Regal Rides
Stretch limos are the quintessential form of wedding transportation, but here are some other stylish alternatives that can leave a lasting impression on your wedding day.
ANTIQUE ROLLS-ROYCE
Nothing tops off a memorable wedding quite like a dramatic entrance or exit in ultra-posh style. A chauffeured vintage Rolls-Royce carries the cachet of regal luxury and it’s a great way to roll out the red-carpet treatment. Rates start at $375 per hour plus gratuity with a 3-hour minimum at VIP Transportation Group. viptg.com; 407-822-7755
BEST FOR: CLASSIC, MODERN-VINTAGE OR OLD-HOLLYWOOD WEDDINGS
VINTAGE CADILLAC CONVERTIBLE
Class things up a bit with a set of wheels from a classic decade. