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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.

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 –

custom hair lounge Nevsy nevenacustom hair lounge Nevsy nevenaNevsy nevena Chicago custom hair lounge

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!

chicago engagement picture rain Lincoln parkchicago raining engagement picture Lincoln parkchicago raining engagement photo Lincoln parkchicago engagement picture rain Lincoln parkchicago raining engagement photo Lincoln parkchicago raining engagement picture Lincoln parkchicago engagement photo rain Lincoln parkchicago raining engagement picture Lincoln parkchicago raining engagement photo Lincoln park

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!

PreWedding Photos at North Ave + Riverwalk

Chicago Prewedding Photos at North Avenue Beach + The Riverwalk

These two decided to have some of their wedding photos around Chicago before their actual wedding day…it helped make the schedule on their actual wedding day a little easier!

We headed out to North Avenue Beach for a few photos with the Chicago skyline! In this first photo, I love how the wind just blew her hair and dress in the most perfect way!

chicago north ave wedding photographer

She’s a tango dancer – so we made sure to incorporate one her poses with the most perfect Chicago skyline view!

chicago north avenue wedding photographer

Riverwalk Chicago Wedding Pictures

We finished up their prewedding session downtown along the riverwalk! The Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower are classic examples of Chicago architecture, and we wanted to incorporate them into their photos!

chicago riverwalk wedding photographerchicago riverwalk wedding photoschicago riverwalk wedding pictures

chicago riverwalk wedding pictures

As a wedding photographer, I have to work with the lighting conditions on the day of the shoot…here I found the most amazing drop off of light- the shadow on the left hand side and the sun on the right!

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Thanks you two for a wonderful prewedding session! Can’t wait until your wedding next month!

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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