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.

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 […]

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 […]

August 7, 2020

Man and Woman sit in boat in one of the Best Indianapolis Engagement Photo Locations

Throughout Indianapolis, there are lots of hidden gems when it comes to portrait session locations. Whether it be the outdoors, with beautiful foliage, or an urban setting with colorful walls, it’s hard to go wrong in Indy. If you’re looking for a place to do your engagement session but don’t already have something in mind, […]

April 9, 2019

FILED IN: Weddings

a bride in a white dress taps a groom in a suit on the shoulder under a bunch of hanging glass lamps in a bar in this mavris wedding photography

Multicolored glass lamps hung from the ceiling of the bar at the Alexander. Under the lamps, and next to the bar, Jonathan waited to see his bride for the first time on their wedding day. He had the biggest smile on his face as he anticipated seeing her. Carly walked up slowly behind him and […]

February 28, 2019

FILED IN: Engagements

blonde woman sitting in moody window light kisses a man sitting next to her in dark and moody shadow at their mavris engagement session

Sun light filtered through one lone window on the third floor of the Mavris. The rest of the windows were shuttered, casting the room in a dark and moody shadow. Carly sat on a bench on the third floor, illuminated by the window light. Jonathon sat next to her, in the dark and moody shadow. […]

January 24, 2019

FILED IN: Engagements

A few of our favorite photos of 2018 couple sessions are below, but what’s exciting is that you’ll be seeing so many of these wonderful faces on our blog again this year! We had one of the biggest early booking years to date, and have made so many new friends because of it. I enjoyed […]

January 23, 2019

FILED IN: Weddings

A Highlight of 2018 Weddings: Wedding day Details & Candids We had such a wonderful year with so many lovely couples. We saw some of the most beautiful details and moments. I think I can speak for our whole team that we feel so fortunate to have witnessed such special times in each of our […]

January 22, 2019

FILED IN: Weddings

Bride and groom walk while laughing on patio of the Mavris in downtown Indianapolis

Part 1- Wedding Portraits, First Look, & Send-off This year was filled with travel, unique outdoor settings, beautiful ceremonies, and a ton of people in love. We can honestly say that in 2018 we had some of the best couples! We’ve included some of our favorite portraits to celebrate a wonderful 2018 season. Thank you […]

August 15, 2018

FILED IN: Weddings

windswept bride holds dress up in front of black gate with greenery with groom outside the mavris

Greenery clung to the thin black bars of a rolling gate in downtown Indianapolis. In front of the gate, Sierra and Clayton, newly wed, held hands. They had only just left their ceremony to do a few photos. They were so excited though that they couldn’t look at each other without smiling and laughing and […]

February 13, 2015

FILED IN: Weddings

We had the opportunity to capture some of the most beautiful couples in 2014. We cannot thank our fabulous brides and grooms enough. It was an amazing year. Thank you to all the vendors, venues, and wonderful families of the couples for helping create a gorgeous wedding for each one of our couples! Special thanks […]