Kate, class of 2011: Minneapolis/ St. Paul Portrait Photographer

My besties are always trying their hardest to promote my little bizz to the people they know -- and it has always, without fail, turned out GREAT! So when Kate came my way, I knew her session would be stunning and fabulous, just like her!

I know all of us here in the Midwest couldn't wait for our high school senior photo session, but apparently in AZ, the multiple outfit changes and cool (at the time) poses weren't all that and so poor Kate never had senior photos taken! She'll be graduating a few weeks from now from graduate school and will soon be off to conquer the world and wanted to celebrate the end of this academic journey.

You know you've made a friend when she opens her car and five pairs of shoes come flying out, along with a vintage trunk of jewels and uber trendy cheetah print threads and she says, "I know you said to bring options, so I did and I hope that's okay..." and you're standing there, thanking your lucky stars! I absolutely adore when clients allow me to style their shoot and Kate was totally along for the ride -- she even wore my magic silver belt in a few shots!

Of course the weather wasn't too cooperative, but Kate took everything in stride and did so flawlessly. We HAD to do some cheesy poses just for tradition's-sake but ultimately ended up with some headshots for resumes and fab Facebook profile photos :)

Here's Kate!

When your clients think you're hilarious, it makes it SO much more fun! Thanks to Kate, I've begun perfecting my list of jokes that work and... don't work :)

Thanks to these guys for making us laugh on such a chilly day! One of the ladies was even so nice as to let Kate have a ride :)

xoxo,

Syd

sydnee@sydneebickett.com

New Promo!

After scouring through photos of the last year, I came across this gem and HAD to use it for a new promo piece.

And now the race is on to figure out my new branding, logo, website, blog... whew! Hope you'll be along for the ride :)

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

Harvey Dean: St. Paul Newborn Photography

I spent a heavenly Sunday afternoon with Kristy, Ryan, Tobias and baby Harvey and couldn't wait to show off this handsome boy!

On my way home from the session, I heard this song on the radio: "I hope you don't mind, that I put down in words... How wonderful life is while you're in the world..."

Harvey has been such a blessing and he's only one month old. So loved, prayed for and THOSE CHEEKS! Such a sweet, calming spirit ... just like his Mama and Daddy.

Here's a sneak peek:

xoxo,
[auntie] syd.
sydnee@sydneebickett.com

Ashley + Corey: Minneapolis Maternity Session

10+ years ago, Ashley and Corey started dating, after attending grade school, middle school and entering high school together. They were one of those couples that just rolled off the tongue, "AshleyandCorey." They just jived together, always laughing, always super cute couple dance photos. I went to school with them throughout this entire time and saw their friendship blossom into a relationship.

After high school, they were inseparable and I saw them almost every week, Corey playing the drums for worship team and Ashley and I singing... well, pretending to at least :)

Four years ago, they got married. They asked me to photograph their wedding and they are the reason I'm doing this whole wedding photographer gig. Not even in photography school yet, I didn't have a digital SLR until a month before their wedding. In fact, I bought it FOR the wedding. They trusted me 110% and everything went perfectly. Their family and friends were completely in the moment all day long and willing to hike all over Ashley + Corey's favorite spot in the Cities, for them, for love.

And now... these lovebirds are adding to their nest! When I heard they were expecting, I was THRILLED! And instantly begged Ashley to let me document this next phase. Yay! She said yes :)

After receiving the news the night before the session that Ashley was to be on strict bedrest, we took these images around their home. I loved this session just for that reason -- Ashley and Corey bought this house and completely redid everything in it! Corey is Mr. Home Repair and Painter Extraordinaire and with Ashley as his "contractor," this house is such a home filled with love.

Baby Boy will hopefully cook for a few more weeks and then join his cutie parents in this home... and hopefully as he grows, I'll be there to document it!

Thanks, Ashley + Corey for a lovely morning and enjoy your images!

xoxo,
syd.
sydnee@sydneebickett.com