a brides ride

Real Wedding: Margot + Patrick

2010-07-29T13:39:00.001-07:00

Thank goodness brides like videographers. And thank goodness we have some really good ones down here in the Panhandle! This video had an 8mm effect in it---which I love, love, love!

Celia at Hilton Head Productions recently posted Margot + Patrick's Alys Beach wedding, and it's as cute as it can be. I love how Patrick swooshes Margot up in that big gown and sits her right in the back seat of the Model A! Good stuff! Oh--and the gloves and head band Margot wore. Serious style child.

Oh, and that's Mr. Chris in the back of the Model A. He's the owner, and drives it for the night. Of course, he usually assists the bride getting in. As we can see, Patrick had that part covered.

PS--This is a Jennifer Warwick-Lewis, of It's a "Shore" Thing Wedding & Events, wedding. Amazing, as usual.

The Look of Love A Very Special Alys Beach Wedding from Celia Hilton on Vimeo.

Real Wedding: Laura + Josh

2010-07-16T18:53:00.000-07:00

Laura (the bride) really, R-e-a-lly wanted a white/cream colored car for the wedding day. I spoke with her long before we found Mr. Al and the Packard. We searched high and low for her which was probably the reason I made the emergency U-turn in the middle of Hwy. 98, but that's another story. Finally--finally, we found the Packard, and boy was it a hit!

While I like to stick to car news, I just couldn't resist this picture collage from Candice K. Anyone want to join me? "I wear my sunnn--glasses at night, so I can, so I can..." I hear you singing--it's ok.

Run over to Candice's blog to see more pics. Bentley's on the Bay is a venue in the Florida Panhandle that we all love! The Wedding Willow Tree is terrific, and so is the service from the on-site coordinating team there.

Tampa's in the H-O-U-S-E

2010-05-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

So you probably already know how excited we were yesterday about the Wedding Chicks feature. Today, we are equally excited to add Cory and his cars to our Tampa roster.

He's offering a ride in his 1964 Corvette Race Car:

Make : Chevrolet
Model: Corvette
Year : 1964
Color: Silver/Gray with Racing details
Location: Tampa, FL

A 1957 Chevy:

Make : Chevy
Model: Coupe
Year : 1957
Color: Pink & White
Location: Tampa, FL

And last but not least, Cory will have a replica of the General Lee car in the near future. Probably something that looks a little like this:

Whatcha think about that one?

Photo credit: Angela Sackett, Loving Legacy Photography

Wedding Chicks Feature

2010-05-19T06:35:00.001-07:00

Hey All! I've been waiting on pins & needles to publish this post! After speaking with photographer, Angela Sackett of Loving Legacy Photography, we agree this match was meant to be!

Out of the blue, a fella named Cory emailed me a link to his and Caitlin's "Apres de Mariage" Photo Shoot (sorta like Apres Ski, but without the snow or skis) with their own vintage cars. He was thinking he might like to be on our roster for Tampa brides. Cool. I clicked on the link. Normally wedding folks say things like 'I love' or 'I swoon.' For me, it was more like 'I drool.'

Of course, I immediately drafted up an email to the photographer, asking ever so politely if I could please, please, please submit this to Jocey at the Wedding Chicks. It just screemed Wedding Chicks to me. Well, Angela had been thinking that same thought ALL along. {She shares my somewhat over-the-top enthusiasm for vintage-ness and weddings, so we clicked immediately!} Turns out, the email from Cory wasn't so random either. Angela had been telling him to contact us!

So, without further ado (or lengthy, excited, story-telling)...check out the post on Wedding Chicks...

Here

Cherry Red & White Chevy Bel Air

2010-04-29T14:19:00.000-07:00

You're gonna have to have a lot of style to ride away in this one, ladies. I mean, it's Cherry Red, it's shiny and it's a convertible. It's meant for a specific girl--sassy, gorgeous, confident, with a side of attitude. And you might need to buy a scarf to tie around your coiffure, because this car will G O.

This model of the Chevy Bel Air is known as the 2nd Generation Bel Air, and was made from '55-'57. Apparently, enthusiasts call it the "Hot One." I'll say.

