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 22, 2018

the silhouette of a bride and groom in front of large windows at the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown indianapolis with a large chandelier hanging in the foreground

First Look Having a First Look is a new tradition that is emerging for couples on their wedding day.  It is the moment the wedding couple sees each other for the first time on their special day… but this isn’t during the ceremony.  Does it make you nervous? Well, some couples aren’t familiar with the […]

July 12, 2011

FILED IN: Weddings

Camille and I go way back. All they way back to all-nighers and boy chasing.  We met in college and became friends through volunteering at a youth event.  We hung out with two other girls and embarrassingly called ourselves the “fabulous four”.  Not because we thought we were fabulous, but that our friendship was just […]

July 11, 2011

FILED IN: Engagements

Emily and Aaron were very energetic on their shoot. I had a blast taking pictures of them. We took pictures around Farmland, Emily’s hometown.  Our adventure led us to some really great places. We started off on a REALLY muddy ball diamond, a place Emily use to play as a child.  Aaron is a musician, […]

June 29, 2011

FILED IN: Weddings

Katie and Shad eyes met as she walked down the aisle.  I could see joy radiating off Katie’s smile.  I honestly know he makes her happy because I don’t think I’ve ever seen a smile so big.She seemed a bit stressed before the revealing, but after they opened the doors and she stepped into the […]

June 29, 2011

FILED IN: Weddings

Bethany and Gary’s shoot was definitely a very emotional one.  Tears flowed from the father-, mother-, and sister-of the bride during the ceremony.  It was an apparent that this couple is loved.  Their bridal party was filled with excited friends and family members that smiled genuinely as they walked down the aisle. Their reception was […]

June 28, 2011

FILED IN: Engagements

Heather contacted me about her September wedding a few months ago.  We didn’t get an opportunity to meet before the engagement so I was anxious to put a face to the voice behind the phone.  Heather greeted me with a bubbly hello.   I knew from the start I would just love being around them both.  […]

June 21, 2011

FILED IN: Weddings

Molly and Ben’s wedding was an adventure.  A little before 3:30pm, right as Molly is about to slip the ring on Ben’s finger, the power goes out.   I quickly turned on my flash and continued with pictures, but I saw my husband running down then stairs to grab his.  This was definitely a first. The […]

June 17, 2011

FILED IN: Engagements

Allison and Kenny both played soccer, went to the same high school, graduated from the same class, but never really knew each other. It wasn’t until college that they started hanging out.  They realized they had a lot in common and started to date.  Now, Allison and Kenny are planning for a August wedding. Allison […]

June 16, 2011

1.  Nice hanger Yes, maybe not the most important one on the list but one of the most simple.  This helps the photographer get really great shots of the dress(es) or suit(es) before the wedding. 2.  Find venues with natural light This isn’t always easy in a small city, like the one in which I […]

June 14, 2011

FILED IN: Weddings

I met Erin when I shot Ashley and Ross (2)’s wedding.  Erin was one of Ashley’s many bridesmaids.  She was engaged and Ashley insisted that I gave her one of my business cards.  I knew from the start I would just love Erin.  She’s really laid back and very kind.  I met Jeff briefly at […]