Engagement Session at St. Leo University with Ellie and Mason

Nina Bashaw
4 hours ago
4 min read

Ellie and Mason laughing together during their engagement session at St. Leo University, captured by Tampa engagement photographer Nina Bashaw, with golden hour light highlighting the campus’s tropical Florida vibe and elegant architecture.

Ellie and Mason’s Engagement Session at St. Leo University

by Tampa elopement photographer Nina Bashaw

I had the absolute pleasure of photographing Ellie and Mason’s engagement session at St. Leo University, and it was such a magical experience. From the moment we started shooting during golden hour, the light was soft and warm, perfectly highlighting the vibrant campus and their love for each other.

A Timeless Wardrobe with Personal Meaning

Ellie and Mason brought a unique and personal touch to their session with their wardrobe choices. Ellie wore her soon-to-be mother-in-law’s wedding dress, which had been beautifully altered to fit her and shortened to a chic cocktail length. Mason looked sharp and elegant in a classic black suit. They also incorporated a second set of outfits, both in modern, all black matching looks, giving us a mix of formal and contemporary styles that translated beautifully on camera.

St. Leo University: The Perfect Backdrop for an Engagement Session

The campus made the perfect backdrop for their engagement session. St. Leo University offers a stunning combination of tropical Florida vibes with lush greenery and palm trees, along with elegant, clean architectural lines. This mix of natural and structural elements allowed for a wide variety of shots, from romantic close-ups to dynamic, movement-filled poses. The golden hour light added a soft, dreamy glow that made every photo feel effortless and natural.

Golden Hour Magic and Effortless Poses

Throughout the session, Ellie and Mason were playful, tender, and fully present with each other, which made it so easy to capture authentic moments. We incorporated a variety of poses, some more formal and classic, and others filled with movement and spontaneity. Their love and excitement for their upcoming wedding truly shone through every frame.

Their wedding will be an intimate micro wedding in Costa Rica with only their closest family members in attendance, and this engagement session perfectly captured the essence of their romance, young love, and genuine connection. It was such a joy to be their photographer and photograph them in a location that blends timeless elegance with a relaxed, tropical atmosphere, and to capture their love in such a personal and meaningful way.