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.

August 1, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

bride and groom under beautiful stone arch during their Minnetrista wedding

An overhang outside Minnetrista provides a rare spot of shade in the middle of the property. At noon on a sunny day, it makes a great place to take photos. So we chose this location to do the first look with Sam and Priscilla, and it did not disappoint. Sam’s face also did not disappoint […]

June 2, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

beautiful blonde bride standing in front of steps of building for her unique wedding photos

A soft breeze blew across the quad at Ball State University, lifting the lace of Sara’s dress and tousling her blonde hair. She lifted the skirt of her wedding dress and spun in the breeze taking in the day. Her groom Adam stood watching, a smile on his face, as he watched Sara having her […]

December 1, 2021

FILED IN: Engagements

man with long hair hugs blonde woman in downtown muncie engagement session

As the sun was setting in Muncie, its last rays came across lighting up Sara and Adam as they hugged. Adam leaned down to kiss Sara on the cheek. It was a magical moment. I had so much fun shooting this downtown Muncie engagement session with these two! We started this shoot on Ball State […]

August 23, 2019

FILED IN: Weddings

bride and groom kissing at sunset with sun setting over the bride's shoulder for their muncie wedding photography

As the sun set over the field of wildflowers and grass, Kathryn and Nate hugged each other. They kissed on the side of a small pond, in the most beautiful light with plenty of warm tones. This was just one of the many sweet moments from Kathryn and Nate’s wedding day! There were so many […]

April 25, 2019

FILED IN: Weddings

groom in burgundy suit kisses bride in white dress at sunset during their East Central Indiana wedding

As the sun was dipping below the horizon, we ran outside to do a few photos of Makenzie and Kyle. We were losing light fast, so we only had a few moments to make some magic happen. Caught up in the moment and the romance, without me asking for any poses, Kyle hugged Makenzie and […]

July 26, 2018

FILED IN: Weddings

a bride smiles at her groom as he hugs her in moody window light

Rain spattered against the windows of the church, as Emily and Rocky moved toward a back room to do a few photos. Standing in the moody light coming through one of the windows, they held each other tight. Rocky looked at Emily with love, and Emily smiled. Not even the rain could dampen their spirits […]

February 22, 2018

the silhouette of a bride and groom in front of large windows at the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown indianapolis with a large chandelier hanging in the foreground

First Look Having a First Look is a new tradition that is emerging for couples on their wedding day.  It is the moment the wedding couple sees each other for the first time on their special day… but this isn’t during the ceremony.  Does it make you nervous? Well, some couples aren’t familiar with the […]

November 6, 2017

FILED IN: Weddings

Outside of the Horizon Convention Center in Muncie there’s a small area with grass and trees, bringing a little wildlife to the downtown location. Before entering the building to have fun and enjoy the Sangeet, Kelly and Arjun paused for a few moments with me to capture some pictures. Arjun held Kelly around the waist, […]

August 14, 2014

FILED IN: Weddings

Autumn & Ryan have spent the past several years growing in love with one another, sometimes hundreds of miles away from each other. Recently they decided to start the rest of their lives together. I’ve had the privilege to know them both for a while now. As Autumn walked down the aisle, I couldn’t hold […]

December 27, 2011

FILED IN: Engagements

Opposites attract.  Shán is a quiet/shy guy and Molly is very sociable and seems to mix well with any company.  Molly’s blonde hair and beautiful, blue eyes and Shán’s dark hair and mysterious, dark eyes makes them appear like day and night.  Honestly, they fit perfectly together.  One thing they aren’t opposites on is their […]