This Colorado Engagement Session Will Make Your Heart Happy

When it comes to taking great pictures, photographer Libby Nedar believes the art can be nailed down by one essential facet: authenticity.

"With portraits, as with all other kinds of photography (landscapes, still life, wildlife, whatever), composition, proper exposure, focus, and company are important," she said. "However, technical excellence is really just table stakes. What sets apart the kind of portraiture I want to look at is authenticity. Most of us socially aware humans just know if someone is faking a smile, and it doesn't resonate."

And that's what she loved most about working with couple Anne and Michelle for their engagement session in Boulder, CO — the genuine smiles.

"These two are so absolutely in love and comfortable with each other that happiness and authenticity practically oozes from these images," Libby said. She met the lovebirds in person for the first time at their photo shoot, since they were vacationing in Colorado from Iowa, where Michelle is in medical school and Anne is a teacher.

"They'll be getting married here next July," she said. "I should be so lucky to always have this much fun on my photo shoots. Thanks, Anne and Shell — I can't WAIT for your wedding."

By these looks of the adorable pictures, we can't wait, either. See them all ahead!