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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.

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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.

Engagement Photos: Riverwalk, Chicago Theatre + North Avenue!

The Best Chicago Riverwalk Engagement Photos for Lauren + Blake

Lauren + Blake are getting married at the Chicago Ritz Carlton a couple weeks! Looking forward to working with Brianne from Marquette Avenue Events! We decided to head down to take some photos along the Chicago Riverwalk!

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Photographer’s Tip: Sometimes you need to climb a bridge to get a different vantage point!

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Chicago Theatre Sign on State Street Engagement Pictures 

We took a brief detour off the Riverwalk to take a few photos with the Chicago Theatre Sign on State Street!

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Engagement Pictures with the Chicago Skyline at North Avenue Beach

Lauren and Blake definitely wanted to include the Chicago Skyline in their engagement session! We took advantage of the clear blue sky for these photos!

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They wanted to include their little puppy into their engagement session!

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Dogs and puppies add the perfect amount of fun!

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Thanks Lauren + Blake for a wonderful session! Can’t wait until your wedding day!

with love,

your Chicago Engagement Photographer,

Kenny Nakai

Wedding Teasers: Cafe Brauer, Ambassador Hotel, Art Institute!

Evan + Emily’s Chicago Wedding Teaser Photos

The bride and groom are probably not even done celebrating with all their friends and family as this teaser post goes live at 1am Sunday morning! Shout out to Chicago for the most amazing weather today! Also to Misha + her Nouvelle Events team along with folks over at Cafe Brauer for helping to execute a flawless day! Great to see and work with our friends Juan and Aga from Hair by Juan Jose + Makeup By Aga!

Rooftop at the Ambassador Chicago Hotel Picture

First up…an epic shot on the rooftop of the Ambassador Chicago Hotel! The Ambassador Hotel is located in the Gold Coast of Chicago with a fantastic view of the city skyline!

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Art Institute South Garden Photo

Love this picture of the bride and groom laughing together in the South Garden of the Chicago Art Institute. These two love to laugh together and I had to share one for their teaser blog post!

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Sparkler Send Off Photo at Cafe Brauer

Though it was one of the last photos of the night, it’s one of the most romantic! What a better way to end the day than with a kiss and sparklers in front of the neon Cafe Brauer sign!?!

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Congrats again you two! Hope you enjoy your time with friends and family! Can’t wait to share more!

with love,

your Chicago wedding photographer,

Kenny Nakai

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.

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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

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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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