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.

July 27, 2020

bride and groom hold hands and look at each other in garden at newfields on wedding day

Bryana & DJ are celebrating their 1 year anniversary! I cannot believe how fast that year went. We are so excited to celebrate with them today. They sent in advice for couples planning that is a must-read. Their wedding was one of our favorites, and I’m sure you can tell by the photos it was […]

February 12, 2019

FILED IN: Weddings

bride and groom walk out of ceremony through a bunch of falling confetti in this swan lake wedding photography photo

Tabitha and Nicholas kissed under the gazebo, in front of their family and friends. Sealing in their eyes, and the eyes of those watching, that they were married. The officiant presented them, and they began to walk down the aisle, away from their ceremony. As they walked away, hand in hand, and smiles on their […]

February 6, 2019

A man in a tux and a woman in a white dress stand under a juniper tree at their Hakone Gardens wedding

A small tree with low hanging branches stood next to a koi pond on the side of a mountain. Water trickled into the koi pond creating an ambiance of solitude. Framed by the branches of the tree, Janice and Paul held hands and looked into each other’s eyes. Smiles radiated from both of their faces, […]

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 […]

November 4, 2015

FILED IN: Weddings

As the sun began to set in Columbus, Indiana, the Inn at Irwin Gardens’s shadow began to stretch like a cat waking up from a nap. Moments later, before the wedding was set to start, that shadow would stretch out over the sunken garden and start climbing its way up the steps toward the tea […]

October 29, 2015

FILED IN: Weddings

The brick walkway held the first fallen leaves of autumn, caught the last time a chilly breeze cut through the crisp autumn air. As Brittany approached Chuck at the end of the walkway, the train of her exquisite wedding dress swept the withering leaves along with her stride, rattling as they scraped along on the […]

October 1, 2015

FILED IN: Engagements

When making concrete three basic ingredients are needed: Cement, Aggregate (Sand, Gravel, and/or Crushed Rock), and Water.  Once the three ingredients are mixed together, the hydrated cement cement bonds the aggregate together and with time hardens. Immediately after mixing, the concrete is malleable and can be molded into different shapes. The concrete hardens as it […]

September 29, 2015

FILED IN: Weddings

As Sam and Rochelle prepared to cut their wedding cake, the waning light of the sun trickled through gaps between the barn’s thick, wood board siding, creating lovely golden lines of sunlight on the floor of the barn at Morgan Acres. I stood on wooden timbers that had been cut down over 150 years ago […]

June 30, 2015

FILED IN: Weddings

As Josh read Chelsea the note he had written to her for their wedding day, both of their eyes welled up with tears. He spoke softly, barely above a whisper, and I felt myself wanting to step closer to hear what he had to say. The sky was slightly overcast, and the thin layer of clouds, upset […]

June 17, 2015

FILED IN: Weddings

It was hot in Columbus, Indiana. My weather app had the temperature pinged at 85 degrees, but it also said that with the humidity it would feel like 95 degrees. The gardens at the Inn at Irwin Gardens are sunk down a few feet below street level and surrounded by trees, so there was no breeze down in […]