Joe + Rachel: Minneapolis Engagement Photography

From the second I learned Joe asked Rachel to marry him, I was bound and determined to get these two in front of my lens! I never usually try to convince people to let me take their photo, but this couple? I ADORE THEM! If you spent even five minutes with them, you'd love them too.

I've known Joe since he and my brother became friends freshman year of high school. They were basically inseparable, Joe giving Spens a ride to school and hanging out at our house before and after school. Although he comes from a long line of naturally-awesome athletes, Joe has the most grounded personality of any young guy I've seen. He loves his family, he loves his friends and he'd do anything for them... and then there's Rachel. From our messages about outfits and locations and ideas, I knew she was the most perfect person for Joe. They both have an amazing sense of who they are, apart and together. He is the perfect gentleman and she, the most beautiful bride-to-be!

I am already counting down the days to their June 2012 wedding :) :)

xoxo,

syd

sydnee@sydneebickett.com

Rita: Minneapolis Portrait Photography

Oh Rita Rita Rita... I met this lovely lady about six months ago when we both started a brand new job together and she surprises me every day. Her maturity, her excitement, positivity, and humor have brought such a fresh perspective to not only our job but to my life.

At first I saw her as a little sister-type, a mentee, but it only took a couple weeks for me to realize that despite her beautiful age of 19, she is a marvelous young lady. This girl knows what's up, let me tell you. Whether it's her knack for all things Italian, her family-oriented spirit or her outstanding fashionista sense, Miss Rita is one of a kind and I am so blessed to call her my friend.

So, here she is, in all her hippie, rocker-chick, standing in a field and rocking it out self :)

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

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