Katie + Baxter

I have known Katie since she was a baby...yes, a baby.  As a friend of her older sister, I can remember going over to her house and seeing her in the little baby rock chair thing.  And while I was always a little confused by the chaos of the four-kids-close-in-age galloway household (I am an only child), I cannot lie and say I wasn't a little jealous of the relationship Katie and her sister developed over the years.

Galloway family, thank you for trusting us to capture three incredible weddings for you.  (You're next, Kevin!).  We have loved every minute of it!

Katie and Baxter, wow!  what incredible people you have surrounded yourself with.  Your friends, family, and mentors are incredible and full of love and support for you.  I know you will have a long and successful marriage!  Congrats, again!

Lauren

A Birth Story- Baby Ryleigh

I do not think it is possible to put in to words how much I love shooting births.  I love the emotion of the day, the ups and downs, and of course, the moment when you get the big pay off and hold your baby for the first time.  

I will never forget the first time I held my baby boy... the moment is seared in my mind.  But I do wish I had some photos of that moment too.  That is what I find so rewarding about this work.  I KNOW how important this day is-- for me, it was the first day of me, the new me, the person I am now that I have someone else to care about.  It taught me what is important, focused me, and mellowed me out.  

The other part of this birth that was soooooo amazing, was Amber had the same doctor and delivered in the same room that I delivered my first born. It was almost eerie to be back there, almost exactly five years since I had my baby boy.  It was a 'full circle' moment, for sure. 

Amber was amazing.  She had a natural birth, but she was so calm and collected the nurses thought she had had an epidural.  They had already had a very long night before I arrived at 5:30AM, but she was so mellow, she was even able to take some naps between contractions. Way to go, Mama! I am in awe of you.  

Uber Ice Cream

On Uber's Ice Cream Day, Oklahoma's own Gary Busey handed out ice cream to some lucky Uber users.  This was a day to remember!  

Styled Shoot

Looking for some great vendors?  Ideas for a beautiful wedding day? Look no further.

Design and Planning: Bliss Celebration + Design
Photographer: Josh McCullock Photography
Venue: Spain Ranch
Florist: Poppy Lane Design
Hair + Makeup: Lexi Faught
Attire: The Bridal Boutique
Stationary: Occasions Paper
Rentals: Mood Party Rentals
Calligraphy: Ever Lettery

And video, of course, us! 

The Birth of Adalyn- Part One

Well, here's a new one.  I posted Part Two of this post, before I posted Part One.  It was such a joy to watch this family experience such a special moment.  Enjoy!

The Birth of Adalyn - Part Two

Ah summer.... As the wife of a teacher with summers off, I must say it is a magical time when you catch up and wipe stuff off the to do list as your husband cooks dinner and does laundry.  Yes, a magical time indeed.  

I thought I would use my free time, as Jared is currently tinkering in our darkroom (previously known solely as the laundry room) to post some of my favorite shots from the last birth I filmed.  I always snap a few pics too.  I mean, why not! I'm there.  I have a camera.  And, I love to do it.  

Thank you again to the Jacksons for trusting me to be a part of the birth of their first born! Congrats!  Such a beautiful family, inside and out.

Elie + Aaron

We have loved getting to know Elie and Aaron.  It seems like only yesterday I received a call asking if we could film a proposal.  It was amazing to be a 'fly on the wall' of sorts for their proposal and first moments together as an engaged couple.  We were then so honored when they asked us to film their wedding.

The day was smoothing sailing.  I mean, what would you expect from a professional wedding planner.  Elie works for The Yes Girls, a professional wedding and proposal planning team.  When you have some time, take a look at their website and watch all the creative ways men have proposed to their future wives.  

Elie and Aaron, thank you again!  We loved working with you and getting to meet your family and friends.  You are blessed with wonderful people in your lives, and we wish you a long and happy marriage.

Seize the day!

Lauren + Jared

Birth Photography

We've been so slammed the last few months, I forgot to post some of the images from Danielle's birth.  There is just something so special about that moment you become a parent and hold your baby for the first time.  I don't think I will ever get over it.  Gives me goosebumps every time I capture it. 

Carlton Family

Ah, Spring! Is there any better time for family photos?!??  I say 'no.'  I so enjoyed spending time with this sweet family.  Liam is adorable! There was a campfire with a few remaining glowing embers, and Liam LOVED the smell!  He kept sniffing the air!  Carlton family, thank you for allowing me to capture a bit of your family life at this stage.  It's a good stage.  :-) 

Hello, World! The Birth of Luke Samuel

Seriously, this is one of the coolest things I get to do with my job as a 'record keeper.'  I love to document the moment a mother holds her baby in her arms for the first time.  The joy.  The relief.  So surreal.  Sorry photographers, but photos just won't do it justice.  

I loved Danielle since our very first meeting, where we discussed the many aspects of birth and motherhood over tea!  And, let me tell you, this woman is STRONG.  She planned for a natural birth and never once did she falter or say "I can't."   As anyone who has been in labor knows, births don't always go as planned, but Danielle faced every moment with courage, conviction, and grace.  

Thank you so much for trusting me to capture such an important moment.  It was an honor.

