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.

October 29, 2019

FILED IN: Engagements

dark and moody photo of a man and a woman kissing in the woods during their Eagle Creek Engagement Photos, one of the Best Indianapolis Engagement Photo Locations

The light of the setting sun streamed through the trees, backlighting Emily and Ryan. The green leaves were tinged with golden hues as the light illuminated them. In front of this backdrop, Emily and Ryan stood with their foreheads pressed together. They were laughing at something they whispered to each other. This was something that […]

October 3, 2019

FILED IN: Engagements

man and woman sit under tree with two dogs for white river state park engagement picture

Amanda and Patrick’s engagement shoot at White River State Park had everything I love! They brought their dogs. There was an outfit change where they put on their formal wear. They also popped champagne and drank it in the park! But seriously, how cool is it to have clients that want to get some puppy […]

July 1, 2019

FILED IN: Engagements

man in sweater and woman in jean jacket sit on rough hewn stone wall during their Holcomb Gardens engagement shoot

There was a silence in the air around the waters of the canal. It’s one of the few places in Indianapolis where you can here the insects and the birds in the woods. On a rough hewn piece of stone, eroded by time and rain, Sigal and Ben sat. Huddled close together, they hugged and […]

May 24, 2019

FILED IN: Engagements

woman in yellow sweater smiles while man rest forehead against her head in theirFountain Square Engagement photos

The noise of a small choir singing in Fountain Square swam on the currents of air on a warm Friday afternoon. The music mixed with the sounds of cars and bikes passing by and people talking. Walking through the streets, Sara led Sean by the hand. Once they were a ways away from the square, […]

July 27, 2018

FILED IN: Engagements

a well dress young man kisses a blonde girl with a blue dress on the forehead

The branches of the trees grew up and over a small paved path near Butler University, creating a leafy tunnel. Niki and Sam paused while walking down this path, holding hands and turned to face each other. The light from the sun broke through the foliage in a few places, but mostly just highlighted the […]

April 26, 2018

FILED IN: Engagements

man looking at woman under pine trees while hugging her from behind

The boughs of the pine trees hung low. Laden with cones and needles, they strained against gravity to stay off the ground. In between the branches, Dan hugged Katie from behind. She reached up and grabbed his arms, looking over her shoulder at fiance and smiling. She was loved and comforted as she was wrapped […]

April 25, 2018

FILED IN: Engagements

Engaged Couple Side Hug Athenaeum Theater Indy

Winter was lingering well into March, which meant it was too cold to shoot outside for long. As a result, Katie and Lyle decided to do their engagement session inside the Athenaeum Theater in Indy. The theater was lovely, warm, and so welcoming on this cold day in March. It was a lot cozier inside the […]

November 12, 2017

FILED IN: Engagements

man and woman in the ale emporium hugging

In front of the stage with guitars mounted on the wall, Brian held Alyssa from behind. He gently enveloped her in his embrace. Her hands met his, and held them in place with his arms wrapped around her. She looked back over her shoulder toward him and smiled. They were in the Ale Emporium, the […]

May 18, 2017

FILED IN: Engagements

As cars drove under the bridge, a few drivers turned their heads to gaze in wonder at the young couple dancing there. Zoe and Ben were dancing unabashedly on the sidewalk next to the street. Their movements were charming and sweet, as if they were just playing around in the privacy of their own home. […]

October 6, 2016

FILED IN: Engagements

The door was open and the sunlight was pouring into the parking garage, just to be soaked up by the dark walls and ceiling. Mikey stood in the parking garage, looking out the door toward the beautiful Alexander Hotel. Taylor walked up behind Mikey and held him. Her delicate hands and beautiful engagement ring resting on […]