A "meet-cute" at Loganberry Books in Larchmere...
In the historic Larchmere district of Cleveland, Ohio, there is a wonderful little bookstore tucked away between a variety of cafes and shops. Welcome to Loganberry Books, which was established in 1994 and has become a Cleveland staple for book lovers and collectors alike. It also happens to be absolutely stunning inside, capturing that timeless and classic feel of old libraries and bookstores that have been around for generations.
Enter Grace & Dave, an adorable couple that wanted something a little more unique for their engagement photos than just a walk in the park. This shoot originally started off as a styled shoot, or a personal project, but when Dave proposed just weeks beforehand, things came together naturally. For me as a wedding photographer, it was a dream come true.
The idea was sparked by Pinterest as usual, but we wanted to do more than just recreate a shot. We wanted to tell a little story. Call it a "bookstore meet-cute" if you will.
Portraits among the stacks...
Grace & Dave met online, like so many other couples I work with these days. The Internet seems to have replaced bars and social gatherings as the go-to place to meet someone you'll connect with, and while some may lament the "downfall of natural connections", I don't know if I agree. While the concept of being guided to each other by an algorithm does seem a little odd, it's also amazing that we have the ability to filter our likes and dislikes, interests and hobbies, favorite music and most hated movies all down into a little equation that a computer can use to connect us with someone special. In a way, it's a bit of a miracle.
Taking that initial digital connection and turning it into a physical and tangible relationship is where the magic happens, and it's part of why this session felt so intimate and special. Physical books require direct and intentional interaction. You develop a special relationship with your favorite novels and over time, their dog-eared pages and worn covers tell a unique story as well.
Combining that physicality with a young couple in love...it just felt right. And like a book that you read over and over until the pages are worn thin, love grows and changes over the years to tell your own unique story.
A Hidden Cleveland Photo Opportunity
Loganberry Books is a unique place. They sell comic books and rom-antasy bestsellers like any other bookstore, but they also feature a curated collection of rare & antique volumes as well. It's a cool place where the past and present come together. You'll find book collectors browsing next to teenagers, and both are watched by the ever dutiful Alice - store mascot and feline guardian. And yes, as in "Alive in Wonderland".
When I started organizing this shoot, I called Loganberry to get permission (better safe than kicked out) and I was surprised to find out that they have a photo permit system in place already. The manager, Elisabeth, told me that people have shot weddings and portraits here on occasion but this year has been busier than ever. While it might be a hidden gem now, I'd venture a guess that it won't be for too much longer.
A styled shoot that came to life...
So originally, this was supposed to be a creative project for myself. I'd hit a bit of a burnout last year and shot a variety large events, technical studio projects, as well as weddings that come with all of their usual hustle and bustle. It had been a while since I'd shot something slower, more relaxed, and most importantly, something intentional.
Enter Pinterest. Over a few months, I put together a board of "editorial couples shoots" that I was really inspired by. Sessions that told a story, featured a unique location, and really captured a feeling - and I wanted to do one too. I started with books because I love to read and it's been an integral part of my life since I was really young (more me here). My wife started reading after we got married and developed her own appetite for it as well. We frequent bookstores and libraries when we travel and it's become a part of our life together that I treasure. So of course when it came to picking a location for a couples shoot, I thought of a bookstore.
Grace volunteered herself and her boyfriend at the time, and we started planning. As previously mentioned, he proposed shortly before the shoot and the whole event just came full circle. A styled engagement shoot became an actual engagement shoot and all was right in the world.
The best bookstores are dark and a little over-filled. This makes for an excellent ambiance, but a terrible photography location. Instead of fighting it though, I decided to embrace it. The very challenges of shooting here are what made the photos feel so intimate and cozy - they're a little dark, a little busy, and a little cramped. No flash or additional lighting - just some cranked up ISO and a little grain.
As for the session itself, the photos speak for themselves. Like any other shoot, it takes a few poses and moments to break the ice. Public spaces can be difficult since other people are around and those self-conscious feelings can creep in. But like it always goes, after a few minutes Dave & Grace stopped noticing everyone else and just had fun pretending like they were alone in the world, exploring an old bookstore.
Cleveland gets a lot of flack on social media for not being California. While some of it is deserved, most of it isn't. Places like Loganberry and couples like Grace & Dave are living proof of that very fact. It's a vibrant city with deep history, varied art, and beautiful people that make it feel so alive. All you need to do is look around for opportunities.
If you'd like to shoot at Loganberry Books, just give them a call and ask for Elisabeth (note, it's 2025 when I'm writing this) and she'll walk you through the details. And if you'd like to shoot with me, just fill out a contact form and tell me about your vision. I think we can do something special together and bring it to life.
