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

Maredith + Guy Proposal

Here is Guy asking Maredith to spend the rest of their lives together! He even wrote his the song! From all of us, well done sir!

Maredith + Guy

High winds didn't stop these two! Even though the balloons couldn't fly, love lifted these two up! Guy was just the right amount of nervous and excited and Maredith was caught COMPLETELY by surprise! He even wrote a song and sang in front of a crowd of strangers (word got around a proposal was happening at the Tulsa Balloon Festival!). It was such a pleasure capturing this moment for these two. Video coming soon!

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. 

Kylie + Colin

Back in Stillwater and it feels soooo good!  We had a blast at this one, and it was great to be back around our old stomp'n grounds.  Thank you to Meggan of Truly You Photography for recommending us!  We always have such a blast spending the day with Meggan and Jenna, and this day was no exception.  Not to mention Kylie and Colin were so laid back and fun!  

I particularly love the moment when her bridesmaids see her dress.  And, the dancing! Oh the dancing!  No one two-steps like those AGRs!  

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.  :-) 

Jacy + Josh (Part One)

These two crazy fun peeps got married last night!  We had SOOOOOOOO much fun at this wedding, shooting with the oh-so-fun Randy Coleman and drinking limes.  #tasteslikecollege  I cannot wait to get started culling this footage.  We got so much good stuff!  

Jacy and Josh got our platinum package, which includes an 'our story.'  We really love doing these 'our story' films because it provides us the opportunity to really get to know the couple before their wedding day.  And, these two were just ADORABLE.  Congrats, you two!  

***Engagement photos in this video were taken by the wonderful Randy Coleman.****

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

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

Elie + Aaron- Proposal

Did you know Carpe Diem films proposals?!??  Well, we do!  And, it is sooooo much fun!  I love the planning, the surprise.  The letter from Aaron to Elie's father, well....it will choke anyone up.  We are so excited to be a part of this fun, adorable couple's upcoming nuptials in Dallas!  And, it's right around the corner.  So, in honor of all those Valentines proposals and all the love in the air this weekend... enjoy.  - 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. 

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.