Do you photograph proposals?
Yes — and I love them. I know this city: where the light falls at each hour, which rooftops have the skyline, which quiet corners feel cinematic. I've helped plan alibis, coordinated surprise family arrivals, and run upstairs when a rainbow appeared after a same-sex ceremony. Learn more about my Chicago proposal photography services.
Will we look natural - or like we're posing?
Both, actually — and that's intentional. You'll have images that are quietly documentary and ones where I've directed every detail of the frame.
What you won't have is dead expressions, unflattering angles, or trendy color grades that'll make you wince in a decade.
I care more about how you look and feel than I care about any aesthetic trend. I've had brides hide around a corner before a shoot because they were so nervous. By the end, they forgot the camera was there.
Have you photographed a wedding at our venue before?
Probably — with 19 years across Chicago's best venues, there's a good chance I've been there. From the iconic Drake Hotel to the 5-Star luxury Langham Chicago. But if I haven't, I'll be there early to scout it before you arrive. New venues don't intimidate me. They interest me. I love finding the best spots in a new space.
When will we see our photos?
Faster than you expect. Three images go live on Instagram the night of your wedding — so when you get back to your room at midnight, there's already something waiting. Your best 60 to 90 images post to the NAKAI Photography blog within 2–3 weeks, right as you're coming off your honeymoon. Your full gallery arrives within a month. Your custom USB within three months. Most couples tell me the speed is what surprises them most.
Why does turnaround speed matter?
Because the feeling of your wedding day fades. I want you to relive it while it's still electric — not wait months wondering. You deserve to be excited about your photos, not anxious. There's so much energy from your wedding day and being able to see the pictures quickly helps keep the excitement and memories alive.
What happens if it rains on our wedding day?
Chicago weather is part of the job. I have contingency plans for every scenario — beautiful indoor locations, covered spaces, and 19 years of experience making unexpected conditions work in your favor. Wind, rain, cold — I've shot beautiful weddings in all of it. The light often surprises you on overcast days.
What happens if a hard drive fails?
I shoot simultaneously to two memory cards in every camera. The night of your wedding your files are backed up to two separate hard drives, with a third copy stored offsite before anything goes to the cloud. Losing a wedding has never happened and I've built my entire workflow to make sure it never will.
