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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.

Millennium Park + North Ave Engagement Photos // Amie + Donny

The Best Chicago Engagement Photos for Amie + Donny

We started Amie + Donny’s Chicago engagement photo session at North Ave Beach, drove over to their nearby Lincoln Park apt, and finished their session at night in Millennium Park! There are so many amazing pictures from their session…it was hard to narrow down which photos to post on the blog! Looking forward to their wedding at The Drake Hotel later this year with the fabulous Brianne from Marquette Avenue Events!

Here are a couple photos from the night time portion of our shoot in Millennium Park (scroll down to see them all)! I love how these photos at Millennium Park just scream ‘Chicago’ without being cliche!

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North Ave Beach Views for Engagement Pictures

One of the most popular spots for engagement photos is at North Ave Beach! You get an unobstructed view of the Chicago skyline!

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Love everything about this photo! Even the perfect ‘pop’ of color from Donny’s shirt!

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Lincoln Park Rooftop Engagement Pictures

Before going to the rooftop at their building we stopped by this spot under the “EL” tracks for a few pictures! Photographers Insight: I love the juxtaposition of steel beams and strong lines with the soft kiss + smiles! Not to mention…I love symmetry!

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We had a little special someone join us on the rooftop for some photos with the Chicago skyline!

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Millennium Park at Night – One of the Best Spots for Engagement Pics!

As the sun sets, Chicago comes alive with new life. I love these pictures at Millennium Park! We started with these flowers in the Lurie Garden.

best chicago engagement photographer millennium park at night lurie garden

The Pritzker Pavilion has the best colors and lights at night!

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Thanks to Amie + Donny for trusting me with this photo (walking in water)! It turned out so amazing with the reflection!

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As a photographer, I’m always looking for something new…I loved the reflection and the repeating lines and patterns.

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Thanks Amie + Donny for an amazing engagement session! You guys killed it! Can’t wait until your wedding!

with love,

your Chicago engagement photographer,

Kenny Nakai

Langham Wedding Slideshow // Kara + Kevin

Best Langham Chicago Luxury Wedding Photography Slideshow // Kara + Kevin

Be sure to have a good internet connection to watch Kara + Kevin’s best photos in their wedding slideshow! I loved the moment when Kara gave her father a gift just before departing for her ceremony and the moments when Kevin would kiss her on her forehead throughout the day. =) We captured so many beautiful photos at the Langham Chicago, along the Riverwalk and by the Wrigley Building! Be sure to watch the slideshow all the way through to see the photos we took at night!

If you haven’t already seen their wedding day + engagement pictures, be sure to check them out here: Kara + Kevin’s Langham Chicago Wedding Photos and Kara + Kevin’s Chicago Engagement Photos! 

 

Wedding Details
Getting Ready and Reception Venue: The Langham Hotel // 330 N Wabash Ave, Chicago
Ceremony: St James Lutheran Church // 2101 N Fremont St, Chicago
Planner: Julissa + Alicia from Clementine Custom Events
Gown: Enzoani from Dimitras Bridal Couture
Brides Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Music: Okyne Media Lab
Florals: Farmers Market Garden Center
Photographer: NAKAI Photography
Cake: Sugar Fixe

 

Lifestyle Photos in Chicago

Lifestyle Photos w/Nevena from Custom Hair Lounge

I met Nevsy while working a wedding together awhile back. She is the co-founder of Custom Hair Lounge – one of Chicago’s premier hair + color salons! She asked me to shoot a few lifestyle photos this past weekend and I was happy to oblige! We started with a few lifestyle headshots –

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Chicago Lifestyle Photo in the Rain!

Her friend Chris had been visiting Chicago and he was leaving the following day, so Nevena wanted to commemorate his trip with a photo session in Lincoln Park! Even though it started to rain, we were able capture these moments under the Lincoln Park ‘honeycomb’!

chicago engagement photo rain Lincoln park

These two share a positive energy that continually brings out laughter and smiles!

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Just a quick photo with the Chicago skyline from Lincoln Park!

chicago engagement photo rain Lincoln park

They didn’t let a little rain dampen their spirits during the photo shoot! =)

chicago engagement picture rain Lincoln park

Nevsy and Chris: Hope you enjoy these wonderful photos from this past weekend! What a way to help commemorate your time shared in Chicago…and may these photos keep you company until you reunite!

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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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