Run, Walk, Hope 2012 : personal

Is it mid-September already? Wait! September is almost over?!

We're in the midst of an incredible fall season here in Minneapolis, which means quite a few things. I can FINALLY wear my favorite boot-dolman sleeve-scarf-skinny jean-top knot-sunglasses combo every.single.day. I can say "see ya next summer" to my daily iced soy latte and say "helloooo love" to the hot version at my favorite coffee shop. Their latte art makes me smile. And really, smiling's my favorite.

Another tidbit about my favorite season? Big changes are coming. I know you're anxious to find out what this means and I'm bubbling over with excitement to share. But Mama always said "patience is a virtue" and this time, it's even more true. It's coming, friends. Buckle up!

Something that rings constant in September is the annual Celebration of Hope Gala for the Liz Logelin Foundation. I first blogged about this amazing non-profit last year HERE. To this day, this blog post remains the highest viewed post on my site. I am so blessed by this and hope it's done it's part to spread the love.

The Liz Logelin Foundation gives hope to widows and widowers with young families and if you spend any length of time reading their Facebook page or stories on the website, you will be changed. I promise.

This year, I've become even more involved in this organization and helped to plan the 5K race in June alongside executive director Lindsay Lewis, one of my favorite people on the planet. After a whirlwind spring, this event came up quickly and in a blink of an eye, it was over. But not without tugging at my heart strings and the hearts of so many others. Not to mention helping a lot of families who needed to be reminded they were not alone in their experience.

This week, I've been running around non-stop for the gala and I honestly wish there were more hours in the day to do even more work and help even more. Helping to compile quotes from our recipients and photos they've sent of their smiling faces, with quotes from our supporters and the reasons why they give, my heart is so full. 

This week, there's no place I'd rather be than surrounded by piles of gift baskets and donations by amazing companies and businesses, working on powerpoints and donation websites and putting together programs and assembling frames. Because I'm surrounded by a handful, a dozen, even more people who are all committed to the same thing: giving hope.

You can still get a ticket to attend. Please come and bid on amazing items, listen to heart-filling stories, drink and eat and be changed for the better. I'll be there with my camera and you'll be there with your awesomeness. We'd love to see you! And Matt promises to take a photo with you. He doesn't know it yet, but he will. He's just that cool.

 

 

 

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

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

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