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!
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
Jennifer + Michael
Oh, wow! Did we have fun at this wedding!!!!!! Thank you so much to Jennifer, Michael, and family, who made us feel so welcome. And, our favorite OKC band, Drive, was there! Not to mention HolliB Photography and co and Camden of Emerson Events! We seriously love working with this crew!
And, just like that, the 2016 wedding season begins!
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.
Jordan + Phillip
What a totally fun couple this was! Seriously, check out their awesome dance moves. The stars aligned to give this couple the perfect cool weather day in December! What luck! And, it was so fun to see so many of our past brides at this wedding. It is the highest compliment when our clients refer us to their friends. Thank you, thank you. It means the world to us.
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...
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?!?!
Hello, World!- Rose Marie
Carpe Diem Video Productions is proud to announce we offer birth videography. :-) There is only one package and it comes with a highlight reel like the one you see at the bottom of this post (on DVD or Blu-ray) and 15-20 images (photographs) edited. At this time, Lauren is the only videographer on our team offering birth videography, and we will be accepting only five per year.
As a mom of two beautiful boys, I am sooooo very excited about this next chapter in our business. I had a birth photographer for the birth of my second baby, Harvey, and I wouldn't trade those photos for anything. With that in mind, it is my goal for my mommy clients to feel about their birth video.
And, so, without further ado, let me present to you the very first "Hello, World!" video featuring the beautiful Ms. Rose Marie. I am so honored to have been a part of this birth and to give this family something they will cherish indefinitely.
If you are interested in meeting to discuss having your birthing experience (home or hospital) filmed, please fill out the contact form on this website, and Lauren will get in touch with you.
Brene' + Taylor
This beautiful couple and their gorgeous wedding day have been on my mind lately since I recently met with Taylor's twin (and I mean tw-win), Jordan and his seriously adorable (and fellow Chi Omega) Kylie. I am soooooo excited about this wedding! Jared had a great time filming this one with our friend and college, photographer Randy Coleman. I mean, seriously, how attractive is this couple, right? And so obviously in love. Congrats Brene' and Taylor! And thank you for having us as part of your wedding day.