Seize the 'good stuff,'

Lauren Keester

Robert + Paige

Oh, man! It was soooo much fun (and a tiny bit terrifying) to capture this special moment in Robert and Paige's life!  Terrifying because you don't want to mess up!!!  And, I have to say, (phew) these photos turned out great! I mean, how could they not?!?? Just look at how cute and in love these two are!  

Robert worked some magic to get the key to the top of the midtown plaza building!  And (so genius) had all their friends across the way on the rooftop bar, BosoNova! Anyway, congrats to these two and happy wedding planning! 

Seize the 'good stuff,'

Lauren

Lauren + Matt (Part One)

As Jared and I were putting the finishing touches on Lauren and Matt's wedding video last night (I know, I know...it is a criminal offense to not watch the Superbowl... but, we are just not in to football.  We did watch the final episode of The Knick, season 2...and... AH-MAZING...but, I digress), I was reminded how sweet and sincere their our story was.  

I hope they look back on this video from time to time and are reminded of who they were when they got married...all the hope and joy and purpose and anticipation the beginning of a marriage brings. 

Hip Hop You Don't Stop

When we meet with clients, we often are met with questions about what else is included in their wedding package outside of the ceremony and the highlight reels we publish on this website and our social media accounts.  We always have the same answer, "Anything we think you might want to watch again."  You want something on film, tell us! And we will film it.  

It is so hard in those meetings to list the 'bonus features,' for your wedding, because I have no idea what your wedding day will hold.  And, neither will you.  Here is a great example of a surprise performance by a guest at the wedding.  And, he nailed it.  Without further ado...

Megan + Nathan (Part Two) "Cruse Cruise"

You honeymoon with Carpe Diem's goPro, send the camera back, and we splice it together!  Fun, right?  Especially with a couple like this!  We were literally laughing out loud while editing this.  Megan and Nathan, we love your adventurous spirit!  I think this video reflects it well.  Congrats, again!  May you two have many, many more wonderful adventures along the way! 

Seize the day!

Lauren + Jared

Megan + Nathan (Part One)

Tulsa, Here we come!  I tell you what, we just had the BEST time with this group!  (Even though they were actively rooting against my OSU Cowboys-wink-I guess we will forgive them).  And, I just cannot say enough about this beautiful new venue and its lovely owners.  Everyone go check it out at http://www.spainranch.com/ . 

Megan and Nathan, thank you for all the laughs and fun times at your wedding (and while editing your awesome honeymoon footage-- part two to come later).  We truly enjoyed it!

Dallyn + Tyler

Happy New Year! 2015 was a banner year for us, and we are so excited for the nine couples who have already booked for our 2016 season.  We are even headed to Dallas this spring.  As we wrap up the 2015 films, I thought I would post this one.  I LOVE the story of how these two met!  And how cute is their puppy?!?!  

Large Family Photo Session- The Hamptons

I had such a wonderful time capturing this very large, very fun family.  I hope you will enjoy this photos for years to come.

-Lauren

Kaitlyn + Kyle

Wow! This was a busy, busy fall for us.  We are hustling over here to get these videos out and to our brides for the holidays.  Can't believe 2015 is almost wrapping up....just one more wedding Saturday for Carpe Diem until 2016.  Thank you to all our brides for trusting us to preserve such an important day.  

Now, on to Kaitlyn and Kyle.  Seriously, I think I smiled the whole time I worked on this film.  I just couldn't help it.  This was SUCH a fun wedding and I LOVE how much these two love each other.  Happy Turkey day to all of you!  

Lauren

Julie + Carla

I love that in our business you never know what is around the corner.  We have some brides book almost two years in advance, and then, other times, you have someone call you only a handful of days before their 'big day.'  This was one of those events.  Some people decide last minute they want a wedding videographer, and...wow, are we glad these two did!  

This was a wedding for the books!  Every little detail of the day was beautifully designed and every word, song, and message of their ceremony was perfectly crafted.  Due to the short time between booking and the actual wedding, we did not meet the couple before their wedding day, but, as soon as we arrived, we felt 'right at home' with this crew.  Julie and Carla, it is undeniably apparent you are surrounded by an amazing group of family and friends.  It was truly an honor to be a fly on the wall (with cameras, of course) for your special day.

Seize the 'good stuff,'

Lauren + Jared

And a BIG THANK YOU to Camden at Emerson Events.  We LOVE working with this talented and thoughtful wedding planner.... AND, she did the flower arrangements!  So impressive.  http://www.emersonevents.com/ 

Venue: http://www.oklahomahof.com/

Rentals:  http://mariannesrentals.com/

Rentals: http://www.moodpartyrentals.com/ 

Catering: http://www.goodeggdining.com/  (Cheevers) 

Cake: http://www.amycakesok.com/

Photographer: http://www.aaronsnowphotography.com/

Paper goods: http://chirpsandcheers.com/

DJ: www.ZachDowning.com

Hopie's Home Birth Story (Part Two)

Thank you to everyone for your kind words regarding the photos (published earlier) of Hopie's Birth Story.  I've never really considered myself much of a photographer; I just like taking photos of my kids...but, obviously, photography and videography share a basic core knowledge about using light and sharing a narrative.  But, my medium of choice for birth story's is video, and, I think you will see why...

(Make sure the HD is on by clicking the "HD" in the bottom right hand corner.)