Kenny Nakai Photography

As a kid in Skokie, Kenny Nakai drew comic strips. He majored in biology and worked in camera shops before a friend talked him into shooting her engagement photos, on the grounds that he'd be free. He has photographed Chicago weddings since 2007, works alone with no assistants, and does his own editing.

On his blog there's a North Pond proposal that started with a brunch booking. The couple were due at the restaurant in Lincoln Park at 11am, and the proposer edited the confirmation email to say 10am, which bought an hour on the quiet patio out front before it opened. Kenny got there well ahead, since parking near the zoo on a Sunday morning takes a while.

For the skyline without the North Avenue Beach crowd he often suggests Olive Park, between Navy Pier and Oak Street Beach, and keeps other spots lined up in case someone else has the pier.