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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 and Cycle Wedding Teaser Photos // Caroline + Spencer

Saddle and Cycle Chicago Wedding Photos

The storm clouds cleared for Caroline + Spencer’s wedding earlier today at Saddle and Cycle! They were married just six hours ago on the Northside of Chicago! Here are just a few teaser photos for their friends and family to enjoy until more photos are released in a couple weeks!

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

For those that don’t know, Saddle and Cycle is unique as one of the few outdoor green spaces for a wedding! As a photographer, I love the contrasting textures as well as a few Chicago buildings in the background to give you a sense of location!

 

saddle and cycle wedding photos bride groom chicago

Shout out to Ashley and the Saddle and Cycle wedding + event team for a great job!

saddle and cycle wedding photos bride groom chicago

Before the reception started, we took a quick photo outside!

saddle and cycle wedding pictures chicago bride groom

Shout out to Alexandra and the Exquisite Design team for a wonderful job!

saddle and cycle wedding pictures chicago bride groom

Congrats again Caroline + Spencer! It was a beautiful wedding on a cool crisp fall day! Thanks for being such a wonderful group of friends and family to work with! There are so many gorgeous photos, can’t wait to share more! Enjoy these for now!

with love,

your Chicago wedding photographer,

Kenny Nakai

Chicago Loews Wedding Slideshow // Carly + Aaron

Chicago Loews Jewish Wedding Photography Slideshow

Carly + Aaron were married at the Chicago Loews Hotel earlier this month! It was the most perfect day for photos on the Loews rooftop and they had the most fun during all their Jewish wedding traditions!

Be sure to have a good internet connection to watch their slideshow in HD! To read about their wedding, you can head over to their Chicago Loews Wedding Blog Post or check out their Lincoln Park Engagement Photos!

Wedding Details:
Ceremony + Reception Venue: Loews Downtown Chicago Hotel
Planner + Coordinators: Johnna + Erica from Great Events Inc
Photographers: Nakai Photography
Florals + Decor: Stemline Creative
Band: Arlen Music Productions
Wedding Dress: Pronovias

 

Radisson Blu Wedding Teaser Photos // Lexie + Jon

Chicago Radisson Blu Jewish Wedding Photos

It’s 2:30am, and I am so excited to share these four teaser photos from Lexie + Jon’s wedding earlier today! The Radisson Blu Chicago (located in Lakeshore East neighborhood) was the perfect venue for their wedding festivities! There is so much to share, stay tuned in the next week or so to see their full wedding blog post! 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, Craig and team from Epic Events, and Danny + his Gold Coast All Stars Band!

Love this photo of the two of them on the Radisson Blu balcony!

chicago Radisson blu wedding photos bride groom

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

chicago Radisson blu wedding pictures bride groomchicago Radisson blu wedding photos bride groomchicago Radisson blu wedding pictures reception ballroom

Congrats again Lexie + Jon! So many fun moments from today, I think Jon wins the most times I’ve ever seen a groom tossed in the air in one night! =)

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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