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.
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.
Real tips on the Cupola, the 23rd-floor rooftop, the Gilded Dome entrance, and what makes this Curio Collection by Hilton property one of the best photo locations in the entire city.
The moment you walk into LondonHouse Chicago, you realize right away — this place is different. Classic Chicago architecture is everywhere. You see it in the stonework, the ceilings, even above the elevator doors. But it's paired with modern finishes, clean lines, and thoughtful design. That balance of historic character and modern luxury is what makes the property stand out from anything else in the city.
I'm not alone in that opinion. In 2017, LondonHouse was awarded Historic Redevelopment of the Year by the Chicago Commercial Real Estate Awards. The recognition was earned. The design choices that make this space photograph so well are the same choices that earned the architectural awards.
Before It Even Opened
I had a client tour the space back in 2016 while it was still under construction. They were wearing hard hats, standing in what would eventually become their getting-ready suite, looking out over Michigan Avenue and the Wrigley Building.
They were getting married at Adler Planetarium that day. But they chose LondonHouse to get ready and honestly, that view alone made the decision for them.
LondonHouse officially opened in May 2016, and I was back there in September photographing that couple at the venue. I already knew their Director of Catering from working together at another five-star hotel, and her message to me was simple:
QUICK FACTS
Style: Modern + Historic
Capacity: 300+ guests
Ballroom Size: 3,726 sq ft
Rooftop: 23rd Floor
Location: 85 E Wacker Dr
Investment: $$$
"Kenny made us feel so comfortable on both our wedding day and for our engagement photos. Every shot is a work of art. Months later, I am still getting frequent compliments on our photos."
— MADDIE & JOHN
— A Note from Day One
"Kenny — whatever you need, just let me know. We need great photos."
They ended up using two of my images in their advertising campaign the following spring. Since then, I've photographed over 20 weddings and proposals at LondonHouse — and I still never get tired of stepping onto that 23rd-floor rooftop overlooking the city.
I've photographed on a lot of rooftops in Chicago...more than a dozen. This is the best one. The 23rd-floor rooftop gives you a direct view of the Chicago River, the bridges, and some of the most iconic architecture in the city. It's one of those places where even experienced planners and videographers react the first time they see it.
— Photographer's Note
I still enjoy bringing people up there for the first time just to see that reaction. It's always the same "wow" moment. Years of doing this work, and that response still hasn't gotten old.
You've probably seen photos of couples standing on the ledge inside the Cupola. What most guides won't tell you is that it's actually more approachable than it looks. There are levels below the ledge, so it's not a straight drop. Heights aren't for everyone, and the hesitation is completely understandable. But once couples step up and see it for themselves, they usually relax pretty quickly. And that's when we're able to create those iconic, once-in-a-lifetime images.
This one's a little unexpected, but it always sticks with me. When attending a wedding, the men's bathroom has a direct view of the Wrigley Building, the Michigan Avenue Bridge, and the Chicago River. It's one of those small details that just reinforces how unique this property is. Every space, even the ones you wouldn't think to of, has something special about it.
The Cupola is one of the most unique wedding photo locations in Chicago. It's large, dramatic, and can feel overwhelming if you're not familiar with it. But after photographing over a dozen weddings and proposals here, I know exactly how to approach it. The angles that work, the timing that makes the light cooperate, the lens choices that flatter both the couple and the architecture.
— Photographer's Note
It reminds me of photographing places like the Grand Canyon or the Grand Tetons — places I've backpacked through with my own camera. You don't just take a photo. You're trying to create something that stands out in a location that's already incredible. That's the bar at the Cupola, and after a dozen visits, I know how to clear it.
LondonHouse sits right at Wacker Drive and Michigan Avenue. Arguably one of the best intersections in the city for Chicago wedding photography. Step outside and you immediately have access to:
I've even had weddings during marathon weekend where we could look out from the suite and check crowd levels before heading out for photos. That kind of real-time flexibility is something couples don't always think about. But it makes a noticeable difference on the day itself.
