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 15, 2019

FILED IN: Portraits

A husband and wife sit laughing with their two children at Potter's Bridge Park

The sunlight was streaming through the leaves of the trees. It was early autumn and the leaves were still a verdant green, not having succumb to the harsh reality of the oncoming winter yet. In front of a small grove of trees, the Olson family sat laughing together! I had so much fun capturing this […]

March 8, 2019

FILED IN: Portraits

a family stands backlit by the sun in their minnetrista family photography session

Backlit by the sun, and standing in front of the woods, Joe and Jackie Gauder held their adorable children. I am so glad the Gauder’s booked a family portrait session with us! The Gauders are past wedding clients of ours and we’re so glad that they keep choosing us for their portraits! Especially since it […]

March 7, 2019

FILED IN: Portraits

dad and two kids sit on steps and laugh in these Indianapolis Canal family portraits

On the steps behind the Indiana State Museum, the Robertson family sat down to take a quick break from their family photos! While sitting there and listening to their parents talk, the boys both began to laugh. I raised my camera mid sentence to capture the moment. They were just so cute! I had so […]

March 5, 2019

FILED IN: Portraits

A man and woman squat with their dog in front of the water at their Morse Lake Family Shoot

Sunlight reflected off the placid surface of Morse Lake. The late autumn light was silvery and beautiful. On the shore of the lake, backlit by the sun, Loryn and Lucas bent down to pet their dogs. It was such a beautiful moment! I had so much fun capturing this Morse Lake family shoot with Lucas […]

March 1, 2019

FILED IN: Portraits

A large family sits on the steps of their home for their culver indiana family photography session

This last year around Thanksgiving I was privileged to be able to capture some family photos for the extended family of one of our couples! We traveled back to Culver, Indiana to the shores of Lake Maxinkuckee for the shoot! It was so great to see this loving family again and have the opportunity to […]

February 26, 2019

a man and a woman stand in a vineyard drinking glasses of wine in this vineyard publication shoot

I’m so lucky that I was able to reconnect with Jentry, Casey, Stephanie, Grace, and Jordan to shoot these photos last year! I did a small styled shoot for a publication. They wanted to highlight Belgian Horse Winery in Middletown, IN. I asked if any of my past clients and friends wanted to be a […]

February 22, 2019

FILED IN: Portraits

A mom and dad hold their kids in these forest park portraits

Dry leaves lay on the ground, some yellow, red, and orange and others brown. Autumn was half over, and the air had turned cool and crisp. Bundled up in sweaters with knit beanies on their heads, the Blythe family was enjoying a beautiful fall day at the park. The parents carried the kids around, while […]

February 15, 2019

FILED IN: Portraits

man lifts daughter onto his shoulder in the woods while the daughter laughs during these Ritchey Woods Family photos

In the middle of the woods, on a path surrounding by trees. A man picked up his daughter and slung her over his shoulder. She laughed the whole time. I had so much fun capturing this moment, and many more just like during this Ritchey Woods family photos session with the Lee Family! It’s always […]

February 13, 2019

FILED IN: Portraits

man and woman walk with baby daughter in front of white fence in these muncie family portrats

A stout white fence guarded the backyard of the De La Vega house. The brilliant white only broken by a few green leaves some trees that grew up and flopped their branches over the fence. Looking out expectantly at the front yard, waiting for people to come back and play under their branches. In front […]

February 8, 2019

FILED IN: Portraits

man raises daughter above head in this fishers family photography session while his wife watches with a smile on her face

The leaves on the trees had faded in color, leaving their deep auburn color behind. In front of the trees, on the water front, a small family of three gathered. The father tossing his daughter up in the air as she giggled and laugh. The mother watching with a smile on her face. The moment […]