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.

March 4, 2021

FILED IN: Weddings

bride and groom under weeping willow trees in white river state park before their 1899 wedding reception

The leaves of the weeping willows hung down low to the earth, idly swaying in the breeze. Underneath the trees, Kara and Nick stood hugging each other. Nick lifted his head and kissed Kara on the side of the cheek. This was just one amazing moment from our portrait session with Kara and Nick before […]

January 15, 2021

FILED IN: Weddings

bride and groom sit on wooden steps during their traders point creamery wedding

Next to small pond, a the Beach Porch bustled with activity. On the steps of the porch, Abby and James sat next to each other. They were taking a moment to themselves, cuddling up to each other, as their guests took their seats on the porch behind them. As they sat there, heads resting against […]

September 8, 2020

bride and groom hug and laugh at sunset in Indianpaolis for Regions Tower wedding photography

I love this time of year. It’s full of celebration. With August, September, and October being our busiest months, we see so many engaged couples becoming newlyweds and many of our past couples celebrate another year of their marriage. Today we are celebrating Matt & Molly and their Regions Tower wedding anniversary! 2020 has brought […]

September 2, 2020

FILED IN: Portraits

small family of four at sunset in Indy family photos

The leaves of the trees had started to change color. They were transitioning from a verdant green to brown, but were caught in few shades of yellow and orange on the way. Standing in front of a brown field of grain, the Carrera family stood together. They came for the shoot prepared with footballs and […]

August 25, 2020

FILED IN: Weddings

man in red turban and woman in jewels at their Coxhall Gardens wedding

The tan bricks of the Caxhall Mansion provided some shade as evening drew near. Behnam stood in the shade, his back to the mansion. Hira hugged Behnam from behind, looking lovingly at him. Behnam turned his head slightly toward her and they both smiled. Last week I had the pure joy of capturing this amazing […]

August 3, 2020

bride and groom stand together on sidewalk for their muncie wedding photography

I had the privilege to interview one of our couples from 2019! Kathryn & Nate were married at Cornerstone Center for the Arts in Muncie, IN. While they planned their wonderful wedding, Kathryn spent a year in Paris and Nate finished up school at Ball State University. Today they celebrate their 1st wedding anniversary and […]

July 31, 2020

A few hours of open dancing is enough to make anyone work up an appetite. Even if that open dancing was preceded by one of the best tasting meals we’ve ever seen at a wedding. But, when the In-N-Out Burger truck pulled up to the reception, not a single person stayed inside to dance. Everyone […]

July 29, 2020

FILED IN: Engagements

In between the rows of books it was silent except for the hum of air conditioner. Sitting at the end of one row, smiles on their faces, sat Kevin and Kelsey. They cuddled together, filled with joy, as they flipped through the pages of a large book together. This Central Library engagement session was filled […]

July 27, 2020

FILED IN: Weddings

sunset in front of the Indiana Statehouse during an Indiana Roof Ballroom wedding

What a roller coaster the week leading up to Grace and Nathan’s wedding was with the new restrictions set by Indianapolis’ mayor. But luckily, things worked out in their favor and they didn’t have to move location or make massive cuts to their guest list a day before their wedding. Also, thankfully the thing that […]

July 27, 2020

bride and groom hold hands and look at each other in garden at newfields on wedding day

Bryana & DJ are celebrating their 1 year anniversary! I cannot believe how fast that year went. We are so excited to celebrate with them today. They sent in advice for couples planning that is a must-read. Their wedding was one of our favorites, and I’m sure you can tell by the photos it was […]