Make : Chevy
Model: Bel Air Convertible
Year : 1957
Color: Red & White
Location: Tampa, FL

p u r p l e = f u n

2010-04-24T14:43:00.000-07:00

I'll have to admit, when Emily presented this car to me, I wasn't sure what it was. After researching online, looking at pictures and reading the story behind the car, all I can say is...this is no ordinary Ford Vicky!

The owners have given special attention to each and every detail. It's sleek and stylish, and meant for the bride and groom who want to kick it up a little for their Grand Exit.

Make : Ford
Model: Vicky
Year : 1933
Color: Purple Metallic
Location: Panama City Beach, FL

A Freebie! Completely Unveiled is hosting a Give-Away!

2010-04-23T20:04:00.000-07:00

We love Completely Unveiled, the uber sophistocated blog by Weddings Unveiled Magazine, for sure. And now, they're giving Y-o-u another reason to L-ove them!!

Completely Unveiled is hosting a Vintage Car Decorating Kit Give-away! Yep, a Freebie. If you're planning a fancy getaway from your reception venue, you need to hurry and click here to enter for your chance to win a free Decorating Kit! One reader has already entered a 1930 Packard Limo and one has entered a Blue Vespa...what are zooming away in?

Mine was a red tandom bike for two with black flames across the top, complete with a homemade sign and painted cans. Do you know how hard it is to ride a tandom bike in a wedding dress? Nonetheless...my point is that whatever mode of transportation you've selected, you can gussy it up with a decorating kit!

t a k e a p e e k

Next Friday, April 30 is the deadline.

DailyCandy featured our Vintage Decorating Kits

2010-04-14T20:10:00.000-07:00

We're hootin' and hollarin' over here at ABR! How fun was it to be included in a little write up about how to personalize your wedding by

Daily Candy is a favorite subscription of mine---for the illustrations (of course!), but also for the fun, fabulous finds and the narrative. I admit, I've gotten carried away and signed up for the Atlanta, NY and DC feeds just in case I was traveling to those areas!

Our little mention is a little further down with Smitten Sticks:

Check out the full article

here.

L-i-v-e on Facebook!

2010-04-12T14:18:00.000-07:00

Our Fan Page is finalllly live, and I would like to offer a huge T-h-a-n-k Y-o-u to Emily Alley for making it happen.

Come check it out and more importantly, come be our fan. :)

Click here ---------------->

In Action: Black Packard

2010-03-09T16:19:00.000-08:00

For those of you wanting to see a vintage car "In Action" at a real wedding, keep scrolling! Kimberly + Michael's wedding was featured on the Weddings Unveiled super stylish blog, Completely Unveiled. We thought you'd enjoy seeing how a Packard photographs! (Like butter!)

If you haven't added Completely Unveiled on your RSS feed for daily inspiration, click here. You won't be sorry.

The rest of the post is worth taking a look if you're into really cool details...and there's one Packard picture at the bottom worth seeing, too. "Framable" is all I can tell you.

The Holy (White) Grail

2010-02-23T18:35:00.000-08:00

So, there I was...isn't that how all good stories start?

Literally, last Saturday, there I was, getting ready to turn onto Hwy 98 towards Pensacola to my third appointment of the day, and there driving past me was a Packard convertible, cream, with maroon red interior and lots of gorgeous chrome. So, what does anyone obsessed with vintage cars do...I flipped on my left-turn signal, changed lanes and whipped a U-turn right then and there. I followed him right into the Tom Thumb gas station at Parish Point!

Mr. Al didn't see me pull up, or get out of my car and walk over to the pump because someone else was admiring his car by the time I arrived. (Not surprising at all!) When he finally turned around, there I stood, somewhat unsure of what was going to come out of my mouth next.

Of course, inside, I wanted to squeel and jump up and down that I found exactly the kind of car brides ask for on a regular basis--as in 1-2 emails per week! This car was so beautiful--the engine was shiny black, the interior was perfect and rich in texture and color, and it just oozed style.

