nakai photography logo header
low res photo kenny nakai

Hi, I'm Kenny Nakai.

 

As a Chicago wedding photographer, I’m lucky enough to document some of the city's most beautiful love stories.

 

I hope you find inspiration here and connect with the feelings I had when I created each photo.

kenny nakai chicago photographer in tuxedo on dark backdrop

Hi, I'm Kenny Nakai.

 

As a Chicago wedding photographer, I’m lucky enough to document some of the city's most beautiful love stories.

 

Welcome to my Chicago wedding blog, where I share my latest work and the deeper stories behind the photos. I hope you find inspiration here and connect with the feelings I had when I created each one.

CHICAGO WEDDING BLOG

REAL STORIES.

REAL VENUES.

REAL MOMENTS.

chicago skyline engagement night

It's been quite the journey since I started this Chicago wedding blog in 2007. Photography is more than something to post on social media. It's a time capsule. Stopping. Freezing. Holding a moment forever.

 

There is no greater privilege than being trusted to preserve these moments for the people I love working with.

 

Wedding photography has brought me to the rooftop Cupola at The LondonHouse and on to the turf at Wrigley Field. Not just documenting people, but our ever-evolving city, one frame at a time. One love story at a time.

25+ Wonderful Lincoln Park Chicago Proposal Photos

Lincoln Park Chicago Proposal Photos

Yesterday it was raining all day in Chicago. We had to go with plan b for Jimmel’s proposal. And while it may not have been what we had discussed for a month…it was perfect. We had the whole Lincoln Park Pavilion (Honeycomb) to ourselves. The rain provided an additional visual element…a reflection!

Be sure to scroll through this whole blog post to see all 25+ of Jimmel + Angel’s Lincoln Park Chicago Proposal Photos! (Visit our proposals page to learn more and be sure to contact us!)

Lincoln park chicago proposal photos in the rain

There are so many things that could be said, but I think these photos speak for themselves-

Lincoln park chicago proposal photos honeycomb in the rain Lincoln park chicago proposal photos honeycomb in the rain Lincoln park chicago proposal photos in the rainLincoln park chicago proposal photos in the rain

Lincoln park chicago proposal photos gateway in the rain

Lincoln park chicago proposal photos honeycomb ring on finger

Lincoln park chicago proposal photos honeycomb ring on finger

Lincoln park chicago proposal photos honeycomb ring on fingerLincoln park chicago proposal photos gateway in the rainLincoln park chicago proposal photos honeycomb in the rain Lincoln park chicago proposal photos gateway in the rainLincoln park chicago proposal photos kiss

Lincoln park chicago proposal photos happy emotions

Lincoln park chicago proposal photos hugLincoln park chicago proposal photos honeycomb dip Lincoln park chicago proposal photos kissLincoln park chicago proposal photos kissLincoln park chicago proposal photos happy emotionsLincoln park chicago proposal photos honeycomb creative composition Lincoln park chicago proposal photos honeycomb walkingLincoln park chicago proposal photos honeycomb black and whiteLincoln park chicago proposal photos hugLincoln park chicago proposal photos happy emotionsLincoln park chicago proposal photos honeycomb creative composition

Leave you with one last photo of the two of them laughing together – on a day that they will remember forever!

Lincoln park chicago proposal photos hug

Congrats again Jimmel + Angel! It was epic and so special – thank you for having me!

with love,

your Chicago proposal photographer,

Kenny Nakai

80+ Unforgettable Chicago Ritz Carlton Wedding Photography Moments

Chicago Ritz Carlton Wedding Photography

It all came together for Karly + Eddy’s special day at The Ritz Carlton Chicago. We love working with couples who want to create epic wedding photos together…and these two were ready for every photo opportunity! We went out to the rooftop three different times to take photos! First look, sunset, and at night! Be sure to scroll through this whole blog post to see 80+ photos from their day!

