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.

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 […]

June 22, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

bride and groom under chuppah at their charming coxhall gardens wedding

The leaves of the weeping willow were blown slowly back and forth by a light breeze, adding a little movement behind the Chuppah during the ceremony. Under the Chuppah, Shayna and Aaron stood holding hands as Aaron prepared to break the glass. When the time came, he stomped so hard his yarmulke flew off his […]

May 17, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

wide shot of first kiss in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart during a University of Notre Dame wedding

We had so much fun shooting this University of Notre Dame wedding with Emily and Adam! We love visiting the University of Notre Dame and shooting there is so much fun. The campus is beautiful and provides so many gorgeous backdrops for photography. With this wedding we got to shoot at Saint Mary’s Lake, the […]

April 25, 2022

FILED IN: Engagements

man and woman in front of beautiful graffiti mural on the Indy Canal during this downtown indy engagement session

This wonderful Indianapolis engagement with Sarah and Jeffrey went all over downtown. We started at the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument in Monument Circle. After getting some shots around the monument and in front of the fountains, we headed down the cobblestone street toward the Indiana Statehouse. We hit the Statehouse grounds during golden hour and […]

April 25, 2022

FILED IN: Wedding Tip

man with glasses looks at bride under veil in this best eyeglasses wedding day photo

Your wedding day is likely a day that you have been looking forward to since you were young. This special occasion is full of moments that you and your partner will cherish for a lifetime. From picking out the most romantic wedding photographer to creating a guest list filled with all of your loved ones. […]

April 21, 2022

FILED IN: Engagements

blonde woman in a green tank top and denim jeans kisses a man in shorts with a blue shirt in the woods

A blanket of brown leaves lay on the forest floor. Sunlight filtered through a canopy of new green leaves overhead to grace the woods below. Standing in the fallen leaves, Ellie and George hugged and kissed. This was just one of the gorgeous moments Hannah captured with Ellie and George. All of the photos were […]

April 19, 2022

FILED IN: Engagements

man and woman prepare to kiss during their carmel at-home engagement session

The sun hung low in the sky. The leaves on the trees caught its light, keeping it from gracing the ground below. Sara and Joe stood in the dappled shade, under the trees, reveling in each other’s company. The two of them looked to be perfectly in love and at home with one another. We […]

April 19, 2022

FILED IN: Wedding Tip

gift boxes and gift cards

Article by Katie Conroy If you’ve received a pocketful of cash from your generous wedding guests, it’s a smart idea to put it to good use. While you can use a part of it towards pampering yourself, this article will explore four savvy ways to spend your wedding gift money. Pay Off Debt Make a […]

April 2, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

sullivans steakhouse captured at an angle on a cloudy day during a sullivans steakhouse wedding

On a lovely day in autumn last year we traveled down to Sullivan’s Steakhouse to capture a wedding. This is the first wedding that I’ve captured at Sullivan’s Steakhouse, and I loved this place. It had a cool old fashioned feel to it with modern flairs. It felt classic yet current at the same time. […]

March 24, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

bride and groom kiss on balcony of alexander hotel with puffy clouds in the background before a Newfields Garden Wedding

White cumulus clouds hung in the air over Indianapolis. Rashad stood on the balcony of the Alexander Hotel looking out at the city as Kathleen walked up behind him and tapped him on the shoulder. He turned around to see her, a smile crossing his face. They embraced and kissed as the a gentle breeze […]