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 12, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

two brides take a shot with their officiant during their martinsville wedding ceremony

The sun shone down between the leaves, creating a dappled pattern of highlights on the grass below. In this grassy area in the woods, Danielle and Erin stood with their backs to each other. Then they turned to see each other for the first look. It was a stunning moment. We hope you loved this […]

August 11, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

Sarah and Jeffrey wanted to make sure they got some photos of Sarah at the Bottleworks Hotel, where she was getting ready. So, the first thing we did the morning of the wedding was we took Sarah out to do some portraits. Bottleworks is absolutely gorgeous and made for a lovely backdrop. After a few […]

August 10, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

a couple dressed in white laugh at sunset at their Ritz Charles wedding

The setting sun turned the sky orange, casting the world into an orange haze. Kristen and Rob stood on a sidewalk outside the chapel at the Ritz Charles and kissed in front of this lovely orange backdrop. Then they laughed and smiled. It was a beautiful moment and we loved the way Hannah captured it. […]

August 9, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

a bride and groom eat hot dogs from a hot dog cart before their scottish rite cathedral wedding

A hot dog stand stood in the middle of White River State Park, next to the canal. When Ali and Eric saw the stand, Ali immediately asked if we had time to get hot dogs. For the bride, of course. We loved the spontaneity and also we just love when couples do something they enjoy […]

August 5, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

man and woman dance at night for their first dance at their Richmond Indiana wedding.

The sun had set and the air was just starting to cool off on this hot summer day. The dance floor was cleared, and Miranda and Wade stepped out into the center. They held each other close and danced slow, as their friends and family made a circle around them to watch. We loved this […]

August 4, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

bride and groom dance outside Allison Mansion/Riverdale during their Marian University Wedding

The gardens around Allison Mansion were filled with trees, providing a lot of shad even at noon. Mat stood in the shade, as Abby walked up behind him and tapped him on the shoulder. He tuned around and looked astonished at the sight of her. Then they hugged and kissed and danced in the shade […]

August 2, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

a woman hugs another woman from behind in front of bokeh during their lockerbie engagement session

A set of fairy lights twinkled softly on a small tree as the sun slowly descended toward the horizon. On the sidewalk in front of the tree, Danielle and Erin hugged and laughed. Because of the pandemic, these two moved their wedding ceremony with friends and family from the bay area to Indiana. I think […]

August 1, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

bride and groom under beautiful stone arch during their Minnetrista wedding

An overhang outside Minnetrista provides a rare spot of shade in the middle of the property. At noon on a sunny day, it makes a great place to take photos. So we chose this location to do the first look with Sam and Priscilla, and it did not disappoint. Sam’s face also did not disappoint […]

July 31, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

bride and groom sit on rocks in front off pond with small chapel in background during their five willows wedding

The sun had just dipped behind the tree line and the air was starting to cool off. Barb and Keith sat on a group of rocks in front of a large pond, smiling and chatting with each other. In the background there was a large weeping willow tree, one of five on the property, as […]

July 30, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

man and woman dance outside at sunset with indy skyline behind them during their charming mavris wedding

The setting sun shined through the red tree leaves at the Mavris before dipping behind the Indianapolis skyline. Katelyn took Jacob’s hand and pulled him in to dance with her on the grass, the last rays of sunshine backlighting the two of them. This was just on of the many fantastic moments from this charming […]