Rae + Eric : Minneapolis Engagement Photography

I have a confession to make: I've been holding out on you guys. I've been holding these images hostage for quite some time and I'm sorry.

Now that we've got the apologies out of the way, here are #raeeric's engagement photos! Complete with the cutest dachshund ever, Herman the Great, and these two crazy talented and lovely people, I really couldn't ask for more. Styled to a T - I mean, who puts a bowtie on their dog? Rae does! - and ice cream included, I loved everything about this shoot.

But let's back up for a second to explain why I love these people. Rae and Eric have been together almost a decade and seen each other through loads of jump-for-joy moments and it's-all-going-to-be-okay moments. When meeting to discuss wedding plans, Rae told me that Eric is her baseline. The one who keeps her in check when she's a busy bee designing graphics, being half the awesomeness behind Mighty Swell Vintage and hosting parties. Likewise, I'm sure Rae brings a certain element of the same for Eric, who is in his own right, an overly talented gentleman who brings out the soft, romantic and adorable side of Rae. And to tie it all together is Herman. Who wouldn't smile looking at that oh-for-cute pup?!

Rae is the graphic designer behind my branding relaunch and honestly, I think ya'll are going to squeal just as I did when you see it. She's almost in love with love as much as I am - and it shows in this new look, coming soon to this website and the world! I can't wait for the reveal on October 1!

Come visit again on Monday to see their amazing wedding day! You seriously don't want to miss this! And this time? You're probably going to cry, laugh, do cartwheels about their images. Seriously. Bring your eyes, I'll bring the awesome.

  

xoxo,

syd.

sydnee@sydneebickett.com

612.293.9096

Rehwaldt Family : Minneapolis Lifestyle Photography

Let me start by saying that I have been a cheerleader of this family for the last decade! When I make a list of things and people that fire me up and make me leap out of bed in the morning, it's people like these three. Their support and encouragement of this business has been unwavering and likewise, I love seeing their Facebook posts and photos of their growing family - every time we see each other, they're celebrating another beautiful milestone!

We celebrated Nolan's one year birthday with a session at the Minnehaha Falls - where we've been numerous times before and somehow, someway, each session looks a little bit different. Being the moving, grooving one year old he is, Nolan kept us laughing and smiling the entire session. Can you believe his cuteness?! Those eyes, his Toy Story Andy boots, his cowboy hat and that shirt just like his Dad. I adore these images, but even more, I adore the people in them.

These three are the reason why I'm doing this gig full-time. Telling their story and giving them these images feels like everything I was born to do. I'm so grateful for families like these guys, for the ability to do this "good work" and even more so for the gift they've given me: they trust me completely and are so open and honest when it comes to story telling. It's true that God has blessed them so richly and he will continue to do so - I can't wait to see how their story unfolds and I pray I get the honor and privilege of telling it!

I love you three. To infinity and beyond.

xoxo,

syd.

sydnee@sydneebickett.com

612.293.9096

Lindsay : Minneapolis Lifestyle Photography

I met Lindsay Lewis one year ago, when I began volunteering with the Liz Logelin Foundation. Lindsay is the Executive Director and she is the perfect person for the job. She is efficient, hard working, professional and fun - I think that ultimately, I wish I could be as cool as Lindsay. I mean, really. Our bond was secured over a mutual love of design, Diane Arbus, photography, literature and top knots. When you see the rest of this session, you'll agree. That "it" factor? This girl's got it.

We began this session with Lindsay's adorable new pup Georgia and Georgia's "aunt" Emmy - those photos are coming soon! I couldn't give away all the cuteness in one blog post :) After letting the ladies have their spotlight, it was time for Lindsay to don her amazing wardrobe. In our emails back and forth, Lindsay said she wasn't sure if what she had chosen for clothing would work well together. Once she started pulling out options from bags and the back of her car, it took my breath away! Helloooo fashionista! Colored skinny pants, amazing sweaters and blazers, maxi dresses, killer shoes and a top knot to boot! I was in heaven. 