Mr. Al is a super nice man, and I think he's really looking forward to doing weddings! He told me all about his car. You know, there were only 1,500 made in the US. He's had this one for 20 years. It's won 7 Best in Show Awards. This isn't his first Packard though. He restored one while he was in college and drove it around--can you imagine?!

I'm posting a few snapshots. Just disregard the gas station in the background. A girl's gotta do, what a girl's gotta do, my friends.

Make : Packard Motor Company
Model:
Year : 1953
Color: Light Cream

Peace, Love & VWs

2010-01-18T14:22:00.000-08:00

Ok, I'll admit it. I love a vintage VW Bus. I grew up camping in an orange VW Bus at KOA Campgrounds across the Southeast. The pop-up cot was my sleeping quarters--and to a 6-year-old, it was Way cool. We eventually upgraded to the Westfalia, but somehow, it wasn't the same.

When Brad from Orlando emailed me that he had a '66 VW Bus to add to our roster, I was so excited! I immediately thought of piling in the entire wedding party and making an 8mm video out of it! (Renaissance Studios--we sure wish you were closer!!)

Orlando is the next city to be added to our roster, and we begin with this VW duo.

Brad also owns a '72 VW Beetle--Red and White.

Sneak Peak: 1950 Plymouth Special Deluxe

2009-12-03T10:49:00.000-08:00

Mr. Chad, in Pensacola, is working hard to get this 1950 Plymouth 4-door Special Deluxe in top condition for the 2010 wedding season! You won't find modern interior or tricked out details in this car. Chad made a point to tell me that he likes it "old school"--as in, exactly how it was when it came off the showroom floor 59 years ago. I have to agree. Riding around in it made me jump back in time. I couldn't quit staring at all the old knobs and handles, imagining what it was like for this to be the family car.

Big gown, need lots of leg room? This is the car for you! The back seat is huge. It should be ready in February 2010.

Decorating Kits almost R-e-a-d-y!

2009-11-16T06:43:00.000-08:00

I can't tell you how excited I am to bring this Sneak Peek of our Custom Decorating Kits to you! A Bride's Ride has been working with three super creative, super sweet, very talented ladies for the last month on designing, organizing, and photographing our Custom Decorating Kits. Each kit will contain a flower garland with ribbon, a word banner (Just Married, Hitched, etc.), and a set of white painted cans with a decorative belly band. For now, we have 6 color themes in each category, and you'll be able to mix and match to your heart's content!

Our product photographer, Ashley Livingston, sent me these to choose a post-production finish. What do you guys think?

The colors look really clear in the first two photographs--might be better to see the product.

But I like the vintagy feel of the last two photographs! FYI--this car is a '53 Limo! Isn't that cool?!

I feel a contest give-away coming on when we get the Shop button installed, don't you guys?! :)

P.S. Thank you Julia for designing the cutest Decorating Kits e-v-e-r and making them *Exclusive* to us, Ashley for shooting them in your own unique style which is just what I wanted, and Susie for patiently waiting for me to get it together to finish our Shop button! {If you have any graphic design/blog/website needs--Susie is the go-to girl!! Now offering 20% off projects booked now with a start date in 2010. She's simply amazing.}

Wedding: Katie + Brian

2009-10-20T08:28:00.000-07:00

Some weddings just ooze class and elegance. For me, Katie and Brian’s Seaside affair is perfection -- her dress (so chic), the colors (beautiful), her makeup (flawless), the puppy (adorable), and, of course, the car (classic).

The bride and groom posed next to an Excalibur and prove just how incredible wedding photos can look with a great set of wheels. A classic car tops off a very classy day!

You must click here to see their incredible photos by Goode Green Photography.

Wedding vendor credits:

Photography: Hayley Green + Sheila Goode Ceremony: Seaside Chapel Reception: WaterSound Beach Club Flowers: Nouveau Flowers Cake: Cakes by Tanis Vintage car: Bill Penney Toyota, Huntsville, AL Makeup & Hair: Two Fishes Artistry

Sunshine, puppies and a bug.