Shout out to Christina from Christina Currie Events, Brittany from The Ritz Carlton, and Anthony Gowder Designs for making all the magic happen! See more inspiration at our Ritz Carlton Chicago Wedding Guide, one of our favorite Chicago wedding venues!

Wedding Details:
Venue: Ritz Carlton Chicago
Planner: Christina Currie Events
Photographers: NAKAI Photography
Florals: Anthony Gowder Designs
Dresser: The Wedding Dresser
Band: BeatMix Chicago

In an effort to get you to scroll through the whole blog post…these first four photos are some of our favorites!

chicago ritz Carlton wedding photography lobby bride and groomchicago ritz Carlton wedding photography rooftop sunset roofchicago ritz Carlton wedding photography rooftop at night roofchicago ritz Carlton wedding photography reception decor and detailschicago ritz Carlton wedding photography detailschicago ritz Carlton wedding photography detailschicago ritz Carlton wedding photography getting ready bridesmaids chicago ritz Carlton wedding photography getting ready mother of the bride chicago ritz Carlton wedding photography getting ready father of bridechicago ritz Carlton wedding photography bride portraitschicago ritz Carlton wedding photography bride portraitschicago ritz Carlton wedding photography bride portraitschicago ritz Carlton wedding photography groom getting readychicago ritz Carlton wedding photography groom getting readychicago ritz Carlton wedding photography groom getting readychicago ritz Carlton wedding photography groom black and whitechicago ritz Carlton wedding photography groom black and whitechicago ritz Carlton wedding photography groom black and whitechicago ritz Carlton wedding photography groom motherchicago ritz Carlton wedding photography rooftop first lookchicago ritz Carlton wedding photography rooftop first lookchicago ritz Carlton wedding photography rooftop first lookchicago ritz Carlton wedding photography roof top bride and groomchicago ritz Carlton wedding photography roof top bride and groomchicago ritz Carlton wedding photography roof top bride and groomchicago ritz Carlton wedding photography roof top overlooking Michigan Avechicago ritz Carlton wedding photography lobby bride and groom

Olive Park Wedding Photography

Olive Park is a hidden gem in our city as it has a gorgeous view of the Chicago skyline!

olive park wedding photography skyline olive park wedding photography bride and groom olive park wedding photography bridal partyolive park wedding photography bridal partyolive park wedding photography bridal partyolive park wedding photography skyline olive park wedding photography skyline olive park wedding photography groomsmen olive park wedding photography bride and groom

Olive Park wedding photography would not be complete without my favorite spot!

olive park wedding photography bride and groom olive park wedding photography tuxedos black dressesolive park wedding photography bridesmaidsolive park wedding photography groomsmen

olive park wedding photography bride and groom dip kissMichigan avenue wedding photography bride and groom Michigan avenue wedding photography bride and groom Michigan avenue wedding photography bride and groom chicago ritz Carlton wedding photography lobby bridal partychicago ritz Carlton wedding photography lobby bridal partychicago ritz Carlton wedding photography lobby bridal partychicago ritz Carlton wedding photography lobby bride and groom

Chicago Ritz Carlton Wedding Photography // Ceremony

chicago ritz Carlton wedding photography ceremony decorchicago ritz Carlton wedding photography ceremony decorchicago ritz Carlton wedding photography ceremony processionalchicago ritz Carlton wedding photography ceremony processionalchicago ritz Carlton wedding photography ceremony processionalchicago ritz Carlton wedding photography ceremony ballroomchicago ritz Carlton wedding photography ceremony ballroomchicago ritz Carlton wedding photography ceremony ballroomchicago ritz Carlton wedding photography ceremony momentschicago ritz Carlton wedding photography ceremony kisschicago ritz Carlton wedding photography ceremony exit

