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 21, 2023

FILED IN: Portraits

We wanted to update our family photos recently. Even though we’ve been shooting for quite some time and have a lot of photographer friends, we weren’t certain who we wanted to hire to take our photos. That’s when we realized we were maybe thinking too hard about this. We have an amazing lead photographer who […]

February 20, 2023

FILED IN: Weddings

Olivia and Mike’s wedding was a beautiful celebration of love and commitment. The venue’s rustic and vintage charm perfectly complemented the couple’s romantic and intimate nuptials. Their Sixpence Indianapolis wedding ceremony was outdoors in front of beautiful Christmas trees. This created a picture-perfect backdrop for the happy couple to exchange their vows. The reception was […]

October 22, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

man and woman kiss while backlit by flash in front of lights of theater marquee during their fountain square theatre wedding

The tungsten bulbs hanging from the theater marquee gave off a lovely orange glow. Under the marquee, and in focus, Nick and Erin embraced and kissed. Outside of the marquee there was a slight drizzle as the overcast sky let loose some precipitation. It was just one beautiful moment from this gorgeous Fountain Square Theatre […]

October 17, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

a man and woman in wedding clothes kiss at sunset during their mustard seed wedding

The setting sun bathed Analisa and Charles in golden light. They were newly married and just minutes away from their reception in the barn at Mustard Seed Gardens. They danced slowly in the sunlight, Charles dipping and kissing Analisa while the wind blew her veil. This portrait session after Analisa and Charle’s Mustard Seed wedding […]

September 29, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

bride and groom dance under a ton of stringlights during their mavris reception

String lights and chandeliers provided mood lighting as the guests took their seats at the Mavris. Then, from the stairwell, Maggie and Tyler entered the reception space to massive applause from their friends and family. Immediately after they entered the space, music swelled and they danced their first dance in the middle of the tables […]

August 9, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

a bride and groom eat hot dogs from a hot dog cart before their scottish rite cathedral wedding

A hot dog stand stood in the middle of White River State Park, next to the canal. When Ali and Eric saw the stand, Ali immediately asked if we had time to get hot dogs. For the bride, of course. We loved the spontaneity and also we just love when couples do something they enjoy […]

July 30, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

man and woman dance outside at sunset with indy skyline behind them during their charming mavris wedding

The setting sun shined through the red tree leaves at the Mavris before dipping behind the Indianapolis skyline. Katelyn took Jacob’s hand and pulled him in to dance with her on the grass, the last rays of sunshine backlighting the two of them. This was just on of the many fantastic moments from this charming […]

June 27, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

groom in blue suit dips bride in white dress and kisses her at sunset at their Indianapolis Hawaiian Jewish wedding

The setting sun reflected off the windows of buildings in downtown Indianapolis. Standing on the terrace of Regions Tower, Riane and Jacob and were backlit by the light. They danced and Jacob dipped Riane, practicing for when they would do their first dance later in the evening. They kissed while dipping and it was magical. […]

June 22, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

bride and groom under chuppah at their charming coxhall gardens wedding

The leaves of the weeping willow were blown slowly back and forth by a light breeze, adding a little movement behind the Chuppah during the ceremony. Under the Chuppah, Shayna and Aaron stood holding hands as Aaron prepared to break the glass. When the time came, he stomped so hard his yarmulke flew off his […]

June 7, 2022

FILED IN: Engagements

The Indiana State Government building is next to the Indiana Statehouse and the canal in downtown Indianapolis. It has a large, gorgeous overhang that looks stunning in photos. I took Barb and Keith there seeking a little shade on this hot day last summer while shooting their engagement photos. I asked them to hold hands […]