A Wedding on the Victory Ship Vintage Style

Location: Tampa, Florida - Victory ShipCaterer: Affordable CateringCake: Brandon Hiott/Captain AmericaDress: Perfect in Every WayMakeup & Hair: Rosalind FridayCommand Crew Help:  Stacy Hockett, Lisa Holt, TJ McDonnel, Harrison Wayne Beahn, Mike Reed, Joe Harless, Dan Fightstar

It was such a pleasure photographing the wedding of Liz and Chris Field on board the Victory Ship in Tampa.   What a great time.   Everyone on board came dressed in vintage style and to have a wedding where the time period of the 1940's was evident and truly creative.   The history of the Victory ship you will find below and it is located in Tampa, Florida.   I cannot begin to express my gratitude in being able to witness and had the honor of photographing their wedding all in vintage style.   It was definitely one of the most creative events I have ever encountered. 
Both Chris and Liz are Super Comic Hero's and are costumers who create their own costumes and are Captain America and partner.
You should see them while in costumes being the super heros dedicated to helping the community.  The story of Captain America is that in World War II a patriotic solider Steve Rogers recipient of the "Super Soldier Serum" became the living symbol of freedom, Captain America. Left for dead while frozen in ice, the star-spangled hero with an indestructible shield awoke years later to continue his never-ending battle for liberty.   

So how fitting to get married on the Victory Ship!   It couldn't have been more perfect.

The history of the Victory Ship:
In 1944, 531 ships were built and of those, 414 were cargo ships and the remainder was transports.  272 were 6000 HP engines and the balance boasted 8000 HP.  150 were named after schools and universities, 20 were named after countries and the rest reflected geographic names.  On January 12, 1944, the very first Victory Ship, named the United Victory, was launched.
The world-class SS American Victory was built in 55 days and was delivered to the U.S. War Shipping Administration by the California Shipbuilding Yard on May 24, 1945.  After serving in WWII, and the Korean and Vietnam Wars, the ship went through a $2.5 million restoration in June 1985.  In October, 1996, Captain John C. Timmel learned the SS American Victory was earmarked for scrap if not acquired for memorial purposes.  Feeling that a museum would be feasible in Tampa, FL and that it would act as a purveyor or maritime memories, the ship was towed from Virginia to its permanent location in the Channelside District in downtown Tampa.  Currently, the SS American Victory is only one of 3 fully-functioning ships in the country.
Aboard the American Victory Ship, visitors can come aboard a fully-functioning 1940s era steamship.  They experience an unforgettable voyage of discovery and relive history by visiting cavernous three level cargo holds, radio and gyro rooms, hospital, galley, weaponry, steering stations, flying bridge, signaling equipment, wheelhouse, mess halls, engine room, crew cabins, lifeboats and cargo equipment, then gaze upon photographs, uniforms, medals, documents and naval equipment.

1st Year Anniversary for JD and Nicole

What can I say?  Sweet young love celebrating their 1st anniversary.    Cherish the moments you spend together as time will fly as if yesterday.    Being married has it's challenges, but commitment and compromise is what it takes to  get to a good marriage.   Of course, trust is one of the key ingredients and without that you have nothing.   Always remember that it's the little things that matter - a hug, kiss some beautiful words of Love and most of all a common understanding of respect and trust.  Congratulations JD & Nicole......May you have many more years of fun and much love.

Are you Ready to Shoot a Wedding?

I remember the first time I photographed a wedding, I wanted to run away.   I couldn’t because I was the only photographer and I wasn’t going to fail.   Having to be the primary shooter the first time was very scary.   But at the same time you need to welcome the challenge and know that you are the chosen one in photographing an extremely special day.   Creating lifelong memories that they will cherish.   When you get into wedding photography, remember to photograph all the details and everything else.  Yes – Photograph EVERYTHING!.   There are parts to the day that are like chapters.  A professional photographer will begin with the Getting Ready Shots for both the Bride and Groom, Ceremony, Formals and Reception any added creative photography you want to add.  Weddings can be very challenging as the timeframes given may not necessarily give you the time to get all the shots.  Make the best of it….Shoot and Shoot more…and hope that you will get it covered from beginning to end.  Wedding photography is not easy.  It is hard work and let your creative brain go for it.   Don’t hesitate, shoot it all!