Babies Make Five : Minneapolis/ St. Paul Maternity Photography

Last fall, I volunteered with the Liz Logelin Foundation and you can see those images HERE. I donated a photo session to the Foundation's gala auction and it wasn't until two months ago that I heard who won: an adorable family expecting twin girls! I knew instantly that I had hit the jackpot! I decided to offer a two-part session: maternity and newborn and I was elated when the Hollands agreed.

Once I met this family, I knew even more securely that they were meant to win the session. The instant love and peace you feel upon entering their home is downright fantastic. Two year old Will was about to be a big brother in a huge way and he and I became fast friends that afternoon. He did a great job! Kate? STUNNING. Can you believe there were two babies in there? I'm amazed! Tom? The love he has for his wife and Will and those babies on the way is clear and focused. The three of them together on the front steps are some of my favorites of all time - are you convinced yet that I adore this family?

Just yesterday I met "the babies" for the first time and they stole my heart. Greta and Piper are absolute dolls - stay tuned to see their debut soon.

But for now - here's the Hollands in their pre-newborn-twin-girls glow!

  

xoxo,
syd.
sydnee@sydneebickett.com

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

Fisch Family: Milwaukee Family Photography

I spent a glorious Memorial Day weekend in Milwaukee with my dear friends, the Fisches! We played at the park, played at the house, read some books, snuggled, talked about what happens when baby sisters come to stay with us and how big almost-three-year-old boys are so cool. Oh, that was what I did with Shane :) Brian and Rachel were awesome as always, hosting impromptu pizza nights and cereal parties and finding the coolest Brat Fest I've ever been to!

We walked, we talked, and when it finally was time to do some nice family portraits at the park, somebody under 3 was NOT having it. In all my nannying expertise and Rachel and Brian's relaxed yet firm parenting style, we decided somebody needed a nap and we'd try later. A quick snooze, some lunch and ice cream at home and Shane was ready to smile! I embraced this moment and grabbed my camera, just talking and gently guiding Rachel and Brian into the frame. I will honestly say this was one of the best experiences of my career (so far!). When we just let go and let things develop, allow our subjects the space to be themselves and feel comfortable, magic happens :)

I could write a novel about how deep my heart feels for this family of three (and now four!), but I'll let the photos do the talking...

xoxo,

{Auntie} Syd

sydnee@sydneebickett.com

Rachel: Wisconsin Maternity Photography

With Rachel, I just don't know where to begin! I could tell you that she's one of my main besties, the world's greatest Mama, Shane's number one fan, but honestly, she's just "Rachel" to me. We've known each other since a coincidental meeting in college and been life-long friends ever since! One of those friends you know you can always count on, no matter when or what the situation.

Rachel met Brian, Rachel married Brian and Rachel had Shane all within a year and their adventure had only just begun! I am thankful to be a witness to their journey as a family and especially now that they're back "home" in Milwaukee and only a short ride away. Late last year, Rachel revealed she was pregnant again and this time, A GIRL! Apparently, Brian's family only makes boys, so Miss Audrey Jane will be the first female Fisch in quite a few generations :) YAY!

I spent Memorial Day weekend in Wisconsin, playing and photographing and just being with the Fisches and it was one of the most peaceful weekends ever. We were poking around the Madison State Capitol and the light was absolutely fabulous, so I pulled the ever-stylish Mama-to-Be onto the steps for an impromptu session. Everything worked in our favor -- these are some of my favorite photos ever!! Maternity session two and three happened later in the weekend and again, all successful. It helps when you have a beautiful model ;)

And next time I visit, little Audrey will be ruling the roost for sure :) I can't wait to spend a few days snuggling with her and enjoying my friends' new addition.

Without further ado, here's Rachel (and Audrey!):

And only 7 short days after I flew home, Miss Audrey Jane arrived at 3:59 a.m. weighing in at 7 lbs 7 oz and as her Mama wrote: "already melting our hearts!" Welcome to the world, princess :)

©Rachel Fisch

©Rachel Fisch

sydnee@sydneebickett.com