Chicago Engagement Session // Kara + Kevin!

Chicago Theater Marquee Sign Engagement Photos 

We shot Kara + Kevin’s engagement photos last month throughout Chicago. We started with the Chicago Theater marquee – once the lights turn on, the sign looks fabulous!

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As a photographer shooting engagement sessions in Chicago for 10+ years, I have my favorite little nooks around the city, this is one of them!

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I love her smile!

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Engagement Pictures  with the Pink Taxi + The Langham Marquee

We made sure to stop by The Langham Chicago Hotel to take a few photos with their pink taxi and their marquee!

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We crossed the river to find a little bit of sunflare for these photos! Love the Marina Towers in the background – classic Chicago architecture!

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Olive Park Engagement Photos

We finished their session at Olive Park, which has a gorgeous view of the Chicago skyline!

Photographers Tip: Don’t put anything behind the bride and groom to make them stand out in the image!

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It was a blustery day for sure, but these two made it look so nice out! =)

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Great job Kara + Kevin on your engagement session! The photos turned out so great and I can’t wait until your wedding next year!

with love,

your Chicago engagement photographer,

Kenny

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Langham Chicago Wedding Photos // Brianna + Jim

Best Langham Chicago Wedding Photos 

It was the most perfect day for Brianna + Jim! They hosted their wedding ceremony at one of Chicago’s best hotels, The Langham Chicago! It was so special to witness their union…there was quite a few teary eyes! Be sure to scroll through all 60+ pictures from their special day!

Shout out to Megan from North Shore Weddings & Events and Davina from the Langham a phenomenal job throughout the day!

Wedding Details:
Ceremony + Reception Venue: The Langham Chicago Hotel
Florals + Decor: A Stem Above
Planner + Coordinator: North Shore Weddings & Events
Band: Time Chicago Band
Photographers: Nakai Photography
Gown: Pronovias

Then Langham sign and their pink taxi are the perfect backdrop to a wedding day photo!best Chicago wedding photographers Langham pink taxi

We stepped off the dance floor to take a couple romantic photos outside at night! Love that you can see the Chicago Theatre sign in the background!

Sharing a little private twirl!

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Getting Ready Photos at the Langham 

Her wedding gown with Michigan Ave and the Chicago River in the background

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Mom helping with the finishing touches-

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Sharing a first look with her dad-

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This photo looks like an advertisement in a wedding magazine!

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She looks stunning in her dress!

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After their first look, they were ready to take photos around the Langham!

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Photographers Tip: Combining different elements in a photo. The bold lines of the sign, the curvature of the taxi, and a kiss by the bride and groom!

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The Langham lobby has these gorgeous ‘pebbles’ hanging from their ceiling. It makes for the most amazing backdrop!

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I love her smile in this photo below

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Their little doggie got photobombed!

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As a wedding photographer, I’m always looking for the right moments and capturing emotions. But I also enjoy bringing a fashion element to my wedding photography.

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Langham Ceremony Photos

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Wedding Reception Pictures

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First dance photos!

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Thank you Brianna + Jim for having me as your wedding photographer! You guys were so great to work with and we were able to create a few magical photographs! Thank you for your patience! Can’t wait to share the rest!

with love,

your Chicago wedding photographer,

Kenny

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Santorini Destination Wedding Photos

Destination Wedding Photos at Canaves Oia in Santorini, Greece

Last month a local Chicago couple flew me across the world to their destination wedding in Santorini, Greece! The bride has been following my work for over 9 years and I was truly honored to be asked to be her wedding photographer! When she told me she wanted to get married in Santorini, I almost didn’t believe her!

Santorini is easily one of the most well known destination wedding locations in the world! A quick scroll through these 60+ photos showcases just how beautiful Santorini can be!

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She wanted beautiful photos in an unforgettable location…I think she succeeded!

Wedding Details:
Ceremony + Reception Venue: Canaves Suites Oia
Photographer: Nakai Photography
Shoes: Jimmy Choo Shoes

In case you missed it – be sure to check out their Chicago Engagement Photos (kimono included) and their Santorini Pre-Wedding Photos!

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All the hotels in the city of Oia on Santorini have rooms with this gorgeous view! Canaves Suites Oia is a 5 star luxury resort with private pools in all their rooms!

When you walk around Santorini, you see all these doorways, so I thought to incorporate a doorway into their wedding photos!

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Jimmy Choo, say hello to Greece!

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This is the view from one of their suites! What a way to start your morning on your wedding day!

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Love this photo of the two of them having a moment together before their ceremony!

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We definitely don’t have views like this in Chicago!

The bride made this box for their wedding bands!

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Walking down the ‘aisle’ at the Canaves Oia Suites!

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Cue the kiss + flower petals!

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The background looks like a watercolor painting…except it’s not!

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There are epic first dances…ones with a view like this are automatically filed under the word ‘epic’!

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Getting a little creative with their wedding photography!

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As a wedding photographer, I’ve dreamed about shooting a wedding in Santorini. The white walls and the blue domes are pretty amazing, so we made sure to get a few photos with them!

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Photographer’s Tip: Look behind every corner…you might just find the perfect spot for a photograph!

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Santorini has a lot of narrow passages and walkways –

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Oia is just breathtaking. Everywhere you look, there’s an amazing photo opportunity. This picture is the perfect example! I turn around and we had to take a photo in this spot!

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Returning to Canaves Suites for their reception!

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So simple, with the perfect amount of decor!

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Their dinner watching the sun set in Santorini

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Thank you both for having me as your destination wedding photographer! It was truly special to witness your love and to capture these timeless pictures for you both!

with love,

Kenny Nakai

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Fairmont Chicago Wedding Photography Slideshow // JT + Sarah!

Chicago Wedding Photography Slideshow at The Fairmont Millennium Park

Sarah + JT’s wedding photography slideshow in 4k HD! There a priceless photo of her giggling right before she has her wedding dress ‘reveal’ to her bridesmaids and then there was JT’s father playing a practical joke on his son by swapping out his tuxedo pants with a different pair!

In case you missed it, be sure to check out Sarah + JT’s Navy Pier Engagement Photos + Wedding Photography Blog Post!

Wedding Details
Ceremony Venue: St Josaphat Church
Reception Venue: Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park
Photographers: Nakai Photography
Florals + Decor: Avant Gardenia
Coordinator: Nancy Invites

 

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Santorini Destination Engagement Photos

Destination Engagement Photos in Santorini, Greece

They flew me half way around the world to photograph their destination wedding in Santorini, Greece! We made sure to take a few engagement photos the day before their wedding as well! We all lucked out with the weather…as it had been raining the two previous days in Santorini! The clouds opened up for these two for their destination engagement photos in Greece!

 

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The photos are beautiful…but Santorini is even more beautiful in person!

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This pretty much sums up our emotions that first day walking around the streets of Santorini!

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Those who have visited Santorini will tell you there are many doors and gates throughout the city of Oia!

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Santorini is really wedding photographer’s dream location to shoot!

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Thank you guys for having me as your destination wedding photographer and flying me all the way to Santorini! I hope you enjoy these destination engagement photos too!

with love,

Kenny Nakai

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Chicago Wedding Photographer

312-298-9721

Chicago, IL 60618

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