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.

August 1, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

bride and groom under beautiful stone arch during their Minnetrista wedding

An overhang outside Minnetrista provides a rare spot of shade in the middle of the property. At noon on a sunny day, it makes a great place to take photos. So we chose this location to do the first look with Sam and Priscilla, and it did not disappoint. Sam’s face also did not disappoint […]

March 8, 2019

FILED IN: Portraits

a family stands backlit by the sun in their minnetrista family photography session

Backlit by the sun, and standing in front of the woods, Joe and Jackie Gauder held their adorable children. I am so glad the Gauder’s booked a family portrait session with us! The Gauders are past wedding clients of ours and we’re so glad that they keep choosing us for their portraits! Especially since it […]

October 27, 2011

FILED IN: Portraits

We’ve known the Chasteens for close to two years now, and have had the privilege to watch the boys grow.  We’ve seen Silas go through stages of love for trains, Toy Story, and now, his new found love of dinosaurs.  He loves telling you details about each one and knows the names very well.  One […]

September 21, 2010

FILED IN: Engagements

I don’t believe I have ever met someone as caring as Angie. She is the type of person that will go completely out of her way to make sure everyone is happy, or at least have a shoulder to cry on. Angie and Michael met each other while Angie was studying for her masters at […]

September 21, 2010

FILED IN: Portraits

I was contacted by an old friend to shoot portraits of her baby, Cooper.  It had been a while since we had seen each other and it was the first time I had met her son.  I have never seen red hair like that on a baby!  I was overwhelmed with cuteness.  While catching up […]

July 28, 2010

FILED IN: Other

After much rest caused by a pretty tough first trimester, I’m back on my feet ready to work! My blog has fallen pretty far behind but I have frequently updated my facebook page. To see recent work please visit: Link to Facebook Thanks for visiting!

June 4, 2010

FILED IN: Engagements

Sarah and Bob are extremely friendly people.  It felt less like a shoot and more like we were just hanging out.  Both were very loving to one another, but the shoot was more goofy than romantic, which I love.  I was told that the majority of pictures they have of each other, at least one […]

May 25, 2010

FILED IN: Weddings

I had the privilege to shoot with Joel Cookston, who is an amazing wedding photographer.  Here are a few I shot from Morgan and Chad’s special day! To see some of Joel’s work visit www.JoelCookston.com

May 1, 2010

FILED IN: Engagements

I’ve had the privilege to know Ben and Emily for a while now and I feel I can say one thing that all their friends can agree on: they are a blast to be around. I feel so blessed with the opportunity to shoot both their engagement and wedding (September 18, 2010).  Like most experiences […]

April 20, 2010

FILED IN: Engagements

Amy and Deron are the type of people that you always have so much fun around. Bubbly. Goofy. Loving. They are definitely the type of people you want to see together. Thankfully, they met and plan to spend the rest of their lives together!Amy and Deron met through mutual friends. They attended separate high schools […]