Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Horsing Around at Landerhaven

The horseplay was only minor. Bit it did add to the fun I had photographing the wedding of Megan McCoy and Brian Astman at Landerhaven on October 13, 2007.

As much as I like recording Cleveland’s urban landscape, I also enjoy covering weddings and social events. This has been going on now for over 30 years.

Working with Megan, Brian and their large wedding party of 18 was a lot of fun that Saturday.

They were easy to work with and made the day fly right by. I have to say they were a pretty handsome looking group too.

Other than a cool Fall breeze the weather was cooperative. We were able to do much of the preliminary group and casual portraiture on Landerhaven’s beautiful grounds prior to the ceremony. I prefer doing this beforehand as it's less stressful for the bride and groom later in the day.

There is nothing worse than a nagging photograper insisting upon a shot list late into the evening.

The ceremony began at 6:30 P.M. with Robert Stephens and Henry Cogan officiating. At that point the weather was starting to turn and a few rain drops could be felt.

Dark clouds began rolling in and the temperature was steadily dropping. Fortunately umbrella's were not necessary and the ceremony was over by 7 P.M.

Mother of the Bride Linda McCoy toasting the couple.

When I first started covering weddings in 1973, I was typically close in age to that of the bride and groom. Now I am usually the age of their parents. The irony of Megan's wedding is that both the bride and my daughter Jennifer went to high school together.

These were only a few shots from Megan and Brian's wedding day. You can view their entire online proof gallery by clicking THIS link.

Once you arrive at the first screen, click on slideshow (upper right corner) to view all the photos in sequence.

If you wish to order any of the photograhs, you can do so by either contacting the bride or clicking on my ORDER FORM. Print out the form, complete the necessary information and then mail it back to me with a check for the appropriate amount.

Want to learn more about Stuart Pearl Photography? Visit my website or call me on (440) 449-2782.

Saturday, October 6, 2007

Ponte Vecchio - Different Perspective for this Photographer

I’m not a restaurant critic. But give me a beautiful night out with my wife Jeanne, good food in a fine eatery with great views of the city, and I can be a very happy man.

All of this came together Saturday night. To celebrate Jeanne's birthday, we had a delicious dinner at Ponte Vecchio Restaurant in the Flats, atop the old Superior Viaduct.

I discovered Pont Vecchio by accident while looking for new photography venues. I’m currently building a Flats portfolio and I try to visit familiar as well as new areas of the city under different lighting conditions. The Superior Viaduct provides great views of the skyline as well as areas of the Flats and Cuyahoga River.

To reach the Viaduct from downtown, head west on the Detroit-Superior bridge to W. 25th Street. Turn right when you get to the light. Drive a few hundred feet until you see Superior Viaduct road on the right. Turn right again and drive through the iron gate until you see the restaurant on the left, halfway down what remains of the Viaduct.

It’s hard to say if many know about this area. Condos, apartments and restaurants are now replacing what used to be old warehouses and machine shops.

While some city neighborhoods continue deteriorate, this is one pocket that seems to be staging a comeback.

Unfortunately it’s very easy to drive by this area off W. 25th if you’re not aware of the new construction. You cannont easily see the restaurant from the main road. However, it’s worth the search for both the food and the view.

Jeanne and I had a very pleasant and relaxing evening at Pont Vecchio. It was was fantastic weather for a Saturday night out. We were also fortunate to meet Britanny Smith, charming daughter of Pont Vecchio's owner who told us a little bit about the establishment.

Leaving the restaurant we took a stroll to end of the viaduct to view the city lights and the river below. Who would think we’d still be enjoying 80F+ weather in October here in Cleveland?


Want to see more photographs of the Cleveland skyline? Click HERE. Additional images can also be seen in my Flats Gallery.

Please visit my website at Stuart Pearl Photography.