Wedding Advice & Photography

Two things we are confident in: Wedding Planning & photography. Van Elk & Co is made up of a team of photographers who love to create portraits of love & happiness and share advice for wedding couples.

This isn't your typical photography blog. We share useful info for couples who are getting married and those who are heading that direction. Let us show you pretty things while you fill your head with all things wedding planning.

November 11, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

in a corner of a bar a bride adjusts her groom's boutonniere while bathed in window light during their garment factory events wedding

The corner of the bar had two windows filtering the sunlight from outside as it entered the room. In between these windows, Jeremy stood waiting for Megan to approach him. When she did, he turned and his whole face burst out into a giant smile. It was a magical first look with the exact kind […]

August 12, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

two brides take a shot with their officiant during their martinsville wedding ceremony

The sun shone down between the leaves, creating a dappled pattern of highlights on the grass below. In this grassy area in the woods, Danielle and Erin stood with their backs to each other. Then they turned to see each other for the first look. It was a stunning moment. We hope you loved this […]

July 31, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

bride and groom sit on rocks in front off pond with small chapel in background during their five willows wedding

The sun had just dipped behind the tree line and the air was starting to cool off. Barb and Keith sat on a group of rocks in front of a large pond, smiling and chatting with each other. In the background there was a large weeping willow tree, one of five on the property, as […]

June 24, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

bride and groom dance under overhang after their first look at their sand creek wedding

The overhand outside the Sand Creek Country Club provided a nice respite from the sun on a hot day. Under that overhang, Shanelle walked toward Phil as they prepared to see each other for the first time on their wedding day. After lots of hugs and few kisses and some chatting, Phil took Shanelle by […]

July 19, 2021

FILED IN: Engagements

couple under arches at their sand creek engagement session

The leaves were slowly changing from their vibrant greens to their more mellow oranges and yellows. It was autumn in northern Indiana and while some of the leaves had yet to change, some of the orange and yellow leaves already lay scattered upon the ground. Amidst the lovely fall foliage Shanelle and Phil stood hugging […]

July 16, 2021

FILED IN: Weddings

ceruti wedding with meghan and michael photo on bridge at ipfw

The rays of the setting sun were reflecting off the surface of the St. Joseph River and up onto the pedestrian bridge of the St Joe Pathway. Due to the ripple in the surface of the flowing waterway, the light seemed to shimmer and waver as it moved across the bridge. In the middle of […]

March 9, 2021

FILED IN: Weddings

groom dips bride and kisses her at sunset on an overcast day at a Franklin Barn Wedding

The first words I heard after walking into the bridal suite were, “You know he’s an amazing photographer, because I’m a photographer and I picked him to shoot my wedding.” It was one of the nicest things I’ve ever heard a bride say, especially within moments of first meeting in person. Charrie is a great […]

January 26, 2021

FILED IN: Weddings

bride and groom hold hands and walk away from the Indiana Statehouse during their Indiana Roof Ballroom wedding

The sunlight streamed in a slant across the grass of the Indiana Statehouse. Some of the higher rays bounced off the glass face of a nearby building and reflected back down across the grass from the opposite direction. Grace and Nathan walked across the grass, holding hands, showered in the warm sunlight streaming from two […]

January 25, 2021

FILED IN: Weddings

bride cries as she looks at groom in front of woods in fall at their 3 Fat Labs wedding

A few red and orange leaves still clutched to the branches of the trees, but most of their kin had already taken flight, drifting on the winds and eventually gracing the ground. Fall was fading, but it wasn’t winter yet. Walking along a deck in front of this wooded wonderland of colors hanging high and […]

July 24, 2020

FILED IN: Weddings

Garment Factory Wedding Photography bride and groom dance in front of window

Hannah & Quinton had a beautiful and emotional wedding that is something we never want to forget. Between her sister getting emotional seeing her come down the aisle and the exciting dance floor, it was apparent people were there to celebrate this amazing couple! It was also apparent they would not have missed this wedding […]