The Obama's Essence photo shoot thrills romantics

A romantic magazine photoshoot of Barack and Michelle Obama has left the internet swooning. America's first couple look very much in love as they pose for intimate pictures in Essence, a black women's lifestyle publication.

The president and first lady spoke about their legacy for October's special issue.

But it is the affectionate, gauzy images that have sent pulses racing on social media.

While this new picture of the Obamas may inspire many a tweet, it's important to remember it's not the only bit of #RelationshipGoals coming from the couple over Barack's eight years in office.
They've never been shy about showing their affection for one another – from a moment on the "kiss cam" at a U.S. men's basketball game and their loving embrace after he was reelected in 2012 (an image that became one of the most retweeted of all time) to Barack's star-studded surprise 55th birthday party thrown by Michelle. 

The First Lady, who has been an outspoken advocate of fitness and healthy eating, said the couple are proudest of their impact on African-American children.

"I think when it comes to black kids, it means something for them to have spent most of their life seeing the family in the White House look like them," she said.

"It matters. All the future work that Barack talked about, I think over these last few years, we've kind of knocked the ceiling of limitation off the roofs of many young

kids.

Asked about what memories he will take with him when he leaves the White House, President Obama spoke of time spent with his family.

"Some of my fondest memories of the White House are just being with the girls on a summer night and walking the dogs around the South Lawn, talking and listening to them, trying to get Bo [the dog] to move", he said.

The interview reveals the Obamas as a down to earth loving couple and proud parents but the presidential persona re-asserts itself when he states,

"I can unequivocally say that America is better off now than we were when we came into office. By almost every economic measure, we're better off. But having said that, we still have a lot of work to do."