2009-10-15T20:33:00.001-07:00

Alex and Trey's beautiful outdoor affair was captured by Genya & Wesleyann--the all-girl powerhouse team at Vue Photography. Not only did they have a gorgeous black cherry vintage truck for their rehearsal dinner, but they used A Brides Ride to find their lovable VW bug for the grand exit on their wedding day. Here are a few photos of their lovely, lively day! Does it get any better than a beautiful bride, sweet puppies and a nice ride?!

{Anybody notice a theme here? Our four-legged friends always seem to make the cut!}

And now...

Meet Crystal Carr. Still glowing after all these years.

Wedding vendor credits:

Photography: Vue Photography, Ceremony & Reception: Eden State Gardens, Coordinator: It's a Shore Thing, Flowers: Fisher's Flowers, Caterer: Townsend Catering, Rehearsal Venue: Bentley's on the Bay, Rehearsal Flowers: Cari Degregorio

Decorating your vintage car

2009-09-29T08:34:00.000-07:00

We’ve all seen the tin cans and fluffy puffs that have decorated wedding cars for eons (I’m a fan of both!). Today, the options seem endless. We all know that when you’re looking for something handmade, unique, or vintage, there’s no place like Etsy.
Here are my favorite Etsy finds to spruce up your sweet ride.

Wallspoken Weddings makes vinyl art to decorate walls, dancefloors, cars…just about anything. Custom monogram or quotes are available in 50 colors, are easy to apply and remove from any surface and 10% of the proceeds go to childhood cancer research.

“Just Married” banners abound on Etsy, so I’m confident you can find one that suits your wedding style. I like the clothespin touch on this “I Love You” banner that can easily be customized to say what you’d like. It’s made by Love Letter Collage.

It was hard to pick a favorite, but this sunny one seemed special with the couple’s initials in the center. Check out the Earmark Gatherings shop for more.

Did I mention I love soda cans? These white cans with colorful ribbons are from Wedding So Swee t. Or, follow these instructions and make your own!

Crepe paper pompoms seem like a fresh, modern take on those plastic flowers that were popular in the 80s. I love the idea of using them in garland form to decorate a car. Assorted colors for a white car or all-white for something with a bright paint job. Don’t hate me for suggesting it if it rains! These ones are from Party Poms.

Of course Martha shows how it's done.

All photos from Etsy except the last photo, from Martha Stewart Weddings.

Meet the ladies behind the wheel!

2009-09-28T08:54:00.000-07:00

Necessity is the mother of all invention, they say. Oprah says to find your passion and make that your work. If she only knew. If she only knew the journey that has brought me to this place…A Bride’s Ride. A smile crosses my face as I write that. I have these buddies from way back in my college days who have had to endure countless (I really do mean countless) business ideas. Heck, even my newer friends have had to sit through a few too many spiels. The "necessity" part of that quote above happened when my Two Fishes Artistry bridal clients kept asking me for vintage car referrals. I wanted to find someone in my area who could help these ladies. After all, planning a destination wedding isn't exactly easy.

Sadly, the search wasn’t as much fun as you would think. The websites were so man-ly! They weren’t laid out nicely and they certainly did not cater to brides. So, here we are at the "invention" part. I saw a need and then I found a partner, Bridget, and now we’re driving off into the sunset. (Sorry, couldn’t resist.) Actually we’re not. We’re super busy finding interesting getaway car topics and beautifully photographed weddings with vintage cars and trucks.

You’re in for such a treat with Bridget’s blog posts. She’s a funny, talented writer with a wonderfully sweet spirit. She’ll be doing a lot of research and posting on the blog, whereas I will be taking care of administrative duties.

We’ll be adding drivers in every state as quickly as we can find qualified drivers and vintage cars. In the meantime, call us if you don’t see your state listed. We’ll do our very best to help you!

For brides looking for the coolest Car Decorating Kits around--click on Shop. We have an Etsy artist making super neat flower garlands, word banners and painted cans exclusively for A Bride's Ride. While there are lots of goodies to choose from, custom requests are most welcome.

