31 July 2012

Brian + Alena : Minneapolis Wedding Photography

Talk about starting the 2012 wedding season off with a bang! Brian + Alena tied the knot in early June and it couldn't have been a more lovely day if they tried. I started the day off at Alena's parents' home, the air filled with laughter, hairspray and lots of love.

The day wasn't just about the dress or the shoes or the rings or the flowers or the favors - it was about beginning a journey together. A marriage based in Christ and his love for us. These two have amazing families that will support them on their journey too - families who included me in this day as one of their own, a blessing I promise to never take for granted.

Favorite moments? The list is endless! But if I had to name a few: bridesmaid chatter in the basement' the first look - it's certain there wasn't a dry eye on that bridge; the God Squad reunion and of course, the toasts and speeches at the reception - Brian's grandmother told an endearing story, as did his dad, that left me tearing up on the side of the room! I loved being a witness to these moments and so many more.

Brian + Alena, along with their families, made certain their wedding day was focused on people rather than the details. I am so honored to have been chosen to document this day for them - happy marriage, you two!































xoxo,
syd.
sydnee@sydneebickett.com
612.293.9096


VENDOR LOVE:

Flowers: Bachman's
Bride's accessories: Etsy
Bridesmaids' dresses: David's Bridal
Bridesmaids' accessories: Kay Jewelers
Hair: Sara, sister of the bride
Groom's suit: Men's Warehouse
Reception: Columbia Manor
Caterer: Prom Catering
Videographer: Alicia Losier


26 July 2012

Mini Session Date announced : Minneapolis Portrait Photography

The moment you've all been waiting for is finally here!

The first ever mini session date is...




I know you've got questions. I've got answers! (See? We already make a great team!)

Who can book a mini session?
Anyone and everyone! Even my pup Farley wants in on the action! These shorter sessions are perfect for fun headshots, quick senior portraits, a first anniversary, better-than-beginning-of-the-school-year-sponsored photos and especially little kiddos. If you've got an idea, send it my way - I'd love to work with you!

Why only 30 minutes? That doesn't feel like nearly enough time!
It only takes a second to capture a terrific image - of course we'll do the usual posey images you'll want to frame and send to Aunt Sue for Christmas, but we'll incorporate some playtime as well. I love those in-between moments when you're playing with your kids, laughing at my ridiculously awful jokes or just plain having a blast.

Why a limit on the number of people? Does this mean my seven year old has to stay home? 
No way! The reason for the limit is that physical shooting square footage at the studio space is limited. Two adults and two kids fit comfortably, but bringing Grandma and Grandpa might be a bit cramped. If you're looking for a larger family portrait, consider booking a full sized session for $200 for an hour. However, if there are two adults and three small kiddos, we can make that work. Contact me for more info: sydnee@sydneebickett.com.

We're in! What next?
YAY! I can't wait to meet you! We're going to have so much fun together!
First, email me sydnee@sydneebickett.com and I'll let you know what times are available. It's first come, first serve. Session times are every hour on the hour from 10 am to 5 pm (i.e. 10am, 11am, 12pm, etc). I'll send you a note as soon as your session fee is paid with all the info you'll need. Then just meet me at the studio on September 8th with your best smiles and cutest outfits!

I'm not sure what to wear! Can you help?
OF COURSE! Styling is one of my favorite activities of all time (no joke). Once your session is booked and paid for, we can brainstorm ideas of what to wear and any props to bring. I'll have limited props available to all clients who book a mini session - but I'd love to see what you have to bring too!

What's the fine print?
Due to the shorter nature and intense popularity of these sessions, all session fees are nonrefundable.

PS. Remember those horribly awkward school photos? September 8th is the perfect time to get EVEN BETTER images of your kids in all their awesome glory!

xoxo,
syd.
sydnee@sydneebickett.com
612.293.9096

23 July 2012

number one : Instagram Itinerary

Turns out, one of my top five must-haves in life is Instagram. I was cautious at first (who am I kidding? Maybe for five minutes at the MOST) but now? I'm that girl that posts four photos in a row just because. They're mostly photos of my dog, but you know you love those too.

To celebrate this addiction, I'm starting a series of posts called Instagram Itinerary. Because like all English majors, I can't live without alliteration, wit and catchy nicknames. It might be weekly, it might not be. But for this first installment, I think we should get acquainted. If you're going to be coming here every week expecting tea, photos and a comfy seat, you might need a little background... :)

Growing up, I strived and strived to be one of the cool kids. It wasn't until I reached middle school and watched Little Women (you know, the one with Winona Ryder and Susan Sarandon? The one I watch about three times a year and bawl my eyes out? Yep, that one) and the film comes to the part when Marmee says to Jo, "Oh, Jo, you have so many extraordinary gifts; how can you expect to lead an ordinary life? You're ready to go out and find a good use for your talent. And see what wonderful things come of it."

I've lived my life by this quote ever since. Sure, the road has been challenging and unsure at several points. But one thing remains: live with liberty and live doing extraordinary things.

In the last month, extraordinary has maybe been my middle name. I'm saying this is in the most humble way; out of everyone, I was the one who doubted I'd ever do any of these things. But I did them and I thrived. And now, when I look back on these moments, I'm still in awe that it's me in those photos. I'm standing on the other side of things now, just so thankful for the people who pushed me to run, to show up, to do the work, to be awesome and to live. Thank you.

