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

Spencer + Elizabeth: Minneapolis Engagement Photography

From the minute I met Spencer + Elizabeth on a wintery day last year, I knew we were meant to work together! So I was over the moon when I received a text from Elizabeth right after our meeting was done, exclaiming they were so glad they found me -- the feeling was most definitely mutual :)

Their love story was a couple of decades in the making, but once Spencer moved home to Minnesota, they found each other and they haven't looked back since. Spencer + Elizabeth are hilarious comedians, world travelers, successful professionals, comfortable partners and just plain awesome!

During our session, they gave me the space to try several different shooting techniques all in a brand new location and allowed me to follow my inspiration and crazy ideas. And they were brave and willing to try anything - just like I said, pure awesome. I mean, what more could you ask for than to photograph a former model and his "sweet pea?" They made my job so easy!

Their wedding in September will be "them" to a T - intimate, romantic, filled with love and blessings and surrounded by the people who mean the most to them. I can't wait for that beautiful fall day to arrive and to party it up with them in October! :)

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

Jason + Trisha: Minneapolis/ St. Paul Engagement Photography

I first met Jason + Trisha last fall for their engagement session and it was windy... and when we met again for a "summery" shoot, it was windy again. But, these guys are pros, so nothing fazed them! I love couples who can roll with the punches and be in the moment. Their fall session featured warm fuzzy hats in downtown Stillwater and this session was super fun and summery at a local garden. The sun was shining and we all hope it will be just a tad warmer for their wedding in July :)

Jason + Trisha should be on those eHarmony commercials... not only because they met online a couple years ago, but because they are totally real life in love and you can see it in their eyes how much they adore each other. A perfect match!

xoxo,
syd.
sydnee@sydneebickett.com