"In the end, your guests celebrated and returned home, the bridal gown gets preserved, flowers become wilted, and rentals are returned.
From your wedding day, you are left with the memories from your photos, so why not select the best photographer to capture the most memorable day of your lives through photos that will last forever?
If you have the opportunity to make the investment in your wedding photos, I highly recommend Nakai Photography. "
BESSIE & TOM
Your wedding day is a whirlwind of emotions, subtle glances, and expressions of joy that can’t be recreated.
I approach every wedding with intentionality, artistry, and authenticity, capturing your day in a way that feels effortless & natural.
I’ve been a Chicago wedding photographer since 2007 — and I still genuinely love what I do.
Nearly two decades in, I bring that experience to every wedding day. The calm. The instinct. The ability to anticipate moments before they happen.
Awards and publications have been an honor, but what matters most to me is creating meaningful, beautiful images for you and the people you love.
Wedding photography has taken me to places like Thailand, Greece, and Mexico — but nothing compares to the energy of Chicago. The skyline. The architecture. The lake. This city still inspires me every time I pick up my camera.
I’m here to capture the real stuff — your joy, your emotion, your connection. Your story, honestly and artfully told.
From the getting ready to the fun times on the dance floor, I aim to tell your story in a clean, modern, and timeless style.
My goal is for you to feel like yourselves — confident, relaxed, and fully present — while I handle every visual detail.
"Words cannot describe how thankful we are for you.
Our bridal party loved you, our parents, everyone commented on how amazing of a job you did on our big day.
Made it so stress free!"
SUSAN & JOEY
Thoughtfulness + attention to detail
You share your vision, the vibe, the inspiration, the feeling you’re going for — and I’ll guide you with thoughtful location ideas, ideal timing, and sample images so you can clearly see what’s possible.
-I’m always just a call or email away. Whether it’s your proposal, engagement session, or wedding day, I’m happy to share insight and help you think through anything photo-related.
-About a week or two before your wedding, we’ll connect to go over everything. It’s a relaxed conversation to make sure we’re aligned, the timeline feels right, and you can move into your day feeling confident and at ease.
-All images are carefully edited for consistent color, brightness, and balanced contrast. True to the moment and timeless in feel.
-Afterward, I personally retouch a curated selection of your favorite images by hand. Distracting elements — flyaway hairs, exit signs, clutter, and other background distractions are carefully removed when possible. The goal is polished, natural, timeless imagery.
-Your photographs are delivered in a private online gallery. A space for you and your guests to relive the day and order professional prints and wall art.
-When an album is ordered, your photographs are thoughtfully designed into a custom layout that tells the full story of your day — preserved in a professionally crafted heirloom you’ll treasure and share with future generations.
"Kenny's aesthetic of capturing the emotion & feelings of every moment through photos gives us the gift of feeling & remembering those moments forever.
Personable and professional, Kenny made our wedding timeless and can't wait to work with him in the future!"
SAMANTHA & PETE
It's the moment you've been waiting for
ALL COLLECTIONS INCLUDE:
-THE NAKAI ESSENTIALS
-WEATHER RELATED FLEXIBILITY
Chicago proposals fall between $600-$900
It was very important for me to not worry on my wedding day.
All I have to say is WOW!! He was great! He knew exactly how to capture perfect images and sees shots that are perfection. From the pictures to the actual wedding photo book, I have been impressed every step of the way. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Everyone complimented us on our pictures and shared how great he was.
If you are looking for a professional who you can trust, captures artistic shots, and who will be patient and captures not only the big moments, but the little moments, Kenny is your man!
SARAH & JASON
Remember this beautiful season of life
ALL COLLECTIONS INCLUDE:
-THE NAKAI ESSENTIALS
Chicago engagement sessions fall between $800-$1650
"We did a good amount of research online and asking married friends/family for referrals.
But once we came upon Kenny's website,
his work just blew us away.
We loved his style and creativity that we just didn't feel like we saw with the others. We knew he'd come with some kind of price, but we felt it was well worth it."
JILIENNE & JOHN
Custom - because one size does not fit all
ALL COLLECTIONS INCLUDE:
-THE NAKAI ESSENTIALS
Full day custom collections typically fall between $6000-$15000. Always with Kenny as your Chicago wedding photographer
"Kenny is amazing at what he does. He is so calm, patient, and talented.
I remember him calling me the week before my wedding just to see how I was doing and any specific pictures I wanted so we didn’t forget the day of.
Our photo albums are incredible. He captured our special day beautifully!
He is absolutely INCREDIBLE!!!"
STEPHANIE & CASEY
FROM ME TO YOU
I'm grateful for your trust.
To capture your emotions. To see your moments before they happen. To care about the details.
I listen...and together we create something magical.
I have an eye for composition. I love minimizing the distractions and accentuating the beauty.
Things don't always fall into place. I make things happen. It's once in a lifetime.
My clients appreciate my professionalism and the care put into every aspect of their day.
It means the world to me that you love your images.
I don't do this for me. I do this for you.
I'm Kenny Nakai, a Chicago photographer creating beautiful, creative, & timeless imagery since 2007. I would love to capture your love story!
RESOURCES
3334 N Avers Ave #2
Chicago, IL 60618
312-298-9721
