Nikki + Shawn | A Sun-kissed Autumn Engagement in the Bosque in Albuquerque

We met with Nikki, Shawn, and Peanut (hint: he’s the very good, super handsome chocolate lab) back in November for their engagement session… and we’ve been drooling over these photos ever since! From the fantastic light to this couple’s adorable silliness, all of their pictures came out glowy, affectionate, and just so darn cute.

Nikki is a physical therapist, having gone to New Mexico State University, along with Texas Tech University of Health Sciences Center (say that ten times fast!). In a similar vein, Shawn is in PA school at the University of St. Francis, having formerly attended UNM. These two cuties had been dating for three years before getting engaged… in fact, Shawn popped the question on January 6th of 2020, which was the day of their third anniversary! Almost a couple weeks after that, Peanut became the newest addition to their household!

When they asked if they could bring their fur baby to their session, we could hardly contain our excitement! He kept us entertained the entire time by adventuring close by, occasionally photobombing his “parents” by zipping through their shots… which, of course, turned out adorably. We also loved Shawn and Nikki’s two outfits, as both were well-coordinated (Peanut even had on a plaid bandana to match the causal outfits), and Nikki’s dress at the end worked so well with the fall scenery and lighting.

To start, we had the pair stroll down the cottonwood-lined path before changing to an open field that had the most gorgeous sunlight streaming through the trees’ branches. Then we had them pose on a fallen log perfect for snuggling up on, and finally we finished by the dainty pond painted in autumn colors.

We had so much fun with these three, and we’re so very excited to shoot Shawn and Nikki’s wedding this upcoming year! Keep scrolling to see some of our favorites from this session.