Ritz Carlton Chicago Wedding Reception Photos

chicago ritz Carlton wedding photography reception ballroom decor and detailschicago ritz Carlton wedding photography reception ballroom decor and detailschicago ritz Carlton wedding photography reception decor and detailschicago ritz Carlton wedding photography reception decor and detailschicago ritz Carlton wedding photography reception ballroom decor and detailschicago ritz Carlton wedding photography reception entrance decor and detailschicago ritz Carlton wedding photography reception entrancechicago ritz Carlton wedding photography reception cakechicago ritz Carlton wedding photography reception toastschicago ritz Carlton wedding photography reception toastschicago ritz Carlton wedding photography reception toastschicago ritz Carlton wedding photography rooftop sunset roof

Looking like they belong in a fashion magazine-

chicago ritz Carlton wedding photography rooftop sunset John Hancock

Wanted to highlight Lake Michigan in the background!

chicago ritz Carlton wedding photography rooftop sunset roofchicago ritz Carlton wedding photography reception first dancechicago ritz Carlton wedding photography reception first dancechicago ritz Carlton wedding photography reception first dancechicago ritz Carlton wedding photography reception dancingchicago ritz Carlton wedding photography reception dancingchicago ritz Carlton wedding photography reception dancingchicago ritz Carlton wedding photography reception partychicago ritz Carlton wedding photography reception partychicago ritz Carlton wedding photography reception party

Some of our favorite photos from the Ritz

chicago ritz Carlton wedding photography rooftop at night bride and groomchicago ritz Carlton wedding photography rooftop at night roofchicago ritz Carlton wedding photography rooftop at night bride and groomchicago ritz Carlton wedding photography rooftop at night roofchicago ritz Carlton wedding photography bride party dress chicago ritz Carlton wedding photography reception dessert stationchicago ritz Carlton wedding photography reception dessert station

Congrats again Karley + Eddy! Loved your enthusiasm all day – and we have the photos to prove it! Can’t wait to share the full set with you all! Enjoy the rest of your honeymoon!

with love,

your Chicago wedding photographer,

Kenny Nakai

80+ Romantic Chicago Botanic Garden Wedding Photos

Romantic Chicago Botanic Garden Wedding Photos

Victoria and I have worked together in the wedding industry. She does amazing wedding florals and event planning through her company: Kensington Events! As we work so hard to make our couple’s dreams come true…I was thrilled for her when she said she was planning her own wedding with her fiancé Gary!

It’s always an honor when someone in the industry asks you to be their wedding photographer…thank you Victoria for entrusting us to help make your dream come true and capturing your Chicago Greek wedding photos!

Wedding Details:
Ceremony: Holy Taxiarhai & St Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church 
Reception: Chicago Botanic Garden
Planner & Coordinator: Kensington Events
Photographers: NAKAI Photography
Florals & Decor: Mayfield Flowers
Hair: KSU Hairstyle
MUA: Mania Anna Makeup
Calligrapher: Queen Hand Calligraphy

chicago botanic garden wedding photos Japanese garden bridge bride and groom

Chicago Botanic Garden wedding photos wouldn’t be complete without a walk down this iconic pathway between the column of trees!

chicago botanic garden wedding photos walking between trees

Chicago Greek Wedding Photos // Getting Ready

Love all the little personal details in her lay flat photo. But her Versace shoes were just stunning!

chicago greek wedding photos detailschicago greek wedding photos details ringchicago greek wedding photos details dress

Loved this reflection photo!

chicago greek wedding photos bride reflectionchicago greek wedding photos bride getting readychicago greek wedding photos bride getting ready sisters

Dad stole a kiss before they left for the church-

chicago greek wedding photos bride getting readychicago greek wedding photos bride getting readychicago greek wedding photos bridal portraits

Gary’s getting ready was a little faster-

chicago greek wedding photos groom

chicago greek wedding photos groom

chicago greek wedding photos groomchicago greek wedding photos groom in tuxedochicago greek wedding photos groom in tuxedo

