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 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 […]

April 2, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

sullivans steakhouse captured at an angle on a cloudy day during a sullivans steakhouse wedding

On a lovely day in autumn last year we traveled down to Sullivan’s Steakhouse to capture a wedding. This is the first wedding that I’ve captured at Sullivan’s Steakhouse, and I loved this place. It had a cool old fashioned feel to it with modern flairs. It felt classic yet current at the same time. […]

March 14, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

solar flare at sunset with bride and groom at the Willows Ballroom after their holy spirit parish wedding

The setting sun shone through a small gap in the leaves. It backlit Madelynn and Justin as they stood embracing, about to kiss. They had stepped outside of their reception at the Willows Ballroom for a brief moment alone at sunset. The fading rays of light warmed their skin on a cool spring day. Hannah […]

March 9, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

bride and groom hug in front of brown background during their indy canal wedding

Sunlight fell through the open window of Canal 337. Tyler stood near the window, the sunlight gracing his face, as Anna walked up behind him and gave him a hug. They both smiled. This was just one of the moments we created together during their portraits. Scroll down to see all of the amazing moments […]

July 17, 2021

FILED IN: Weddings

fairy lights wrapped around the bride and groom at their bluffs wedding at conner prairie

In the middle of a dark road through the woods, a little bit of moonlight broke through the tree leaves. On the road, wrapped in fairy lights were Kelsey and Kevin. Embracing and looking deep into each other’s eyes, it was a magical moment to behold. Of course, we had to use a flash behind […]

July 15, 2021

FILED IN: Weddings

summerhouse wedding

Standing in front of short hedge, Holly and Alex hugged. They leaned in to kiss, as the sun was setting behind them. It was a fantastic moment. This wedding is from last year, a week before Halloween. It was so much fun to get to shoot this Summerhouse Wedding at Summer Lake. Holly and Alex’s […]

March 4, 2021

FILED IN: Weddings

bride and groom under weeping willow trees in white river state park before their 1899 wedding reception

The leaves of the weeping willows hung down low to the earth, idly swaying in the breeze. Underneath the trees, Kara and Nick stood hugging each other. Nick lifted his head and kissed Kara on the side of the cheek. This was just one amazing moment from our portrait session with Kara and Nick before […]

January 15, 2021

FILED IN: Weddings

bride and groom sit on wooden steps during their traders point creamery wedding

Next to small pond, a the Beach Porch bustled with activity. On the steps of the porch, Abby and James sat next to each other. They were taking a moment to themselves, cuddling up to each other, as their guests took their seats on the porch behind them. As they sat there, heads resting against […]

September 8, 2020

bride and groom hug and laugh at sunset in Indianpaolis for Regions Tower wedding photography

I love this time of year. It’s full of celebration. With August, September, and October being our busiest months, we see so many engaged couples becoming newlyweds and many of our past couples celebrate another year of their marriage. Today we are celebrating Matt & Molly and their Regions Tower wedding anniversary! 2020 has brought […]

August 28, 2020

FILED IN: Weddings

bride and groom dance in front of wooden circle and guests at a Bash wedding

Earlier this summer Jenn and I had the privilege of capturing our first wedding after the pandemic started. It was such a relief to get back to some sort of normalcy. Nicole and Jon were married at Bash in Carmel. This wedding meant a lot to us, because Jon is a close friend of mine […]