If ever there were a real-life love story that felt like a Lana Del Rey song—it would be this one.
This cinematic engagement session at Glencairn Gardens in Rock Hill, SC was dripping in nostalgia, vintage romance, and that unmistakable melancholy-glamour that feels pulled straight from the world of Born to Die or Norman F**ing Rockwell.* Think warm summer breeze, slow glances, and a vintage blue Corvette Stingray as their “something blue.” It was equal parts dreamy and defiant—a love letter to vintage Americana wrapped in Carolina golden hour.
The Garden Setting: Glencairn in Full Bloom
Tucked in the heart of Rock Hill, Glencairn Gardens offers the kind of timeless southern charm that’s perfect for couples looking for a romantic and slightly offbeat backdrop. The winding brick paths, tucked-away benches, and blooming seasonal florals set the scene for something intimate and evocative.
We timed the session to catch that warm, early-evening light—when everything feels a little hazy, a little magical, and a little like a memory.
Something Blue—But Make It Fast
While most couples opt for something blue in the form of florals or shoes, these two brought out a restored baby-blue Corvette Stingray and parked it just along the edge of the garden lot. With its sleek chrome details and impossibly cool curves, it became an instant character in their story.
The car wasn’t just a prop—it felt like a metaphor. For freedom. For nostalgia. For speeding into the unknown together.
It gave us that California-cool-meets-southern-summer aesthetic. Like the kind of thing you’d see on a faded Polaroid tucked in the glovebox of a great American love story.
Lana Del Rey, but Make It Yours
From her fresh blown out hair and vintage styled dress to his effortless edge and quiet confidence, every detail of this session felt Lana-coded—but still deeply personal. There were moments that felt styled, yes—but never staged. The laughter was real. The long pauses were real. The quiet closeness between shots? All real.
They slow-danced in the middle of the garden when no one was watching. They leaned against the hood of the Corvette like they had done it a hundred times before. They made the whole thing feel effortless—but every frame told a story.
Shot on Digital + 35mm Film
We captured their session using a mix of digital photography and 35mm film, layering in the soft grain and dreamy tones that film naturally offers. The film especially brought out the richness of the blue Corvette, the garden’s natural greens, and the soft colors in her lipstick—like a Wes Anderson frame meets an old love letter.
Planning a nontraditional engagement session in the Carolinas?
Whether your vibe is vintage Americana, retro glam, or just unapologetically you, I’m all about helping you tell your story in a way that feels cinematic, nostalgic, and wildly true to who you are.
Serving Rock Hill, Charlotte, Asheville and beyond.
Reach out to book your session or just to talk moody location ideas + vintage car dreams.
