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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.

Lake Forest Wedding Teaser Photos // Anna + Alex

Lake Forest, IL Wedding Photos! Market Square Downtown + Knollwood Club

Anna + Alex have probably just finished their afterparty from their wedding earlier today! I’m excited to share these three teaser photos from their wedding day! So thankful the rain stayed away for our photo session in downtown Lake Forest, IL! There is so much to share and say about this wonderful couple, but after a 12 hr wedding day, I need to get some rest!

Shout out to Juliana and Randy from Knollwood Club for making the day and evening flow so smoothly! Your staff is so friendly and welcoming too!

Wedding Details
Getting Ready: Knollwood Club
Ceremony: Church of St Mary Lake Forest
Reception: Knollwood Club
Photographers: Nakai Photography

Here’s one of the last photos we took near the Market Square

lake forest il wedding photo downtown bride groom walking

Anna looked stunning in her wedding dress! When she walked, it looked like she was floating on air!

lake forest il wedding photographer downtown bride groom walking

And one last photo taken on the golf course at the Knollwood Club. Love how peaceful and serene this photo feels! Photographer’s Tip: Symmetry is a strong compositional tool. Even the white chairs add just the perfect detail!

knollwood club lake forest il wedding photo golf course bride groom kissing

Thank you Anna + Alex for having us as your wedding photographers! We had such a wonderful time with you both today, congrats again!

with love,

Kenny Nakai

Chicago Ritz Carlton Slideshow // Lauren + Blake

Chicago Ritz Carlton Wedding Photos

Lauren + Blake are celebrating their 1 month anniversary today! Relive their Chicago Ritz Carlton wedding through their slideshow! Make sure you have a good internet connection to watch in HD!

Wedding Details:
Ceremony + Reception Venue: The Ritz Carlton Chicago
Planner: Brianne from Marquette Avenue Events
Decor: Flowers for Dreams
Photographers: Nakai Photography
Videographers: Mirar Weddings
Dress: Romona Keveza from Dimitras Bridal Couture
Shoes: Angela Nuran

Loews Chicago Wedding Teasers

Luxury Wedding Teaser Photos at Loews Chicago Hotel 

It’s 2am and the after party has just finished for this wedding! Before heading to bed, I wanted to share these teaser pictures from their wedding day! Chicago had the most beautiful weather to take advantage of the Loews Chicago Hotel rooftop! Located in the heart of downtown, you are surrounded the Chicago skyline!

There is so much to share, but for now, a quick shout out to Marcy + Erika from Great Events Inc for planning and coordinating, to Vince from Kehoe Designs for executing her vision to perfection and to Leah from the Loews Chicago for making it all happen at their gorgeous wedding venue!

Wedding Details:
Ceremony + Reception Venue: Loews Chicago Hotel
Planner: Great Events, Inc
Decor + Florals: Kehoe Designs
Gown: Pronovias from Mira Couture
Photographer: Nakai Photography
Band: The Lakeshore Encores

It was hard to pick just three photos to share, but I decided to post three pictures taken on the Loews Chicago rooftop! This first photo almost looks like an advertisement for the wedding dress!

loews chicago hotel wedding photo bride groom downtown luxury rooftop

Photographer’s insight: I love strong lines of the windows juxtaposed with the movement in her veil and the soft kiss on her hand!

loews chicago hotel wedding photo bride groom downtown luxury rooftop

As a wedding photographer, I love taking a moment to get one last photo at night! What a perfect way to end their wedding day!

loews chicago hotel wedding picture bride groom downtown luxury rooftop at night

Love the everything about their decor by Kehoe Designs

loews chicago hotel wedding picture room decor details by Kehoe Designs

Congrats again! Enjoy the post wedding bliss of not having to plan or think about anything wedding related! Enjoy these next few days with family and friends! I hope these photos help keep the love and energy going!

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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