!

Their moment above the city…fitting as they were still on cloud 9!

Before ending their Chicago proposal photos, we took a stroll along the riverwalk for a few more pictures! Chicago proposal photographers love our city’s architecture, and the Marina Towers in the background looks great in black and white!

We were on the rooftop of that green mirrored building in the background!

If you were to go on an architecture tour here in Chicago you would learn about the Marina Towers on the left and the Mies van der Rohe building on the right! Also love how they were willing to hop on the bridge for this picture!

It may not be as romantic as a stroll through stone streets of Florence, but our Chicago bridges our iconic to our city! =)

Another tender moment as Andrea recounted the emotions he felt when he proposed…needless to say…their families and loved ones were on his heart throughout the morning.

Our Chicago River in the background!

One last epic photo to finish up their Chicago proposal photos!

Congrats again Andrea + Kate! We had a wonderful time together capturing your love and your love story together! Thank you for having me!

with love,

your Chicago proposal photographers,

Kenny Nakai from Nakai Photography

Tags: chicago engagement photos, chicago proposal photographer, chicago proposal photographers, chicago proposal photos, chicago winter proposal photos

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Chicago Proposal Photography on Riverwalk!

12.23.20

Chicago Proposal Photography on Riverwalk

Nathan found my work when viewing my previous Chicago proposal photography instagram and blog posts and he reached to talk about his upcoming trip to Chicago to surprise Ashley with a ring! Before getting into more details…here’s one of their best Chicago riverwalk proposal photos after she said YES!

Since they had known each other for a long time, Nathan had an idea of what she would like and not like for a proposal. Some where scenic but somehow spontaneous. Nothing elaborate or decorated. She wanted it to feel like it was the spur of the moment surprise!

They don’t live in Chicago, so with 13+ years as a Chicago proposal photographer, I gave my input into a bunch of options! Though the lake front is popular, it can be quite cold this time of year and we wanted to stay near the LondonHouse Hotel, where they were staying.

We settled on this spot along Michigan Avenue for their Chicago riverwalk proposal photos! Here they are heading down the steps…she would have no idea that her life was about to change. =)

They admired our beautiful city while taking photos and selfies. My heart started pounding as I knew their moment was near…Chicago proposal photography is so much fun….the anticipation and emotions are real!

Chicago Riverwalk Proposal Photos

And then the moment started! All of a sudden he was on his knee with a box open!

And right here…in the middle of our bustling city, Nathan and Ashley had a private moment all to themselves! There was no one around to disturb them or their Chicago Riverwalk proposal photos!

The emotions that unfold are so great to photograph! As a Chicago proposal photographer, I never know how it’s going to go!

It’s an emotional moment…not just for the one being asked, but for the one who planned it all out! Nathan was so nervous during lunch when he didn’t have much of an appetite because he knew the proposal was happening shortly afterwards!

Their first hug as fiancé!

All smiles and grins with new jewelry adorning her hand!

The spot for their Chicago Riverwalk proposal photos!

We wanted to make sure to highlight her engagement ring in a picture!

Though we had never met….I love how much these two like to laugh together! As a Chicago proposal photographer, it’s my job to capture a couple’s relationship…in a way that is real and authentic…and their smiles and laughs make me feel like I accomplished that!

We walked over to the Wrigley Building to take a few photos in front of their Christmas tree to remember the time of year for their Chicago proposal photos!

For those who are viewing these photos from Houston or other parts of the country/world, this is what the Wrigley Building looks like- amazing architecture on our Magnificent Mile!

Behind them, along the riverwalk, is the restaurant where they had lunch….

Our riverwalk is a newer addition to our city and it is really popular for locals and tourists a like! Makes for the perfect backdrop for Chicago proposal photography!

This is one of my favorite spots for Chicago riverwalk proposal photos, and during the summer, you can’t get this picture without boats and a ton of people in the picture!

