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 7, 2020

Man and Woman sit in boat in one of the Best Indianapolis Engagement Photo Locations

Throughout Indianapolis, there are lots of hidden gems when it comes to portrait session locations. Whether it be the outdoors, with beautiful foliage, or an urban setting with colorful walls, it’s hard to go wrong in Indy. If you’re looking for a place to do your engagement session but don’t already have something in mind, […]

May 28, 2024

FILED IN: Events

girl in red dress for her Montage Quinceañera

On a balmy summer evening in Indianapolis, Celeste’s Montage Quinceañera was a celebration to remember, filled with love, laughter, and cherished family moments. The event took place at the stunning Montage, a venue known for its picturesque setting overlooking a tranquil pond, which provided the perfect backdrop for this joyous occasion. Sunset Portraits During a […]

May 27, 2024

FILED IN: Engagements

couple looking at each other at sunset and smiling during their wonderful white river engagement

On a crisp, cool day in downtown Indy, Annie and Tim embarked on their Wonderful White River engagement session. Braving the chilly air, they ventured along the picturesque Indy Canal Walk, where the waters shimmered under the soft glow of the setting sun. Despite the nippy weather, their love warmed the surroundings, creating a magical […]

May 26, 2024

FILED IN: Weddings

Couple singing on their wedding day with guests at their Union Station Indy wedding

In the heart of Indianapolis, where timeless elegance meets modern charm, Kendall and Connor celebrated their love story with a magical Union Station Indy wedding. The day was a beautiful blend of tradition, romance, and joyful celebration, leaving an indelible mark on everyone who attended. A Morning of Anticipation for their Union Station Indy Wedding […]

May 25, 2024

FILED IN: Engagements

man hugs woman in their Newfields garden engagement

Samantha and Trace’s Newfields Garden engagement was a celebration of love amidst the enchanting beauty of nature. The gardens at Newfields, renowned for their stunning array of gorgeous flowers, provided the perfect backdrop for their romantic session. Every glance, every smile, was beautifully framed by the vibrant blooms and lush greenery, creating an atmosphere that […]

May 24, 2024

FILED IN: Engagements

couple with golden doodle in lockerbie outside james whitcomb riley museum

Molly and Kevin had a wonderful Le Meridien engagement session way back in 2021. The shoot started at the James Whitcomb Riley Museum in Lockerbie with their golden doodle. Then once they were ready to move inside for photos they transitioned to Le Meridien by Marriott for the remainder of the photos. A Whimsical Start […]

May 24, 2024

FILED IN: Wedding Tip

A wedding is a mosaic of emotions, fleeting moments, and vibrant details that culminate in one of the most significant days in a couple’s journey together. It’s a day where every glance, laugh, and tear tells a part of your unique story. In the whirlwind of celebrations, it’s the subtle nuances and spontaneous occurrences that […]

February 22, 2023

FILED IN: Wedding Tip

best indianapolis barn venues for weddings, the little grand barn at artisan acres estate

One of the most frequently searched for types of venues in Indiana is the barn venue. Luckily if you’re looking to have your event at a barn venue near Indianapolis, you have a lot of options. It is hard to parse through all the google results to find the best fit for your wedding though, […]

February 21, 2023

FILED IN: Portraits

We wanted to update our family photos recently. Even though we’ve been shooting for quite some time and have a lot of photographer friends, we weren’t certain who we wanted to hire to take our photos. That’s when we realized we were maybe thinking too hard about this. We have an amazing lead photographer who […]

February 20, 2023

FILED IN: Weddings

Olivia and Mike’s wedding was a beautiful celebration of love and commitment. The venue’s rustic and vintage charm perfectly complemented the couple’s romantic and intimate nuptials. Their Sixpence Indianapolis wedding ceremony was outdoors in front of beautiful Christmas trees. This created a picture-perfect backdrop for the happy couple to exchange their vows. The reception was […]

November 15, 2022

FILED IN: Engagements

Yalana and BG’s Carmel City Center photography session was a romantic and picturesque affair. The City Center’s beautiful architecture provided the perfect backdrop for the couple’s engagement photos. The brick-paved streets and beautiful fountains added to the charm of the day, making it truly memorable. Yalana and BG’s chemistry was evident in the photos, and […]