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

Kristy : St. Paul Maternity Photography

If you've seen any of my work before, you will recognize this lovely lady! Kristy is one of my dearest friends and the most beautiful soul you'll ever meet. Always willing to model, always excited to style and knock around ideas with me about future shoots...and always listening to my crazy dreams. This amazingly calm, peaceful nature exudes from her and I am positive it will be passed onto her new baby. Complete in skinny baby jeans and cardigans, he's sure to be a little love just like his Mama!

She and her husband Ryan are about to become parents for the first time! Baby Boy will be here within the next few weeks and I'm so thankful it finally warmed up around here so we could take some photos to remember this fabulous time in their lives.

Big Brother Tobias Funke will turn 4 tomorrow (Happy Valentine's Birthday Tobias!) so we had to turn the camera on him for a few shots too. After the photo shoot, our friends met up for cheesecake and a baby shower. Could these almost-parents look any more happy?! All my love to you guys and I can't wait to meet him :)

xoxo,
syd.
sydnee@sydneebickett.com

Rowan & Family + Minneapolis Portrait Photographer

This morning, Miss Rowan and I played dress-up, cooked in the kitchen, read a few (read: a lot) of books, danced on a magic carpet, played hide and seek and took a few photos together. Rowan will be a big sister in two short months and already, she is set on having a little brother. But also will request a sister from time to time. Good luck with that one, Megan + Ben!

Rowan is the daughter and granddaughter of two of my favorite former co-workers and I've had the delight to photographer her twice already. Every time "Miss Sydnee comes to play," I'm amazed at how much she grows and makes me laugh. Her family's home is filled with such love already, I can't wait to see how much love there is with a new little one :)

Congrats, Rowan, Megan + Ben! Can't wait to meet your new addition soon! xoxo.

Did you know Miss Rowan has 37 books memorized?! And she only just turned 3!

xoxo,
syd.
sydnee@sydneebickett.com

Wedding Workshop + Minneapolis/ St. Paul Wedding Photographer

Oh, there you are! Welcome to my new blog!

This is the first entry in my new home. I hope you visit often to see what I've been up to... 2011 is sure to bring lots of new adventures and I would love if you were along for the ride :)

After attending "The Art + Business of Wedding Photography" at the Mpls Photo Center in January, I was inspired (read: received a swift kick in the butt to get things moving business-wise)! A sweet photo friend, Ms. Emily Steffen taught the workshop and it was such a dream to hear her story. Love that one!

I found myself in the midst of two days of shooting, talking, learning, sharing and growing. Expectations were exceeded and I left with a laundry list a mile long about what I wanted to accomplish.

First up: blog! I'm still settling into this idea, still getting my bearings. I've been through the gamut of social media options in my life, from emotional teenager on MySpace to college-aged Facebook fanatic to random thoughts on Tumblr. But here I am now in this white and bright photography business space! It might take a while to get used to, but I know you'll make yourself comfy in no time :)

Enough talking, let's get to some photos!

Here's the list of our wonderful vendors:

location: Mpls Photo Center

styling / paper goods / design: bethany hway

sweet treats: shauna younge

flowers: sadies floral

hair + makeup: aubrey thoren

amazing models: elliott + kayla

xoxo,
syd.
sydnee@sydneebickett.com