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 21, 2022

FILED IN: Engagements

blonde woman in a green tank top and denim jeans kisses a man in shorts with a blue shirt in the woods

A blanket of brown leaves lay on the forest floor. Sunlight filtered through a canopy of new green leaves overhead to grace the woods below. Standing in the fallen leaves, Ellie and George hugged and kissed. This was just one of the gorgeous moments Hannah captured with Ellie and George. All of the photos were […]

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 […]

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 3, 2020

FILED IN: Engagements

man and woman sit on roots of tree in front of river during their Strawtown Koteewi Park engagement session

The roots of an old tree stuck up out of the ground. The river’s recent flood having washed away most of the earth that would have kept them covered. Katie and Aaron sat on top of the root, cuddling in the light filtering through the leaves overhead. It was a perfect moment and there were […]

July 29, 2020

FILED IN: Engagements

In between the rows of books it was silent except for the hum of air conditioner. Sitting at the end of one row, smiles on their faces, sat Kevin and Kelsey. They cuddled together, filled with joy, as they flipped through the pages of a large book together. This Central Library engagement session was filled […]

July 3, 2020

FILED IN: Engagements

provider coffee shop engagement

Hushed tones and the clinking of spoons on glass and clay mugs seemed to fill up the space at Provider Coffee Shop. An array of succulents sat on a wooden table top, drinking in the sunshine from the large windows. Shayna and Aaron sat at the table with small glasses of espresso and water in […]

April 16, 2020

FILED IN: Wedding Tip

So what is trendy in Indy? We’ve seen some classic wedding dress trends in 2019. Here are a few dresses from the past year that have caught our eye. Straps & Sleeves Isn’t it time for us to be comfortable on our wedding day? Are the days of us pulling up the top of our […]