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.

February 11, 2019

FILED IN: Engagements

a man with glasses hugs a woman in a red shirt at this eagle creek engagement photography session

The sun’s light filtered through the thick green leaves hanging from the trees surrounding the Eagle Creek reservoir. Even in the the middle of the day, not much light made it down to the forest floor. On a shady path running through the woods, Bryana and DJ paused for a second on their walk to […]

February 7, 2019

FILED IN: Engagements

a woman hugs a man from behind and he turns his head to look at her during their downtown indianapolis engagement photography

The alleyway was deserted. Just a few yards away the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument and the circle surrounding were filled with people. Young people were out zipping around on scooters while tourists took pictures of the monument. This alleyway was a brief respite from all the people downtown, a place where Kyle and Makenzie could […]

February 5, 2019

FILED IN: Engagements

A young couple holds hands while walking under a tree in their holcomb gardens engagement session

It was a warm day in late spring. It wasn’t quite summer yet, but the air felt like it was heating up. The proceeding week it had rained almost every day, and this was the first sunny day. Under an old Oak Tree in the middle of the gardens, Brooke and Mike walked together holding […]

January 31, 2019

FILED IN: Engagements

A man and woman in nice clothes kiss in the middle of some trees during their Newfields Engagement session

The light of the sun crept down through the leaves of the deciduous trees at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. In a copse of trees, Alli and James stood backlit by the fading, silver light. James had one hand on Alli’s waist, his arm squeezing her close in a side hug. The other was down […]

January 29, 2019

man and woman kissing inside industrial building with neo-modern furniture during Louisville engagement session

Before we get to this Louisville engagement session, let me tell a quick story. One thing I’ve always told myself is that, if I was able to make a career in photography, I would always be willing to help anyone trying to get started. When I first started out, I had more people turn me […]

January 24, 2019

FILED IN: Engagements

A few of our favorite photos of 2018 couple sessions are below, but what’s exciting is that you’ll be seeing so many of these wonderful faces on our blog again this year! We had one of the biggest early booking years to date, and have made so many new friends because of it. I enjoyed […]

August 8, 2018

FILED IN: Engagements

a man and woman with black hair stand on the side of the reservoir hugging at their eagle creek engagement session

The cool water in the Eagle Creek reservoir rippled lightly from the force of a gentle breeze. These ripples distorted the rich red reflection of the leaves on the surface. On the edge of the reservoir, Gauri walked up behind Om and gently hugged him. Looking over his shoulder at his fiance, Om smiled during […]

July 27, 2018

FILED IN: Engagements

a well dress young man kisses a blonde girl with a blue dress on the forehead

The branches of the trees grew up and over a small paved path near Butler University, creating a leafy tunnel. Niki and Sam paused while walking down this path, holding hands and turned to face each other. The light from the sun broke through the foliage in a few places, but mostly just highlighted the […]

April 26, 2018

FILED IN: Engagements

man looking at woman under pine trees while hugging her from behind

The boughs of the pine trees hung low. Laden with cones and needles, they strained against gravity to stay off the ground. In between the branches, Dan hugged Katie from behind. She reached up and grabbed his arms, looking over her shoulder at fiance and smiling. She was loved and comforted as she was wrapped […]

April 25, 2018

FILED IN: Engagements

Engaged Couple Side Hug Athenaeum Theater Indy

Winter was lingering well into March, which meant it was too cold to shoot outside for long. As a result, Katie and Lyle decided to do their engagement session inside the Athenaeum Theater in Indy. The theater was lovely, warm, and so welcoming on this cold day in March. It was a lot cozier inside the […]