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 11, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

in a corner of a bar a bride adjusts her groom's boutonniere while bathed in window light during their garment factory events wedding

The corner of the bar had two windows filtering the sunlight from outside as it entered the room. In between these windows, Jeremy stood waiting for Megan to approach him. When she did, he turned and his whole face burst out into a giant smile. It was a magical first look with the exact kind […]

October 20, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

man and woman on their wedding day hugging and smiling during their Indiana University wedding

An overcast sky let loose a few drops of rain, hardly enough to be considered a drizzle. Taking cover under an overhang of Beck Chapel, Hillary and Nick hugged as they waited for the rain to pass. Moments earlier they had gotten married inside the chapel, and now they were doing photos outside. They laughed, […]

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 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 […]

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 […]

June 24, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

bride and groom dance under overhang after their first look at their sand creek wedding

The overhand outside the Sand Creek Country Club provided a nice respite from the sun on a hot day. Under that overhang, Shanelle walked toward Phil as they prepared to see each other for the first time on their wedding day. After lots of hugs and few kisses and some chatting, Phil took Shanelle by […]

July 16, 2021

FILED IN: Weddings

ceruti wedding with meghan and michael photo on bridge at ipfw

The rays of the setting sun were reflecting off the surface of the St. Joseph River and up onto the pedestrian bridge of the St Joe Pathway. Due to the ripple in the surface of the flowing waterway, the light seemed to shimmer and waver as it moved across the bridge. In the middle of […]

March 9, 2021

FILED IN: Weddings

groom dips bride and kisses her at sunset on an overcast day at a Franklin Barn Wedding

The first words I heard after walking into the bridal suite were, “You know he’s an amazing photographer, because I’m a photographer and I picked him to shoot my wedding.” It was one of the nicest things I’ve ever heard a bride say, especially within moments of first meeting in person. Charrie is a great […]

March 8, 2021

FILED IN: Weddings

first dance with lots of bokeh at this woolery mill wedding

String lights hung overhead, casting a little illumination on the ground below but mostly creating a beautiful ambience in the venue. Under the lights, Evan and Megan swayed back and forth to the sound of Dave Matthews Band. Their first dance was lovely and magical. We hope you love this Woolery Mill wedding with Megan […]

January 25, 2021

FILED IN: Weddings

bride cries as she looks at groom in front of woods in fall at their 3 Fat Labs wedding

A few red and orange leaves still clutched to the branches of the trees, but most of their kin had already taken flight, drifting on the winds and eventually gracing the ground. Fall was fading, but it wasn’t winter yet. Walking along a deck in front of this wooded wonderland of colors hanging high and […]