Warmest wishes brides-to-be,

Back in October 2007, my then-boyfriend of 6 or so years proposed to me on the top of Whistler Mountain. (He’s an avid skier – I’m not. I realize now this was likely to ensure future ski vacations would be seen as “romantic”.) Our timing has been a bit unconventional; after spending a few years apart for medical and dental school we were about to embark on three long years of very long distance for residency and graduate school. We decided to plan our wedding for September 2010, when we can finally start a life together.

Obviously, it’s been a long engagement. Wedding planning (and blogging) has been my happy distraction in the meantime. I feel lucky to have chronicled our planning, and to have had great input from readers along the way. You can catch up on our journey to the alter (with puppy in tow) at And Stanley makes three…!

When Renee asked if I would be interested in helping with A Bride’s Ride I couldn’t imagine turning down the chance to be part of such a clever and rewarding endeavor! I really believe that the details you put into your wedding can help to personalize your day. I hope that we can help unite creative, fun couples with classic, fantastic cars! As my vintage-VW-bug-obsessed fiancé will tell you, the best wedding photos always involve a great car.

I can’t wait to bring you more information on finding, photographing, decorating and making the most of your vintage car! If there is one thing I’ve learned about wedding planning it’s to enjoy the ride!

What is A Bride's Ride?

2009-09-24T03:41:00.000-07:00

A Bride’s Ride connects brides with vintage car owner-drivers across the nation.

For Brides:
If you are looking for a vintage car for your Grand Exit vehicle, click your state listed on the right side column. There you’ll find each vehicle available for rent with the owner as the driver. At the bottom of your favorite vehicle post, you’ll see a “Book This Ride” button which takes you to A Bride’s Ride Booking Inquiry Form. If you aren’t sure which vehicle you want, need advice or guidance, give us a ring. Most vehicles rent for $250 for the first hour within a 30-mile radius, and include the owner-driver’s service of driving you from the reception site to your hotel. Other fees apply if you would like the car available for photographs pre-ceremony.

The booking process is simple. Once you decide on a vehicle, we take note of the driver’s expected arrival time and location, delivery time and location and any stops you’d like to make along the way. Full payment is required at the time of booking, and a receipt with details regarding your booking is sent to you via email after payment is received.

Since these vehicles are show cars kept in meticulous condition, most drivers do not allow drinks, food or normal decorating for the Grand Exit. A Bride's Ride collaborated with car owners to create a super cute Decorating Kit that will not harm the car.

Stop by A Bride's Ride Shop to see our custom Decorating Kits. Each Kit includes a flower garland, letter garland, and two strings of cans to trail behind the car. Brides can choose from six varieties of flower garlands, can decorations and the following banners: Just Married, Love, Hitched, We Did It, Forever and I Do. (Note: We welcome custom requests.)

For Vintage Car Owners:
If you are a vintage car owner looking to list your vehicle for booking opportunities, please contact us. You must own your vehicle, and you must be the driver on the client’s wedding night. Proper insurance and driving documents are required before your advertisement can be approved. A booking assistant is available for hire if you need help keeping up with your clients. There is a one-time $50 fee for posting your vintage car.

A Bride’s Ride welcomes submissions which include photographs of your vintage car for blog coverage. Please send professionally photographed weddings to info at abridesride dot com.

Florida Panhandle: '59 VW Bug

2009-01-02T10:51:00.000-08:00

Make: VW

Model: Bug

Year: 1959

Color: Cream, with iridescent teal blue glaze, with sunroof!

Florida Panhandle: 1930 Ford Model A Coupe

2009-01-02T09:59:00.000-08:00

Make : Ford
Model: Model A Coupe, with Rambler Seat
Year : 1930
Color: Black

Contact

2009-01-01T13:53:00.000-08:00

Mr. Al Timo

Telephone: 850-581-3370

Email: info@abridesride.com

2008-01-01T22:27:00.000-08:00

Make your own custom vintage car decorating kit by choosing a flower garland color, then a banner, and we'll include a set of white painted cans with coordinating belly bands to make the set complete. Custom requests are welcome!

To Order:
Please call Mr. Al at 850-581-3370 or email info@abridesride.com to order your Vintage Car Decorating Kit.

All photos by Ashley Livingston Photography