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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.

University Club Wedding Photography Slideshow

University Club Wedding Photography Slideshow

Scroll down to see Rachel + Matt’s University Club wedding photography slideshow! We love enjoying their wedding photos put to music – so many special moments captured! Beautiful stained glass windows of the University Club, view of Millennium Park from the 12th floor balcony, and photos on Michigan Avenue! Be sure to have a good internet connection to see the photos in 4k HD! If you haven’t already, you can read more about at their University Club of Chicago Wedding Photography Blog Post!

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Wedding Details:
Ceremony + Reception Venue: University Club of Chicago
Photographers: Nakai Photography
Planner + Coordinator: Misha from Nouvelle Events
Band: Chicago Catz
Floral + Decor: A Stem Above
Hair + Makeup: Tamara Hair and Makeup
Dress: Hayden Olivia Bridal

Morgan Manufacturing Wedding Photography Slideshow

Morgan Manufacturing Wedding Photography Slideshow

We are so excited to share Megan + Michael’s Morgan Manufacturing wedding photography slideshow with you! We love all the emotions, laughs and beauty throughout their day! We had a great day getting ready at the new Nobu Chicago Hotel, taking photos on the Kinzie Street bridge, and celebrating their ceremony and reception at Morgan MFG! Be sure to have a good internet connection to view their slideshow in 4k HD!

Morgan Manufacturing wedding photography chicago reception bride and groom

Wedding Details:
Getting Ready Location: Nobu Chicago Hotel
Ceremony + Reception Venue: Morgan MFG
Photographers: Nakai Photography
Catering: Blue Plate Catering
Florals: North Gate Floral
Band: One Night Band
Dessert: Dipsy Dessert
Late Night Snacks: Gayle’s Best Ever Grilled Cheese

University Club of Chicago Wedding Photos // Dylan + Candice

University Club of Chicago Wedding Photos

It all started at the University of Notre Dame for these two! They went to school excited about their futures…and who would have thought! They also endured postponing their wedding due to the pandemic, but had the wedding they always dreamed of!

Candice is a relative of our regular associate photographer, Tom (who also photographed their proposal), and we wanted to make sure to do an amazing job for these two!

Shout out to Suzy from Clementine Custom Events for navigating all the challenges of coordinating and planning a wedding during COVID!

Wedding Details:
Getting Ready Venue: University Club of Chicago
Wedding Ceremony Venue: St Michaels Catholic Church
Reception: University Club of Chicago
Planner + Coordinator: Suzy from Clementine Custom Events
Photographers: Nakai Photography
Florals: Fleur Chicago
Music: Okyne Media Lab
Hair and Makeup: Kate Johnson Artistry

These first four photos are some of our favorites! Although, let’s be honest, it is really hard to pick favorites! But be sure to scroll down to see all 60+ images of their University Club of Chicago wedding photos!university club of chicago wedding photos bride groomuniversity club of chicago wedding photos bride groomuniversity club of chicago wedding photos bride groom

They asked to be pulled off their dance photos to take a couple night time photos – I think we nailed it!

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A few photos of the bride’s details-

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We never tire of bridesmaid reveal photos! =)

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The balcony view is spectacular-

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St. Michael’s Catholic Church Wedding Photos

Before the ceremony started, Dylan found a spot for quiet moment for himself-

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We took photos in front of the Wrigley Building – one of our favorite wedding day locations!

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Love this photo of the two of them!

chicago Wrigley building wedding pictures bridal party

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University Club of Chicago Wedding Photos // Reception

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They had their Korean Paebaek ceremony during cocktail hour- Parents through walnuts and dates to signify the number and gender of future children!

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Beautiful decor for these University Club of Chicago wedding photos!

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Calling all Notre Dame alumni!

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Talk about a surprise during the reception!

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So great to photograph Tom + Minyung again…we photographed their Bel-Air California wedding a few years back! Tom is also our treasured associate photographer here at Nakai Photography!

university club of chicago wedding reception pictures fun dancinguniversity club of chicago wedding reception pictures fun dancinguniversity club of chicago wedding reception photography fun dancingCongrats again Candice + Dylan! What a fun weekend and there are just too many amazing photos from your day! Hope these help you relive all feels! Can’t wait to share the full set!

with love,

your Chicago wedding photographer,

Kenny Nakai

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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.

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