Lauden + Brandon

Sometimes you are just so busy running a business, you forget to run your business, you know?  That must be what happened here because we have only posted two weddings from our 2017 season...but we have done quite a few more.  For some reason, this one sticks out in my mind. Maybe because I shot this one by myself (something typically Jared does).  But probably the reason is, I loved this family.  I loved this wedding.  I had a great time being a fly on the wall and watching all the joy shared.  Best wishes to the happy couple!  

Maredith + Guy (Part 1)

Did you know we offer video + photo services** for you big day?!?  Well, neither did we!  That is before these two.  We had been talking about doing this for some time, but we had to find the right couple to take the leap.  A big thank you goes out to Maredith and Guy for trusting us when we said we could do a good job.  They took us at our word--not an easy task when it comes to your wedding.

But, I am so glad they did because we had the BEST BEST BEST time!  Maredith and Guy, you have very fun, kind, welcoming, and generous friends/family.  I couldn't help but smile as I looked through all these images today.  There's just so much love there.  

Best of luck to you two in all you do! I know you will have a long happy marriage filled with many blessings and much good fortune.   Part 2 (video) to come soon.  Stay tuned!

** We are only able to accept 3 video + photo clients a year-first come basis. But we are HAPPY to recommend our favorite photographers to you!  

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.  

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.

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.  

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!*****

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.  

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

Hope's Home Birth Story (Part 1)

Dear "Hopie,"

It has been such a wonderful, amazing experience to watch your journey to motherhood.  When we first spoke over the phone about you taking on a part-time caregiver role for Jude and Harvey (in 2013 was it?  Harvey was just 4 months old), you apologized for not being able to start right at 8am that first day, because you were seeing a fertility specialist.  I have been praying for this day for you since that phone call, and here it is. 

When I told Jared I had finally found childcare, he asked what I knew about you, this stranger coming into our home, and I told him you had an inner light that shined bright and strong, and that was all I needed.  

My kids fell in love with you almost instantly, and your grace was a calming presence in our home.  Thank you for loving my children.  I say that knowing you now know, truly know, what it means to be apart from your baby for even just a few seconds, let alone a whole work day.  I always felt comforted knowing they were with you. And the testament to your love in grace is that my children still ask for mommy, daddy, and you when they are upset. 

I was so honored when you asked me to document your delivery, and when you look at these photos, I hope you will sometimes think about the smiles of the two little boys whose lives you shaped before you started you own family.  I am forever indebted to you. 

From one mother to another,

Lauren

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.  


Lauren + Bray

Thanks for visiting our new webpage!  It is only fitting to blog this first wedding of 2014 on our new blog page with such an amazing couple.  You can see from this video this bride and groom are so sincere.  I love the groom's reaction when he reads the letter from his bride.  

Thank you to Lauren and Bray for having us be a part of your big day.  We really enjoyed meeting your family and friends.  This was a TRULEY fun wedding.  (As evidenced by this video.) Enjoy!