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.

November 12, 2022

FILED IN: Video, Weddings

man in gray suit hugs woman in white dress with faux fur shawl from behind in meadow in autumn during their charming carmel wedding

The air was cool and crisp in the middle of a meadow. A slight breeze moved through the stalks of the wildflowers, still standing after having lost their flowers in fall. In the middle of the grass and plants, David hugged Allison and kept her warm. Behind them the red leaves still clinging to a […]

January 28, 2019

FILED IN: Portraits

man with tattoo looks up at son on his shoulders in this cool creek family photography session

This Cool Creek family photography session is all sorts of adorable! This family was so amazing together and a great reminder of why I love family photos!

January 25, 2019

FILED IN: Portraits

As the 2019 season approaches, I think back in 2018 where we saw our business grow but how many of our couples families grew. Family photography is easily forgotten. We even forgot to schedule something for 2018, and we do this full time. Hopefully, this will be a reminder to be sure to capture life […]

August 11, 2016

FILED IN: Engagements

As the sun descended toward the horizon, it refused to abate in intensity. The air felt thick with humidity, yet somehow Jamie and Cody were able to keep cool. Under the scraggly branches of a small tree, they gently held hands as the sun’s light worked its way through the trees branches to warm their backs. […]

May 12, 2016

FILED IN: Engagements

Standing in the midst of tall, spindly trees at dusk, Aly and Andy looked into each other’s eyes. As Andy lifted his hand to hold Aly’s head, a look of satisfaction passed between their eyes. With the sun setting behind them, they looked completely in love standing there alone in the woods, feet planted in […]

May 13, 2015

FILED IN: Engagements

Rachel & Stu drove down from Michigan to join me in the morning for an engagement shoot at Cool Creek Park in Carmel, IN. It takes a lot to get me up earlier than 7:30 am, but I was so excited about this shoot. Morning engagement shoots are my favorite. When you look at Rachel […]