*All image rights reserved ©Alexandrina Birsan*

Becky and Sam are both musicians, and their love story began in a marching band, so I’d go as corny as to say that music united them. So, it only felt right to create a photoshoot that captures their connection through music. I wanted something that felt nostalgic, cinematic, and effortlessly romantic. That’s when it hit me, a record store rom-com vibe. Because what better way to celebrate their story than in a space filled with vinyl, history, and that dreamy, vintage aesthetic? Inspired by this idea, I started curating a vision board. My mind raced through the 1,600+ movies and series I’ve watched, searching for the perfect inspiration. Films set in record stores, movies that revolve around music, anything that could bring this concept to life. And just like that, my vision board was born. Voila!
(Oh, and speaking of record stores-let’s save them, y’all! A sentiment echoed in The Greatest Hits, a rom-com I highly recommend.)

*source of the images: Pinterest + The shotdeck, all put together through my favourite creative app Milanote.*

*a screenshot of the Pinterest board I created for the shoot*

The next step was choosing the right record store. I researched a few spots in town, looking for a place with the right vibe, somewhere authentic, cozy, and filled with character. I ultimately decided on Disc-À-Brac Records in Lausanne, a shop I was familiar with since friends of mine had bought records there before.
I reached out to the owner, Joshua, who was incredibly nice and supportive. He kindly allowed me to shoot for an hour before the store opened, giving us the perfect opportunity to bring this vision to life.

Another key step was finding the perfect outfits. Becky and I met up to go through her wardrobe, considering different styles that would complement the shoot’s aesthetic. After some reflection, we decided to go with a casual, effortless look, something that felt comfortable and true to them as a couple. The goal was to capture their connection authentically, without anything feeling too staged or out of character.

To make the shoot even more special, I wanted to create a mini movie, so they can have their own rom-com at home. So, I invited my incredibly talented friend David, a film director, to join and film behind the scenes. I have to admit, shooting along someone else is something I’m still learning, as I usually work solo. But this experience was a great step in that direction.
And now, here’s a little dancing moment from Becky and Sam, one of my favorite parts of the shoot!

Camera, Action, Go!

With the store as our backdrop, we moved through different areas, hunting for the best light and framing each shot perfectly. I encouraged Becky and Sam to interact naturally - flipping through records, dancing, stealing little kisses, and sharing laughter. Of course, I also guided them through a few posed shots to balance spontaneity with structure.
Beyond capturing beautiful images, my goal was to create a fun and memorable experience for them. And we did just that!
The final step - choosing the perfect colors in editing and the editing in itself was just as important. I went for a vintage, film-inspired aesthetic with warm yellows and deep blues, enhancing that nostalgic, rom-com feel.
The best part? Everyone loved the photos. That, to me, is the biggest win of all.