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 7, 2019

FILED IN: Engagements

man and woman stand under wine club sign for their Louies Wine Dive engagement portraits

Big tungsten bulbs lit up a sign that read, “Wine Club” on the wall of Louie’s Wine Dive. Standing under the sign, and under a chandelier made of empty wine bottle, Ali and Eric stood with glasses in hand. They were sharing a drink at one of their favorite places in Indianapolis. I had so […]

July 24, 2019

FILED IN: Engagements

man and woman hold hands and smile in front of graffiti during their fountain square engagement shoot

A few plants grew up through the cracks in the cement, partially covering the beautiful mural on the wall of a building in Fountain Square. Fountain Square has a knack for allowing artists to paint stunning graffiti art murals on their walls and that makes it one of my favorite places to shoot. It’s one […]

December 12, 2017

FILED IN: Engagements

framed by trees and flowers a beautiful young couple hugs while bathed by golden sunlight at the Indianapolis Museum of Art

The rays of sunlight filled the the garden with with a golden glow. In the middle of the garden, framed by trees and flowers John and Angela hugged each other. As they hugged at the IMA, smiles lit up their faces. The two of them couldn’t look at each other without breaking out into huge […]

December 4, 2017

FILED IN: Engagements

a blonde woman kisses a brown haired man in white adirondack chairs in front of a pond close to sunset with the sunlight reflecting off the surface of the pond

In the placid face of the water a clear reflection of the setting sun was visible. Two white Adirondack chairs faced west, looking out over the pond, illuminated by the fading light of the sun and reflected light from the water. Sam and Ethan sat in these Adirondack chairs, but they didn’t look out at […]

October 24, 2016

FILED IN: Engagements

Clouds hung low over the city blurring the skyline with a gray haze of precipitation. As a result, Chicago looked less like a tangible city in the background and more like the dream of a city. Madeline and Steve stood on the deck on top of their house with the aspiration of downtown extant through […]

October 6, 2016

FILED IN: Engagements

The door was open and the sunlight was pouring into the parking garage, just to be soaked up by the dark walls and ceiling. Mikey stood in the parking garage, looking out the door toward the beautiful Alexander Hotel. Taylor walked up behind Mikey and held him. Her delicate hands and beautiful engagement ring resting on […]

October 4, 2016

FILED IN: Engagements

On a pleasant day near the end of summer, Kendra and Sam sat in a boat on a charming little pond. A slight breeze rippled the surface of the water and caused the foliage near the water to sway back and forth. The boat rocked gently on the surface of the pond, the sides dipping slightly […]

October 3, 2016

FILED IN: Engagements

The rays of the setting sun reflected off the pavement of the street, creating a beautiful yellow glare as Margo and Will walked down the sidewalk in Carmel. They paused for a moment next to one of the street lamps, the leaves from plant hanging off a crook in the metal reaching down toward the […]

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. […]

June 27, 2016

FILED IN: Engagements

Matt approached Colleen from behind and tenderly wrapped his arms around her, the stiff denim of her jacket wrinkling slightly with the force. She looked over her shoulder and smiled as he pulled her closer to him. He gently brushed her hair back out of her face with his nose, and they both smiled and laughed. […]