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.

June 27, 2019

FILED IN: Weddings

bride and groom walking and laughing at sunset at norris estate wedding

The sun was setting over the pond and a cool breeze was gently rustling the cattails. Heather and Jay walked, holding hands away from the pond and the beautiful sunset. They were smiling and laughing as they went to rejoin their friends and family at the reception after a brief round of sunset photos. I […]

December 18, 2018

FILED IN: Weddings

The white tent stood resolute against the encroaching darkness of the night. Inside, Bri and Jason’s friends and families danced and sang. Outside, Bri and Jason took a little walk through the lawn. Away from the hustle and bustle of their lovely reception, they paused to spend a few moments alone.  This was a such […]

July 25, 2018

FILED IN: Weddings

Man in tuxedo and woman in white dress stand on the Indiana War Memorial steps holding hands and looking at each other

Accompanied by their friends, Haley and Andrew walked down the steps of the Indiana War Memorial. Half way down the steps they stopped, and still holding hands they looked deep into each other’s eyes. Their friends, the bridal party, continued to walk away, giving them a rare moment alone during their bridal party portraits. Standing […]

July 24, 2018

FILED IN: Weddings

Bride and Groom standing on a bridge at Swan Lake Golf Course in Plymouth Indiana with their foreheads touching

Jenny and Dylan’s Swan Lake wedding was gorgeous! Standing on a small wooden bridge as the sun set, Jenny and Dylan embraced. They leaned into each other, their foreheads almost touching, so close that they couldn’t focus on each other’s face. They kissed as a slight breeze lifted Jenny’s veil. This was just one of […]

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 […]

November 17, 2017

FILED IN: Weddings

On the balcony of the Palladium, Laura and John stood overlooking Carmel. The sun was setting, and its last fading rays provided a lovely romantic glow. They stood there, holding each other snug. The care and affection the two of them had for one another was amazing. I just loved watching the way they doted […]

November 16, 2017

FILED IN: Weddings

As the sun was setting, Lotti and Rodrigo walked away from the Purdue Memorial Union and toward the Loeb Fountain. When they were dating at Purdue, they used to climb up on the fountain to talk after the water was turned off. Upon arriving at the fountain, they found that it was still on and […]

July 7, 2016

FILED IN: Weddings

He found her on the balcony, looking out at the city. It was half way through their reception, and Lauren had stepped out on the balcony to get some fresh air. Allen walked up behind his bride and put an arm around her shoulders. She looked up at him and smiled. They were able to […]

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, […]