Our Chicago bridges are also iconic and really photogenic! I love that these Chicago proposal photos say “Chicago” without being cliche! You have the ‘corncob’ tower on the left, the ‘champagne tower’ on the right, award winning architecture (Aqua building) next to it, as well as Chicago’s newest skyscraper in the middle!

We were able to capture a lot of amazing pictures in a short amount of time. 13+ years as Chicago proposal photographer helps me maximize our time together!

Chicago proposal photographer insights: Love the symmetry, the straight lines, the curved lines leading to the smiling couple in the middle!

Congrats again Nathan + Ashley! So happy for you both! Hope you are enjoying the warmer weather down in Texas and I hope your Chicago riverwalk proposal photos help you relive your moment over and over again!

with love,

your Chicago proposal photographer,

Kenny Nakai

Tags: chicago engagement photographer, chicago proposal photographer, chicago proposal photography, Chicago riverwalk proposal, riverwalk chicago proposal, riverwalk engagement photos, wrigley building

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Chicago Winter Proposal Photos At Night!

12.18.20

Chicago Winter Proposal Photos at Night

As the holidays near, engagement season is upon us! As a Chicago winter proposal photographer, I work WITH my clients to capture their engagement perfectly! If you need a Chicago proposal photographer, or know anyone who does, please reach out!

These two were from out of town and we worked together to bring his dreams to life!

Before we get into their Chicago winter proposal photos, I wanted to share one of my favorite pictures of the night. The two of them in front of The Wrigley Building Christmas Tree!

Chicago winter proposal photos at night can be a challenge. We needed to find the perfect spot where we could see them without using flashes! I found the perfect spot and I could see her expression when he opened the box!

She was in shock…she wasn’t expecting this moment to be happening!

Cheers erupted from bystanders and they were all smiles! She said YES!

It’s so great to be a Chicago proposal photographer, you witness the genuine emotions of pure joy and surprise! It was such a perfect moment captured in this photo!

Once the shock wore off…the tears started to flow…the emotions hitting her all at once-

We took a photo with a Chicago bridge in the background…the city lights up a night and is the perfect backdrop for their romantic moment!

He did good. They were on cloud nine for the rest of their Chicago winter proposal photos!

Let’s admire that ring just a little bit more! It looks just right on her hand!

Chicago Proposal Photographer Out at Night

When you hire Nakai Photography as your Chicago proposal photographer, we don’t just take photos of the proposal, we stroll around a bit to take photos in our beautiful city! These two were from out of town and wanted to make sure to capture a bit of magic in their Chicago winter proposal photos!

He is a graphic designer and photographer himself and I’m always honored when a fellow creative appreciates my creativity and technical skills to be their Chicago winter proposal photographer!

Chicago proposal photographer insight: I love the strong industrial leading lines of the steel bridge juxtaposed with their soft embrace and smiles!

The street is above them, the world bustling around, and these two are sharing a moment together…it’s almost like they are stopping time on this special night!

Such a beautiful photo of the two of them and our city! As a Chicago proposal photographer, I love coupling incorporating our city into their pictures! I love the curved staircase cutting across the frame breaking up the straight lines of the bridges, buildings and stairs. And in the middle of all of that…a beautiful photo of the two of them!

Love the glow of the city lights…the slight fog helps illuminate the sky and the iconic Wrigley Building clocktower in the background! Such a romantic photo…almost feels like a movie!

These two were great throughout the session. Though it was cold and raining…they kept on smiling and enjoying their night and made job as their Chicago proposal photographer all the more easy! In all their Chicago winter proposal photos, this is one of the first ones where you can see the rain!

Chicago comes alive at night…and this black and white is so beautiful and timeless! You almost can’t tell these are Chicago WINTER proposal photos! =)

Thank you guys for having me capture your Chicago winter proposal photos! You guys did such a great job and you have so many wonderful photos to choose from! Congrats again!

with love,

your Chicago winter proposal photographer,

Kenny Nakai

Tags: chicago engagement photos at night, chicago proposal photographer, chicago proposal photos a night, chicago winter proposal photographer, chicago winter proposal photos, wrigley building

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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!

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

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!

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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