Brian + Alena: Destination Engagement Photography

Can you call it "destination" when you're setting up shop at your grandparents' and shoot two "gigs" in the town you were born in? Absolutely!

I met Brian in high school when we were parts one and two of the God Squad, planning twice-weekly chapels, service projects, praise band lineups and in general, being awesome. We had a blast and looking back, it's one of those times when we were a part of something bigger than ourselves.

Fast forward a few lightyears and Brian contacts me to photograph his wedding to the lovely Alena! The story just keeps getting better when we made plans to meet in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to document their engagement. I was completely fascinated by these two - their easy-going, patient love that is so comfortable and strong. The way Brian can make her giggle at the drop of a hat or the way Alena just has to give him that one look. Completely in love!

Making their home in Iowa, Sioux Falls is the site of their first official date: sharing breakfast at the Diner, book looking at the Book Shop and the sparks started flying. I loved this session for two reasons: Brian + Alena completely trusted me with their story, knowing we would create some fabulous images AND I was challenged to photograph in a place that was somewhat unfamiliar. YAY!

I had the best afternoon with these two and can't wait for their June wedding here in Mpls - my first of the season and it's sure to be filled with love, family and friends; three of my all-time favorite things!

 

xoxo,
syd.
sydnee@sydneebickett.com

Kayla + Andrew: personal

May 7, 2011 came and we were all dressed in our wedding attire, ready to rock Sioux Falls like nobody's ever seen!! The first cousin in our family to get married, Kayla was the most beautiful bride I've ever seen, but I'm not partial or anything :) Andrew was looking pretty sharp too :)

To attend a wedding as a guest and family member was such a gift - I really challenge all my photo friends to do this once in a while! This being my first wedding of the 2011 season, I'm ready to rock and roll these upcoming weddings with such a new and fresh perspective! I could see everything so much clearer - the effort that goes into everything behind the scenes, experience the emotion of seeing the bride for the first time, knowing the people in the slideshow, feeling like you're in a very exclusive club to be related to the bride. I loved this day and was so blessed to be a part of it.

The day was beautiful, the couple beaming and we added another member to our family. These two really know how to throw a party and I'm crossing my fingers they plan another party next year ;) Oh wait! Kayla's brother Ryan proposed to his girlfriend Jess a few weeks ago, so no fear, Sioux Falls, the Bicketts will be throwing another wedding soon enough :)

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