Alice + Sasha: Minneapolis Portrait Photography

Being a member of a church means a lot more than just keeping the seats warm; a successful and thriving congregation invests time in their members. This blog is not meant to be a billboard for my church, but rather me saying "hey, I wouldn't have met these two people YOU'RE about to meet if I wasn't a member of this awesome church." And seriously, it really is awesome.

Ever since I saw Alice at church one Sunday about four years ago, I wanted to get to know her (is that weird to say? Ha!). She is an uber successful lawyer, exudes confidence and personality and that shoe collection? Swoon. Girl after my own heart. Fast forward four years and her faith and her family was challenged in a way that words can't even begin to express. My heart went out to her and something inside me prodded me, saying okay, now's the time. So I reached out to her and I asked her if she and her fabulous daughter Sasha would let me capture a minute of their lives. With fingers crossed, I was so happy to be met with a resounding "YES!" Dream. come. true.

We chose the Lake Harriet Rose Garden, which holds special meaning for Alice and Sasha and our little fabulous pink princess had her own ideas of what was to transpire there. I don't think I've ever exercised so much while taking photos before :) She sure gave me a run for my money but it was so worth it. Sasha is a spitfire with a heart of gold. So sweet and kind and really, she loves to laugh and wear pink and a crown (at all times) and most likely, some dress up shoes. She loves collecting rocks and wearing headbands and running. Lots and lots of running. Oh and she likes it best when you chase her!

These images represent the promise of hope, the sunshine after the storm and all of those things - but most importantly, they showcase this amazing, joyous love between a Mama and her Sasha.

I hope they bring you as much smiles and laughter as they have brought to me, Alice + Sasha. They serve as a good reminder that sometimes, your day will get a little bit better if you take the time to twirl. Or wear a crown. Or jump :)

xoxo,

syd. 

sydnee@sydneebickett.com

Kayla, Bridal Shower : personal

From the minute we met Andrew and saw the beaming smile on Kayla's face, we knew they were absolutely, positively meant to be. I've never seen my cousin so happy - except when she's with me, of course :)

From the minute they stepped off the plane, home from a few weeks spent working side by side in Japan last year, Andrew was down on one knee, proposing to Kayla. Apparently he just couldn't wait another minute. And who could blame him. Kayla is stunningly beautiful, amazingly smart and talented, hilarious and so full of love - and I'm not just saying that because we're related!

All of us got together last Saturday to honor this lovely lady at her bridal shower. From the minute I saw my cousin's face, I couldn't stop smiling myself. We're all just so over the moon for them! Held at the Gathering Place in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the afternoon was bright, beautiful and filled with memories.

I can't wait to make more memories with my family in a few weeks - how many days left, Kayla? - at Kayla and Andrew's wedding. Praying for sunshine and flowering trees and a million smiles and laughs. Celebrating the start of their new life together. And a bit of dancing and merriment, too!

and many thanks to my soon-to-be cousin-in-law Andrew for hitting the shutter on this group photo! :)

xoxo,
syd.
sydnee@sydneebickett.com