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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.

Saddle & Cycle Club Wedding Pictures // Caroline + Spencer

Saddle and Cycle Club + Ambassador Hotel Chicago Wedding Pictures

Just a couple weeks ago Caroline + Spencer were married at the Saddle & Cycle Club of Chicago! Most Chicagoians have never heard of this club located at Foster Ave and the lake front. It is an urban retreat for members and those having their wedding there! There is plenty of green space for an outdoor ceremony as well as a large patio and ballroom for the reception and cocktail hour!

Shout outs to Ashley from Saddle & Cycle and JD from A Perfect Pair Chicago for coordinating flawless day!

Be sure to scroll through all 60 images in this blog post to see photos from the rooftop of the Ambassador Hotel, North Pond of Lincoln Park and at Saddle and Cycle Club!

Wedding Details:
Getting Ready: Ambassador Chicago
Ceremony + Reception Venue: Saddle and Cycle
Florals + Decor: Exquisite Designs
Planner + Coordinator: JD from A Perfect Pair Chicago
Photographers: Nakai Photography
Gown: Reem Acra, New York

 

The view from the rooftop of the Ambassador Hotel is gorgeous – As a photographer, it’s all the little things that make this photo: the fog over the skyline, the perfect gust of wind and their authentic reactions to each other and the blowing veil!

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Love this photo at Saddle & Cycle!

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We took a few photos out on the lawn before heading into their wedding reception! Though the portrait session only lasted a few minutes, they were some of the best from the day!

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Getting Ready Photo at the Ambassador Chicago Hotel

Starting off with a few pictures of their wedding details!

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A fun moment with her bridesmaids!

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Love this timeless portrait of Mom and Caroline!

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A culmination of all things we love in a wedding portrait. A beautiful expression, gorgeous light, and an elegant pose!

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Timeless image in black and white

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Groom’s Wedding Day Prep in Lincoln Park

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One of the best portraits taken by my associate photographer Tom

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A cute moment behind the veil!

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Sometimes its about those in between ‘fun’ moments that make the best photos!

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As a wedding photographer, I’m always looking to incorporate a building’s architecture in a portrait – like the leading lines of the Ambassador Hotel – and a little gust of wind to blow Caroline’s veil!

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This photo is everything!

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Wedding Day Pictures in Lincoln Park

On the way to Saddle & Cycle Club we stopped by Lincoln Park to take photos near their home!

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Saddle & Cycle Club of Chicago Wedding Photos

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You know you found ‘the one’ when that person makes you smile in a way no one else does =)

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Gorgeous decor by Exquisite Designs

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There are plenty more photos to share, these are just a few of the best ones! Congrats again Caroline + Spencer! Hope these photos helped relive a few of your favorite moments from the day!

 

with love,

your Chicago wedding photographer,

Kenny Nakai

Greek Wedding Photography Slideshow at Annunciation + Blackstone!

Chicago Greek Wedding Photos at The Blackstone Hotel + Annunciation Cathedral 

Happy 1 month anniversary to Catrina + Tom!  It was beautiful ceremony at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral and a gorgeous reception Blackstone Hotel! We made sure to take photos at Buckingham Fountain and the Adler Planetarium, landmark locations in their relationship!

If you haven’t already seen them, be sure to check out Catrina + Tom’s Annunciation Cathedral + Blackstone Wedding Photography Blog Post!

Wedding Details:
Getting Ready + Reception Venue: Chicago Blackstone Hotel
Ceremony: Anunnciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Chicago
Planner + Designer: Manikas Designs
Photographers: Nakai Photography
Gown: Dimitras Bridal Couture

Be sure to have a good internet connection to watch in HD!

 

Radisson Blu Wedding Photos // Lexie + Jon

Radisson Blu Chicago Jewish Wedding Photos

The story of how these two met are what movies are made out of! Without going into too much detail…it was soooo special to hear how their parents were involved in the early stages of this relationship! Needless to say, there was a lot of love shared between these two families!

The Radisson Blu Chicago has the most amazing interior decor and we made sure to incorporate their modern luxury vibe into their wedding photos! If you haven’t already, be sure to check out their Chicago Engagement Photography Blog Post!

Shout out to an amazing team of wedding professionals today: Marcy + Johnna from Great Events Inc, Joy + her team from the Radisson Blu Aqua, Craig and team from Epic Events, and Danny + his Gold Coast All Stars Band!

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Wedding Details:
Ceremony + Reception Venue: Chicago Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel
Planner + Coordinators: Great Events Inc
Florals + Decor: Epic Events
Dress: Pronovias from Ultimate Bride
Photographers: Nakai Photography
Band: Gold Coast All-Stars

As a wedding photographer, I love varying textures. The exposed brick paired with gold metal made for the most perfect backdrop for this Vanity Fair inspired bridal party photo!

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One of my favorite moments when working a wedding with Great Events Chicago is their confetti toss!

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We stepped outside of the Radisson Blu to capture this serene moment overlooking the Lakeshore East neighborhood.

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Gorgeous decor by Epic Events-

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Getting Ready Photos at The Radisson Blu Hotel

A picture of her Pronovias gown in her suite

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There are some that smile for the camera, there are some that smile for the fun, and there are some that smile out of fear! Such a great photo!

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Lexie had a reveal with bridesmaids, this photograph truly stops time!

One of the best photojournalistic photo of the day – such a special moment!

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Just a simple portrait, but a gorgeous one of the bride!

Radisson blu chicago wedding photos getting ready

getting ready Radisson blu chicago wedding photographer

The Radisson Blu is in the award winning Aqua building – we had to take a few portraits on the balcony!

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While I was on the balcony photography the bride and groom, the second photographer was below to capture them with the building architecture!

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Radisson blu chicago wedding photos bridal party

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Because every picture tells a story! #radissonbluaquachicago

Radisson blu chicago wedding pictures bride groom

A photo from their Jewish wedding ceremony – the signing of the Ketubah!

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Wedding Ceremony Pictures at the Radisson Blu Aqua

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The groom ‘may’ have jumped the gun a little with his emphatic “I DO!!!”

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Radisson Blu Aqua Wedding Reception Photos

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Congrats again Lexie + Jon! So happy for you both – hope these photos helped you relive each and every moment! Can’t wait to share more! Enjoy these for now!

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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