One of the things LondonHouse does really well is blending old and new. They preserved elements of the original structure — exposed stone, historic details — and paired them with modern finishes like marble, brass, and contemporary furniture. It's not easy to balance those styles, but LondonHouse does it in a way that feels cohesive and intentional. From a photography standpoint, it gives you a lot to work with — multiple looks and feels in a single property without any of them feeling forced.
This is the main event. You have views of the Chicago River, the Wrigley Building, the Tribune Tower, and the surrounding bridges. There's also enough space to create a wide variety of compositions — from sweeping wide scenic shots to more intimate close portraits. After shooting here so often, I've explored just about every angle, and I know exactly where to go depending on the light, the weather, and the time of day.
The lobby gives you a completely different feel compared to the rooftop. Modern luxury design, strong symmetry, clean textures. It's perfect for more editorial-style portraits and a beautiful contrast to the outdoor photos. Mixing both into your gallery gives the final story a range that feels more dynamic than rooftop photos alone.
This is a spot that often gets overlooked. The gold-domed entrance at the corner of Wacker and Michigan is a stunning architectural feature, especially with natural light coming through. It's slightly tucked away, which makes it feel more private compared to the busier main entrance. One of those quiet locations that ends up producing some of the most memorable images of the day.
The way light hits the Cupola shifts depending on the season and time of day. I've photographed here throughout the year, so I can show you real examples of what the light will likely look like on your specific wedding date. That helps us plan ahead and make the most of the space — building portrait time around when the Cupola is at its best rather than working around shadow patterns we didn't anticipate.
If you're open to it, stepping out for a few minutes at night can completely change the look of your photos. Walking across Wacker Drive to the Riverwalk gives you a more urban, cinematic feel. The city lights reflecting off the water, the bridges illuminated, the kind of energy that only exists after dark. It's a perfect ending to your wedding day photos.
One of the biggest advantages of a LondonHouse wedding is how much you can do without traveling. You have rooftop views, river access, bridges, Michigan Avenue, and strong interior spaces — all in one location. That means less time in transit between portrait stops, fewer logistics for your wedding party, and more time enjoying the day itself.
This is one of the easiest decisions to make. It's one of the best first-look locations in Chicago. Private, dramatic, and unforgettable. The architecture frames the moment without overpowering it, and the privacy of the space lets the moment unfold without distraction.
If you're having your ceremony in the Juliette Grand Ballroom, you'll likely be backlit by large windows overlooking the Chicago River. On bright days, that can create strong backlighting in photos. There are three options to consider:
We can talk through what fits your preference. There's no universally right answer — it depends on the look you want and the kind of mood you're hoping the ceremony images carry.
Not required — but worth considering. Adding a backdrop behind the aisle, whether floral, structural, or draped, can enhance your ceremony photos and give more visual depth to the aisle moments. The Juliette Grand Ballroom is a beautiful room on its own, but a backdrop creates a stronger focal point and helps the ceremony photos read with more intentional design in the final gallery.
Quick Reference
ADDRESS
85 E Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL
CAPACITY
300+ guests
STYLE
Modern Luxury + Historic
Ballroom
Juliette Grand · 3,726 sq ft
Phone
312-357-1200
BRAND
Curio Collection by Hilton
INVESTMENT
$$$
PHOTOGRAPHER HERE SINCE
MAY 2016
If you're planning a wedding at LondonHouse Chicago and want photos that feel natural, elevated, and effortless — I'd love to connect and hear what you're envisioning.
I've been photographing here since the year the hotel opened. I know the way the sun hits the Cupola throughout the different seasons, the way the setting sun reflects off the buildings, the Gilded Dome entrance most people miss, and the timing tricks that make the difference between good and great images. That experience translates directly into a calmer wedding day and a stronger final gallery.
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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.
