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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.

A CHICAGO WEDDING BLOG - NAKAI Photography

The Peninsula Hotel + Holy Name Cathedral! Meghan + Ben’s Wedding!

Chicago meets New York City!

Meghan is originally from Chicago…and moved to New York City a number of years ago. And while she fell in love with NYC and a man named Ben…she brought her fiance back to the Windy city for their wedding! BUT to be true to their NYC relationship…they flew me out to New York for their engagement photos last fall! If you haven’t seen them…check out their New York engagement pictures! I love being a wedding photographer and have the opportunity to travel all over for wedding and engagement photos!

The Peninsula Hotel Chicago

They had an amazing Chicago wedding…and chose great wedding venues! The got ready and had their wedding reception at the Peninsula Hotel! A gorgeous venue with AMAZING photo opportunities! Be sure to check out their wedding photos in this blog post! But before we go on…I want to share my favorite bridal party picture from the day…taken in the Peninsula Hotel lobby.

You can see more updated photos at our Peninsula Chicago Wedding Guide, and read more about other amazing Chicago wedding venues!

Chicago Peninsula Wedding Photo

The Peninsula Hotel from the outside

Chicago Peninsula Wedding Photo

Bridal suite with her wedding dress – a Monique Lhuillier gown from Ultimate Bride

Chicago Peninsula Wedding Photo

For her wedding shoes photo…I used her ipad for a creative picture of Mr. Christian Louboutin!

A creative picture using shapes for her wedding earrings

I went downstairs to where Ben was getting ready to grab this portrait of him- I love this photo…he is always smiling-

The best man had the Tiffany & Co wedding bands all ready to go

Once Meghan was all ready to go…we walked around the Peninsula Chicago for some bridal portraits before the ceremony. I want to give a shout out to Livia Caporale for a great job on Meghan’s hair! I love working with Livia – she does a great job…EVERY time!

Chicago Peninsula Wedding Photo

In front of a large Peninsula window

Chicago Peninsula Wedding Photo

Love the timeless look! What a beautiful portrait of Meghan!

Chicago Peninsula Wedding Picture

Gorgeous!

This is the lobby of the Peninsula Ballroom- a great location for wedding photos!

Chicago wedding Photographer at Peninsula Hotel

Second favorite portrait of the day! So elegant & beautiful!

Chicago wedding Photographer

Holy Name Cathedral Wedding Ceremony

We headed over to a Chicago favorite: Holy Name Cathedral for the wedding ceremony! Ben was checking everything one last time!

Holy Name Cathedral and Meghan walking down with both of her parents! What a grand entrance!

Chicago Holy Name Cathedral Wedding Ceremony Picture

I love Ben’s smile after he lifted the veil off of Meghan’s face!

Chicago Holy Name Cathedral Wedding Ceremony Picture

This photo says why Holy Name Cathedral is one of Chicago’s favorite places of worship

Chicago Holy Name Cathedral Wedding Ceremony Photo

In Filipino culture, there are a few wedding traditions…one of them is the coins…which are being prayed over in this photo

Another Filipino wedding tradition is the cord…which is pinned on the bride and groom

We headed out on the trolly for wedding photos throughout Chicago

Meghan wanted a Chicago Skyline shot…so here we are!

Chicago wedding photographer

chicago wedding photo skyline

The ladies in front of the Chicago skyline

Chicago wedding skyline photo

The guys

Meghan’s veil blowing in the wind in the windy city!

chicago wedding photographer

A quick photo in front of the Peninsula Chicago entrance-

chicago peninsula wedding photographer

Peninsula Wedding Pictures by Chicago wedding Photographer

Love the flowers and floral arrangement on the card table-

Chicago Peninsula Wedding Photos by Chicago wedding Photographer

Chicago Peninsula Wedding Picture by Chicago wedding Photographer Nakai Photography – card table

Check out this gigantic bird cage! What a great job with the flowers on this one!

The Peninsula Chicago ballroom with the gorgeous centerpieces!

Chicago Peninsula Wedding Reception Picture

First dance in the Peninsula Ballroom

Chicago Peninsula Wedding Reception Photo - first dance

The whole Peninsula Ballroom in a wedding photo!

Chicago Peninsula Wedding Reception First Dance Photo

Ben went on stage with the band and busted out on the bass guitar! Powerplay FYI was the band that kept the night rocking!

The Peninsula Hotel Chicago patio…with views of the John Hancock. Nothing says Chicago like the Chicago skyline!

Chicago Peninsula Wedding Reception Photo

Thank you to Meghan and Ben for having me as your wedding photographer! It was great to spend the day with you as you are both such wonderful people! It’s such a great story of two generous people finding each other! And welcome back from your honeymoon! I hope these photos bring back so many wonderful memories from your special day!

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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