sydnee bickett photography

03 November 2011

Spencer + Elizabeth @ Pracna : Minneapolis Wedding Photography

Spencer + Elizabeth did it again! After a two week vacay honeymooning in Argentina and Chile, they threw another fabulous bash to celebrate their marriage at Pracna on St. Anthony Main. Brimming with details, both vintage and contemporary, Spencer's ascot and Liz's fabulous fur shawl from mother-in-law Denise's "treasure trove" stole the show for sure!

I simply adore these two - the way he looks at her, the way she raises one eyebrow at him - makes me love love even more. They are the reason why I do what I do; their constant support of this little business will bring loads of new things your way in 2012. I mean, who brings their photographer an authentic handmade winter hat outfitted with llamas?! LOVE.

10-1-2011 will forever stand in my memory for two reasons: I ran my first 10K ever that morning and decided to start training for a 1/2 marathon in 2012. Spencer + Elizabeth gave me these fab images and we sealed our friendship for a lifetime.

From the moment we met last winter, Spencer told me had a love for black and whites. The classic photojournalism style was something he really wanted me to capture. The reception photos in this set are for you, dear Spenny. Elizabeth mentioned a desire for some very timeless images, capturing the details she so lovingly planned and executed. The beginning shots in this set are for you, my "sister" Liz. You are beyond breathtaking.

Love these images. Love both of you. Cheers to big things in 2012!

xoxo,
syd.
sydnee@sydneebickett.com

18 October 2011

Anna, part two: Minneapolis Senior Portrait Photography

September 11th, 2011 found me in New Ulm, Minnesota surrounded by family and I wouldn't have had it any other way. Sure, we reminisced about where we were when our country changed forever, but actually, we spent more time smiling and cherishing the time we spent just being together. And actually, I think that's the best way we could have remembered.

I promised you a part two of this lovely lady's senior photos and here they are! Anna is so fabulous - I know I've said it before and you're probably tired of hearing/reading me say it, but it's true. She's such a bright light in her family and seriously, this girl is going places. I am so honored to document this time in her life and more honored to call her my cousin :)

And the volleyball photos? No photoshop work there, folks. It's all Anna. She IS the captain of her high school team, after all!

xoxo,

syd.

sydnee@sydneebickett.com

16 October 2011

H Family Reunion: Minneapolis/St. Paul Event Photography

I've known the H family (one branch) for the last six years - they took a chance with me, a college sophomore, when they were in need of a sitter for their then 8 year old son, 4 year old daughter and 2 week old son. I had maybe only held an infant that small twice in my life and it was always under adult supervision... yikes! But Kristi assured me she "would be back before you need to take him out of his baby seat." I suppose I passed the test because I went on to nanny for these three blonde-haired beauties countless times for countless hours for five years... they kept me on my toes and I can't begin to thank them for all they taught me about how to raise a family based in unconditional love and endless encouragement. Who knows, maybe I'll be calling Mara someday to babysit my babies :)

Once I started this photo thing for real, they kept calling. Not for a sitter, but for a photographer! I fell in love with them all over again - family portraits, Christmas cards, corporate headshots, you name it. Then, I hit the jackpot - the entire H clan at their summer family reunion!

These images can only give you a glimpse of this amazing family. Grandma's 80th birthday was the perfect time to get together and the day couldn't have been more lovely. In the short time I spent with them, it was clear how every person in this amazing group is loved and cherished, only they can fill the spot they have in the line - what a blessing!

Here's a snapshot of the amazing H family (and yes, I know their shirts are the same and all have their real last name, but you know, for the sake of the Internet and privacy :)):

[this image is an EXACT replica of a Christmas card photo from roughly 1970... the girls were taller, the boys were shorter and the clothes were way more seventies - think bell bottoms and awesome plaid shirts and glasses :)]

[when I asked the grandkids to all line up by age, the youngest (remember that 2 week old baby boy? that's him!) said to his twin cousins in classic Thomas fashion: "okay, now I think we're all six here, but who's the littlest?"]

a lovely comment I received from this family upon seeing this gem: "Mom surrounded by all her grandchildren... she never looked more beautiful." Cue the waterworks!

xoxo,
syd.
sydnee@sydneebickett.com

Ryann + Jennifer: St. Paul Wedding Photography

Ryann + Jennifer wed on a steamy day in August - but they didn't let the heat and humidity slow them down! They had been planning their day for months and were both giddy with the anticipation of seeing one another at the altar in the gorgeous Nazareth Chapel at Northwestern College.

Two things stuck out to me on this day: the insanely adorable love Ryann + Jenn have for each other and the outpouring of love they showed to their families. Considerate, encouraging and ever-abounding love... the main ingredient for a fantastic wedding! The day was filled with classic black-and-white, a touch of green, amazing vintage touches and lots and lots of smiles :)

My ahhhhmaaaazzzing second shooter, Hannah Hitchcock, spotted these amazing pieces: the bride's grandmother's handbag (used for generations of weddings!) and pocket watches for the groomsmen!

Just as we were about to head down to the lake for some magic hour portraits, we spotted these brand new freshmen and a slip-n-slide! So OF COURSE, we had to take a photo of the newlyweds "taking the plunge!"