Elves will always be taller in my head too, also realize that there are apparently some discrepancies between PHB and the FR around which are 'common' elves and 'high' elves. I'm not a tolkein guru either but I think what you're talking about are the murkwood elves and the Rivendel elves, who are depicted quite differently from each other. I might remember some discussion around them being influenced by the corrupted woods too. Which just says to me, don't be too precious about the details. I'm happy as long as there are Elves that represent that otherworldly (somewhat angelic) ideal. Which is very much a Tolkienism, otherwise all fey would be hobbit-looking sharp toothed goblins.
