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, 9 yr old ,+ 7 yr old! They live in the city with their kids attend Chicago Public Schools. Life is full with sports, dance classes, birthday parties, and quality family time! The kids love Daddy's homemade pizza, retro video games, and all things Disney. They relax on warm beaches, hike mountains, and explore the Chicago food scene. Some of their favorites include: Smoque, Wasabi Ramen, Molly's Cupcakes, Paulee Gee's 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 and stay in shape for wedding photography...the last 10yrs has seen him pick up rock climbing (in local gyms), backpacking/hiking (Olympic, Grand Canyon, Tetons, Yosemite, Zion), and most recently: running (marathon in 2024?).
"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."
Samantha & Pete
Our clients trust us.
To capture the emotions. To see the moments before they happen. To care about the details.
We listen to our couples. We work together to create something magical.
They appreciate our professionalism and the care put into every aspect of their day.
We love symmetry. We love minimizing the distractions and accentuating the beauty.
Things don't always fall into place. We make things happen. It's once in a lifetime.
It means the world to us that our clients love their images.
We don't do this for us. We do this for you.
"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!!!"
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.
Joey and I wanted to thank you for EVERYTHING you did for us on our wedding day. 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! So thank you again. We will recommend you to everyone!
When I started looking for a photographer, I wanted to make sure that I had someone who I trusted. 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, who captures artistic shots, and is someone who will be patient and captures not only the big moments, but the little moments, Kenny is your man!
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."
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
3334 N Avers Ave #2
Chicago, IL 60618