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!  

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

Jacy + Josh (Part Two)

Happy 1 Month Anniversary to Jacy and Josh!  We seriously had such a good time at this wedding!  Not only are Jacy, Josh, their family, and friends so much fun, but we felt like we really knew Jacy and Josh going into the wedding because we had filmed an 'our story' for their rehearsal dinner and seen them dancing up a storm at other weddings we filmed.  

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We went out on a limb on this one and used the letters they wrote to each other, even though we had filmed them reading those letters just to put on their personal Blu-ray/DVD (and not for public sharing).  The thing was, these letters were just soooooo good.  We sent the draft to Jacy and Josh, and they approved! 

Jacy and Josh, thank you again for choosing us to be a part of this journey with you.  We enjoyed every party of it, right down to the limey.  (Tastes like college :-) )

**** Click HD in the bottom, right-hand corner for the best viewing experience!*****

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

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 Two)

Well, I had intended to post this last week, but that was before our family came down with some gnarly cold. Everyone was coughing and no one was sleeping.  And, poor Jared, who had the shortest bought of it, got to play nurse-maid to everyone else.  Anyway, one week and about 40 clorox wipes later, here we are.

Thank you again to Lauren and Matt! We soooo enjoyed working with you and your family! We wish you the best in all you do! May you have a long, happy marriage! 

Seize the 'good stuff,'

Lauren

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 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?!?!  

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.)

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.  

Tiffany + Brett

Isn't this bride radiant!?!???  And be sure to check out her dress... it was her grandmother's dress and her mother wore it too.  Love!  I loved meeting with this bride and her mother. They were very sweet and their kindness and hospitality shine through.  A big thank you to Randy Coleman for his referral.  He is an amazing, fun photographer.  We love working with him.   http://www.randycolemanphotography.com/blog/tiffany-brett-oklahoma-wedding-photographer-oak-tree-golf-and-country-club/ 

Well, Jared did it again with his editing magic! This just goes to show we don't need  to be at your event all day to get great footage you will cherish.  This video represents five hours of coverage.

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. 

Jacy + Corbin

Santa came to the Keester house in full force.  We had a wonderful Christmas with love, joy, family, and a few trains/cars/trucks, etc.  I must admit feeling quite blessed when I looked around at my home filled with people I love and people who love my children.   And, if you have been to an event at our house before, you would know there will. be. toasts.... and crying.  I come from a long line of toast givers and share the joy of raising a glass to those I hold dear.  Anyway... as for the business...woah, can you say inquiry season?  So many inquiries, so little time.  Again, so blessed! Such a great problem for our little business. 

Ok! This is a fun group.  Seriously, we had such a good time laughing with Jacy and her family/friends.  This couple is full of joy and full of love.  I just feel honored to have been part of such a great wedding with such great people.  I hope you will enjoy.

Libby + Jake

Well, it is that time of year!  Love is in the air.  Seems like every day my facebook page blows up with another couple's engagement.  And, as a wedding professional, I have to say, I LOVE it.  The inquiries are rolling in and we are quickly booking our 2015 season... 2015. That sounds crazy, right?  Crazy as in, when I was a child I really thought I would have a hover board like Marty McFly.  But, alas, I have a mini-van.  (Jared says it is a sexy, soccer mom SUV-Minivan hybrid, but lets call a spade a spade, you know?)

Well, as I have been meeting brides this season a question that often arises is "Can I get all I want out of the basic package?"  And, in most cases, the answer is yes.  So, here is an example of a wedding where the basic package was the perfect amount of coverage...And, obviously, Jared nailed it.