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 2, 2019

FILED IN: Engagements

man in blue shirt hugs woman in floral dress during their Ball State Engagement

The setting sun turned the green grass to a light golden color. Standing in front of an evergreen tree with the sunlight streaming down behind them, Kathryn and Nate hugged. They laughed and smiled, and Nate kissed Kathryn on the cheek. There were so many gorgeous moments just like this during their wonderful Ball State […]

July 24, 2019

FILED IN: Engagements

man and woman hold hands and smile in front of graffiti during their fountain square engagement shoot

A few plants grew up through the cracks in the cement, partially covering the beautiful mural on the wall of a building in Fountain Square. Fountain Square has a knack for allowing artists to paint stunning graffiti art murals on their walls and that makes it one of my favorite places to shoot. It’s one […]

July 23, 2019

FILED IN: Engagements

a gorgeous young couple stands at the start of a moss covered wooden bridge in the forest during their zionsville engagement session

An old country road cut a path through the field and into the woods. A few feet into the woods, the land gave way to a small creek leading to a pond, so a wooden bridge was constructed. At the break in the woods near the beginning of the moss covered bridge, Molly and Matt […]

July 22, 2019

FILED IN: Engagements

spinning woman holding man's hand at sunset in this indiana country engagement session

The setting sun backlit two trees in front of a field. The branches of the trees twisted together and intermingled over the heads of Lindsey and Sam. Framed by the trees, the two danced out in the country, all alone. Well, all alone except for me. I had so much fun capturing this Indiana country […]

July 19, 2019

FILED IN: Engagements

man and woman hug in front of swirling waters of the pacific ocean during their laguna beach engagement shoot

A wave crashed against the rocks on the shore and a few drops of water splashed onto Lauren and Campbell’s feet. They were oblivious to the water though, as they stood hugging and staring deep into each other’s eyes. The water swirled amongst the rocks as it receded from the shore in preparation for another […]

July 1, 2019

FILED IN: Engagements

man in sweater and woman in jean jacket sit on rough hewn stone wall during their Holcomb Gardens engagement shoot

There was a silence in the air around the waters of the canal. It’s one of the few places in Indianapolis where you can here the insects and the birds in the woods. On a rough hewn piece of stone, eroded by time and rain, Sigal and Ben sat. Huddled close together, they hugged and […]

May 24, 2019

FILED IN: Engagements

woman in yellow sweater smiles while man rest forehead against her head in theirFountain Square Engagement photos

The noise of a small choir singing in Fountain Square swam on the currents of air on a warm Friday afternoon. The music mixed with the sounds of cars and bikes passing by and people talking. Walking through the streets, Sara led Sean by the hand. Once they were a ways away from the square, […]

May 23, 2019

FILED IN: Engagements

a young man in a jacket and a young woman in a white dress get New York rooftop engagement photos done in the midday sun

In the middle of the city, in a rooftop garden, Adriana slid her arms around Luke’s waist and hugged him from behind. A gentle breeze blew over the glass walls surrounded the roof and gently fluttered Adriana’s hair. Luke looked over his shoulder, smiling at her. There were so many wonderful moments like this during […]

May 17, 2019

FILED IN: Engagements

in the woods at this holcomb gardens engagements photos session a blonde woman kisses a brown haired man

The sunlight fell through the boughs of the evergreen tree, spilling out onto the forest floor underneath. The glow of the sunlight gently warmed the pine needles and leaves on nestled in the ground. Next to a tall conifer, Kendall walked up behind Connor and wrapped her arms around him. Smiling, she kissed him on […]

March 12, 2019

FILED IN: Engagements

Man in slacks and dress shirt holds hands with woman in sun dress at their botanical gardens engagement session at the Indianapolis zoo

Ever have one of those shoots where the dolphins just won’t seem to cooperate with what you’re trying to do? Well, thankfully, even though the dolphins at the zoo wouldn’t cooperate, Kristin and Ben were lovely! It was a freezing cold day, but Kristin and Ben wanted a shoot that felt warmer and a little […]