Chicago Greek Wedding Photos // Ceremony

Victoria had a few flower girls…

chicago greek wedding photos flowergirlschicago greek wedding photos flowergirlschicago greek wedding photos flowergirlschicago greek wedding photos orthodox churchchicago greek wedding photos orthodox churchchicago greek wedding photos orthodox churchchicago greek wedding photos orthodox ceremonychicago greek wedding photos orthodox ceremonychicago greek wedding photos orthodox ceremonychicago greek wedding photos orthodox ceremony bride and groomchicago greek wedding photos orthodox ceremony bride and groomchicago greek wedding photos orthodox ceremony bride and groomchicago greek wedding photos traditions ceremony bride and groomchicago greek wedding photos traditions ceremony bride and groomchicago greek wedding photos traditions ceremony bride and groomchicago greek wedding photos kiss ceremony bride and groomchicago greek wedding photos exit ceremony bride and groomchicago greek wedding photos exit ceremony bride and groomchicago greek wedding photos flower girls ring bearers

Chicago Botanic Garden Wedding Photos

chicago botanic garden wedding photos bride and groomchicago botanic garden wedding photos veil bride and groom between treeschicago botanic garden wedding photos veil bride and groom between treeschicago botanic garden wedding photos bride and groom rose gardenchicago botanic garden wedding photos bride and groomchicago botanic garden wedding photos kiss rose gardenchicago botanic garden wedding photos English walled garden bride and groomchicago botanic garden wedding photos English walled garden kisschicago botanic garden wedding photos English walled garden bride and groomchicago botanic garden wedding photos English walled garden bride and groomchicago botanic garden wedding photos English walled garden kisschicago botanic garden wedding photos Japanese garden bridge bride and groomchicago botanic garden wedding photos Japanese garden bridge bride and groomchicago botanic garden wedding photos Japanese garden bridge windy daychicago botanic garden wedding photos Japanese garden bridge windy daychicago botanic garden wedding photos bride and groom rose gardenchicago botanic garden wedding photos bride and groom rose gardenchicago botanic garden wedding photos English walled smilechicago botanic garden wedding photos bride and groom smilingchicago botanic garden wedding photos bride and groom

Since Gary is from England, Victoria surprised him with a few British soldiers to welcome guests to cocktail hour!

chicago botanic garden wedding photos cocktail hour British soldierschicago botanic garden wedding photos reception details sweetheart tablechicago botanic garden wedding photos reception details sweetheart tablechicago botanic garden wedding photos reception details cakechicago botanic garden wedding photos reception decor room photochicago botanic garden wedding photos reception decor table centerpieceschicago botanic garden wedding photos reception decor table centerpieceschicago botanic garden wedding photos reception decor table centerpieceschicago botanic garden wedding photos reception decor long tableschicago botanic garden wedding photos reception decor table bride lookingchicago botanic garden wedding photos reception decor bride and groom chicago botanic garden wedding photos reception cake cuttingchicago botanic garden wedding photos reception toast

Still can’t get over their beautiful sweetheart table!

chicago botanic garden wedding photos reception details sweetheart tablechicago botanic garden wedding photos tent receptionchicago botanic garden wedding photos reception first dancechicago botanic garden wedding photos reception first dancechicago botanic garden wedding photos reception dancingchicago botanic garden wedding photos reception dancingchicago botanic garden wedding photos reception dancing

Have to include a bunch of money dance moments in their Chicago Greek Wedding photos!

chicago greek wedding photos money dance

chicago botanic garden wedding photos greek dancingchicago botanic garden wedding photos greek dancingchicago greek wedding photos money dance

All the little kids loved picking up all the money for the bride and groom!

chicago greek wedding photos money dance

It was fun to see previous clients and their two kids at the wedding!

chicago greek wedding photos receptionchicago greek wedding photos receptionchicago greek wedding photos dessert table

Congrats again Victoria and Gary! So happy for the both of you and love the photos we created together! Hope the photos were all that you dreamed they would be!

with love,

your Chicago wedding photographer,

Kenny Nakai

 

nakai photography logo in footer

I'm Kenny Nakai, a Chicago wedding photographer creating beautiful, timeless imagery since 2007. For couples who value artistry, authenticity, and the moments that last forever.

facebook icon logo
instagram icon logo

SERVICES

EXPLORE