Aaron + Emily + pugs at home : Minneapolis/ St. Paul lifestyle photography

I knew of Ms. Emily through a friend from college (Hi Devin!) and at the time, she was just starting to grow her business. I peeked on her blog frequently and was constantly telling myself, "I have GOT to meet this girl!" But there I was, I graduated from college, went onto photography school and upon graduation, needed someone who desperately "got" this delicate marriage of creating images that mean something and growing a business. My feet were barely wet in the wedding industry but I knew there was this huge dream inside me - and Emily was one of the first people to see that in me. Even better? She told me to continue to grow that dream and every day, take steps to making it a reality. From our first initial meeting at a coffee shop to me second shooting for her when her assistant was pregnant (Hi Katie!) to now, I am so blessed to call Emily a dear friend. I'm so very proud of her - she's making waves all over the Midwest, on both coasts, shooting destination weddings, sewing up a storm and making her dreams happen.

So there's another part of Emily that's crucial to this story: her husband Aaron. Pastor at heart, student at night, husband all around. This guy is so incredibly supportive of Emily and her dream - and here they are, every day living their dreams together in Hudson with two adorable pugs named Edward and Gwen.

And the best part? These two are expecting a little baby Steffen in June! When I found out Emily was expecting, I attempted numerous cartwheels. But even if my attempts were more like round-offs, I was elated - the two coolest people on the planet with the biggest hearts and they're growing their family? yes!

I volunteered to shoot the Steffens' maternity photos and they said YES! I could barely sleep the night before the session, I was that pumped. I traveled to Hudson for a morning I won't soon forget - it's such a true gift when my clients let me into their homes to document their love in the most honest and true way. We decided to do a lifestyle session of the two of them doing what they do best: loving on each other, the pugs and Emily knitting... and eating ice cream. If you are ever at a loss for a flavor decision, call Emily - she's got all the details and typically, it's chocolate with peanut butter or candy or chocolate anything. I knew there was a reason why I loved her so much :)

Can't wait for June, baby Steffen. You're the luckiest kid on the planet because you've got two parents who cannot wait to meet you, love you and watch you grow. You're probably going to be really super smart and a big dreamer. I am so excited to meet the next generation of Steffen dreamers in just a few short weeks!

 

xoxo,
syd.
sydnee@sydneebickett.com

Happy First Year, Julian! : Minneapolis Portrait Photography

I first met Julian when he was still in his dear Mama's belly - and after a wild ride of a birth where that Mama was oh-so-brave, little Julian made his grand entrance into the world. And frankly, this family (and me!) haven't been the same since. Big sis Rowan was convinced she was getting a brother and good thing too, because these kiddos are attached at the hip. I love spending time with this family - filled with love, compassion and always teaching about kindness and imagination.

It's been an honor and a privilege to watch them grow - and it's my prayer that with whatever changes life brings, they may continue to grow closer and stronger together.

Here's Julian, in all his one-year, wild boy, crazy hair, curious, mover and shaker-ness:

xoxo,
syd.
sydnee@sydneebickett

2012: This is Your Year

I have a confession to make: I've been keeping you all out of the loop. I've been lax in my posting, lax in my honesty and authenticity.

So here I go, making a 1/4th of the way through 2012 resolution - starting now, I'm going to be real on this blog. I know it's photography based, business based, YOUR story based. But I can't hide from the fact that your stories affect me. Your laughs and smiles and voices affect me deep down in my core. I leave every session with this mammoth smile on my face, rushing home (okay, I speed, how's that for honesty?) to load your images on the computer because I just can't wait to see more of the magic that we made together. 

But in order to be a better photographer, a better business woman, a better woman in general, I have to tell you my stories too. There is nothing better in life than a reciprocal relationship - one where you give just as much as I do and vice versa. 

There's a lot on my plate for the rest of 2012, but in order for you to understand where we're going, I need to catch up a little bit first. Are you ready?

Fear faced: I went running. In shorts. Outside. People saw. I ran faster. Record time!

Family: we drove 10 hours to Deadwood, South Dakota to witness a marriage that to this moment, still has me on my knees thanking Jesus for allowing me to witness that promise. And we saw Mt. Rushmore. Looks a little smaller when you're about 18 years older but still, truly majestic. The 3 full days I spent with my three favorite people ever are 3 days I pray I won't forget or ever take for granted.

The Plan: God revealed a little bit more about the person He wants me to be: a motivator. So sure, I make signs to encourage my friends and I post them on Instagram. For all you ladies and gents out there that need a little push, this sign's for you too.

Another fear faced: as part of my half marathon training, I ran 10 miles. For fun. I did not collapse. No one was chasing me. I did not die. I thrived. My knee didn't cramp up, I didn't get a mammoth side ache. I lived. And then, I kind of wanted to do it again. 

Friends: reciprocal relationships take work. Oh gosh, they take work. They take understanding and love and compassion and respect. And really, a whole lotta communication. Marissa is that person for me. You'll be seeing her soon on this blog, but really, you should watch out world. Because she's going to be doing some real big things. And you're going to wish you could call her your bestie. I'm grateful everyday because I can.

Commitment: Easter Sunday is one of my favorite days of the whole year. This year was no different. I felt God's calling stronger and more evident than ever before (more on this later!). The best part? We had a chocolate fondue fountain at the youth breakfast. Even better? My baby brother ditched our Mom and sat by me during worship. Best. Easter. Ever.

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So there it is. A little catch up. There's a lot more coming this way. Big changes, big life-changing sorts of things. But all in all, I've learned over the last few months this one simple truth (courtesy of the beautiful ladies of Making Things Happen):

Honesty and Authenticity Always Win.

I know I've made this my mantra... will you make it yours?

xoxo,

syd.

sydnee@sydneebickett.com