Since starting Nakai Photography in 2007, Kenny Nakai's wedding photos have garnered accolades at the prestigious WPPI International Print competition. His work has been featured in a variety of magazines and blogs including: Inside Weddings, Destination Weddings & Honeymoons, Modern Luxury Brides, Chicago Style Weddings, and The Knot Chicago. He has traveled internationally to photograph weddings in Italy, Mexico, Thailand and the Bahamas. He is a preferred vendor at numerous luxury venues in Chicago.

 

Married in 2012, Kenny enjoys spending his time wife, 3.5 yr old, + 1.5 yr old! They take off in their cardboard spaceship and land on the moon! They relax on warm beaches and explore the Chicago food scene. Some of their favorite regular spots include: Smoque, Wasabi, Molly's Cupcakes, Del Seoul, Piece Pizza and Do-Rite Donuts! Kenny has a thing for donuts having tasted Voodoo Donuts in Portland, Sidecar in Orange County, Holy Donut in Maine, Dough and Doughnut Plant in NYC, and Top Pot in Seattle. To help curb his sweet tooth, he picked up climbing and can be found top roping and bouldering at First Ascent Chicago.

 

As a family, they donate their time, resources, and talents to different groups and ministries in Chicago. They live in the city and value supporting small businesses in their communities.

Bessie & Tom

 

"If you have the opportunity to make the investment in your wedding photos, I highly recommend Nakai Photography. 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? Kenny also created the most stunning wedding album I've ever seen, it's leather-bound, gorgeous spreads that it will last a lifetime."

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Samantha & Pete

 

Kenny is the BEST wedding photographer in Chicago! Authentic, dynamic, creative and romantic- Kenny's aesthetic of capturing the emotion / feelings of every moment through photo gives us the gift of feeling / remembering those moments forever. Personable and professional, Nakai Photography made our wedding timeless and can't wait to work with him in the future on family portraits!

THE EXPERIENCE

 

Your wedding day is full of special moments, but there is rarely enough time to see, let alone process it all

Yet it is a day you never want to forget

I do not wish to just record those in attendance... but the details, emotions, & moments that make the day truly yours

You need to feel comfortable with your photographer There must be an element of trust and vulnerability

On your wedding day, you can be assured, I am feeling some of the same emotions you are feeling

I believe it is this personal connection that opens the door for me to capture the essence of you and your love

Stephanie & Casey

 

"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!!!"

Brianna & Jim

 

Kenny is an artist in how he is able to capture the moment. He was our photographer for our wedding at the Langham Hotel this past weekend. I saw his past work that he did at the Langham and knew he was the one for us. He makes the pictures look like art in that nothing looks posed or fake. He is able to bring out the beauty of the city/hotel/people and capture the moment. He also is easy to work with. He's calm and friendly but has no problem telling you what to do to get the perfect picture.

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Jilienne & John

 

My (now) husband and I planned our wedding in 8 months. After our venue was booked, a photographer was the very next thing on our list to book. We did a good amount of research online (searching photographers' portfolios and blogs) and asking married friends/family for referrals. But once we came upon Kenny's websites, 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."

Jeanah & Brian

 

People, I am telling you--this man knows his craft, he is a perfectionist and he cares deeply about taking beautiful, timeless and modern photojournalistic style photos. He goes above and beyond what you expect from a wedding photographer.

 

First, the photos were absolutely spectacular and technically gorgeous. We wanted holiday-themed photos, and Kenny took the time to scout out potential locations and found an absolutely perfect setting near the old Water Tower.

 

Which leads me to the second point - that Kenny gives you careful, attentive personalized service that is second to none...It was exactly what we wanted -- subtle holiday touches and classic but not cliche Chicago locations.

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Chicago Wedding Photographer

312-298-9721

Chicago, IL 60618