My first love? Photographing my beautiful clients. But my second favorite part of this job? Working with my clients to help style the perfect session - to make their personalities and comfort levels shine! Advice to future clients? Take all your favorite pieces and amp it up. You won't regret it - you'll feel fabulous and confident and the camera loves when you do :)

Lindsay: thank you for choosing me to capture your new "headshots." The foundation's website is going to get at least a million hits a day once your favorite image hits the "about us" page! You're stunning and fabulous - a total inspiration to me and everyone who comes into contact with you and the LLF. Your apartment? My dreams come true all in one place. Nobody I know can carry a red lipstick and matching nails like you!

 

 

xoxo,

syd.

sydnee@sydneebickett.com

612.293.9096

number two : Instagram Itinerary

Here we are again! A short and sweet kind of update on what I've been up to. Grab your affogato and enjoy a little peek into what happens behind the scenes over here :)

I had my first affogato. I know, I had to look it up too. Affogato: espresso over ice cream. Basically the best summertime treat this side of the lakes. Serious. I'm thinking about one right now. Note to self: get one tomorrow no matter what.

I tried out a pair of red specs a la Sally Jesse Raphael for a week and they're on order now. Can't wait to show off these beauties.

Ate fruit. Lots of it. Also did the best job carbo-loading for my first ever half marathon. Or maybe it was the time when I woke up at 4am to eat a bagel and yogurt before the race, only to go right back to sleep. Finished in record time: 2:05:15. Next goal? To break the 2 hour part this fall.

I met Bert Blyleven! Love those perks of the corporate gigs.

Being the trendsetter I am, I bought a maxi skirt and can't seem to find my way out of it. Currently trying to figure out how that might work into my fall and winter wardrobe. So far? No ideas.

I had a little car mishap and ended the night perfectly at Kings with my bestie over a bottle of red wine aptly named Friends.

Started rocking bling on my right hand inscribed with Jeremiah 29:11.

Spend a marathon night of meetings at Kings and ended with booking a wedding for October 2013. Wait until you meet this couple. You'll be head over heels in love with them!

Attended my first Twins game of the season. Looking forward to a few more before the snow flies!

Celebrated a milestone birthday with the one and only Dino aka my dad. We wined and dined at Jax Cafe and loved every morsel. Still dreaming about that bread basket.

My heart melted about three times over when I was reunited with my best boys: Beckett and Bowen. They're almost five and one. Don't get any crazy ideas.

Rocked out time at the studio and sent out my very first email newsletter. Want dibs on the info? Send me a love note and I'll add you to the next one!

xoxo,
syd.
sydnee@sydneebickett.com
612.293.9096

Happy Birthday! : Destination Lifestyle Photography

When Audrey Jane came into the world on June 7, 2011, she brought with her the completion of a dream for Brian + Rachel. A family of four, back home, with a perfect boy and a beautiful girl. This spring, they saw that dream grow even brighter with the completion of their very first home in the fields of Wisconsin and Brian's placement as state trooper. I am so proud of them!

I've had the honor to watch Rachel become Rachel + Brian, then Rachel + Brian + baby Shane, and now Rachel + Brian + Shane + Audrey. Oh and we can't forget Jason the fish! You can see this transition here and here.

I love this family and everything they stand for : love, faith and the power of family. And I love even more that they let Aunt Syd come visit once in a while and bring her camera. This last visit was even more special: I had just made my leap to full time photographer just hours before and my first real gig? Audrey Jane's one year photos. I couldn't have asked for anything more perfect.

So here she is, in all her smiley gorgeous glory. Miss Audrey Jane, you are so funny and loveable. My hope for you? To grow into a strong and confident woman, just like your Mama. Always stay sweet. Love your big brother forever, because he sure has lots of things he wants to teach you!

From your Mama:
"We find delight in the beauty and happiness of children that makes the heart too big for the body." ::Ralph Waldo Emerson

xoxo,
(aunt) syd.
sydnee@sydneebickett.com
612.293.9096

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

Dress: Mary Kay's Bridal

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

Cake: Taste of Scandanavia

Caterer: Prom Catering

Videographer: Alicia Losier