Now for the list:



I've been running. A lot. I'm that crazy girl who's leaving the house before the crack of dawn in running shorts to get to the lake by 6 am. I ran 13.1 miles on probably the hottest 4th of July ever to prove to myself I was ready for my half marathon coming up a few short weeks. Alice pushed me in the most quiet, patient and encouraging way. Plus she made us medals. I mean, come on. #winning



I attended Live Letters v.2.0 and was finally, after all these years, ushered into the cool kids group. I don't think my mouth shut the entire night, I was so in awe of the Mpls music community. I totally witnessed history. I'm truly blessed to say "oh yeah, I know that girl that started Live Letters. Yep. She's so fabulous." Thank you, Sara. I can't wait for 3.0.



I ran a race and got messy. Really messy. On purpose. (I know what you're thinking and yes, I signed up on my own accord. Yikes!) The Color Run 5k is really truly the happiest run on earth. Unashamed, uncontrolled happiness exuded from my rainbow-colored clogged pores. And I wouldn't have had it any other way. Much thanks and overwhelming gratitude to Eric and Steph for running, jogging, color throwing, screaming, dancing and brunching alongside me that day. I might never get these pink streaks out of my hair but I think that only adds to my new cool factor.

My list of dreams accomplished just keeps growing. And with every dream checked off, another two or three get added. But that's the thing with life. You keep growing, keep moving, keep doing. Otherwise, what's the point? We've been blessed with a life to live. And I'm going to keep living. Who's with me?

Follow me on Instagram here. Let's be friends, share photos and coffee. See you next week!

xoxo,
syd.
sydnee@sydneebickett.com
612.293.9096


19 July 2012

Greta + Piper : Minneapolis/ St. Paul Newborn Photography




Remember this fabulous family of three that I visited earlier this year? You can see them (pre-babies!) here.

Only a few weeks later, they added TWO sweet-as-sugar baby girls to their family! When I got the note from their Mama announcing their arrival, I shrieked with delight and happiness. Greta and Piper are utterly adorable and their personalities were already apparent at two weeks when I met them for the first time. Greta is more quiet and reserved, while Piper definitely lets you know she's around! As her Daddy said, "she's a Piper for sure!"

Although I knew I was about to see two girls instead of the usual one newborn, my heart still skipped a beat when I approached their crib and found TWO babies in it! LOVE LOVE LOVE. I couldn't wait to get my camera out - I was ready!

These girls stole my heart instantly - this first image completely inspires me and reminds me why I love this "job" so much: the first love we know in life comes from our family. Greta and Piper will forever and always be linked to one another and as daughters, sisters and friends, they'll always have the other around to love and to grow with. My heart soars when I think about all that lies ahead for them. And I'd be lying if I said I wasn't partially jealous - I always wanted a sister! (but to cover my bases, I really really love my brother!)

Greta is already such a willing subject and excellent listener - she fell asleep almost instantly, while Piper kept an eye out for me and proved to be pretty sneaky! Kate and Tom will definitely have to be on their toes with these two around :) And big brother Will? Adorable as always and you can tell he loves his baby sisters so much, even if he wasn't quite able to tell them apart just yet.

To Greta and Piper - thank you for being my first-ever newborn twin clients! You're gorgeous and sweet and I can't wait to watch you grow into lovely young ladies. Watch out world - this is an unstoppable team!




















xoxo,
syd.
sydnee@sydneebickett.com
612.293.9096

18 July 2012

Ali : Minneapolis Portrait Photography





"This is the song I'm singing out / I wanna live like there's no tomorrow / Love, like I'm on borrowed time / It's good to be alive.."

I first met Ms. Ali Rogers on a January day seven months ago in a freezing cold video workshop. We were two of the only females in the group and twenty-somethings at that, so of course, we instantly bonded. Bonded over having to drive home from that workshop in a blizzard, over not knowing a single thing about video, about being two girls and two photographers trying to make things happen. Oh yeah and we maybe edited the most lame video you'll ever see. Or never, if I have my way :)

Even if we didn't gain an ounce of knowledge from that workshop, we gained a friend. Ali is a photographer, a yogi, a nanny, a Christian and a healthy lifestyle nut just like me and unlike me, she really loves nature, camping, being outdoors and doing things like being on water and traveling solo to Hawaii for a month-long adventure.

She just arrived home today from that adventure and ready to conquer the world - after a much-needed nap, I suppose! Ali's photography is stunning - her adventuresome nature really proves to be to her advantage. Not to mention that healthy lifestyle nuttiness - she's all about mind, body and spirit connections and being intentional in actions and words. The world could use more people like her :) I'm so proud to know her and be encouraged by her. She's fabulous!

When she asked me to shoot her headshots this spring, it happened that I shot them four days before I took the leap to full-time business owner. This is no coincidence; Ali made sure this session felt alive and kept it moving. We talked in length about how we shoot and why, which was exactly what I needed. Ali has that way about her - being so intuitive that she just knows. She's launching a portrait and wedding business in the coming months so be on the look out for her!


















































xoxo,
syd.
sydnee@sydneebickett.com
612.293.9096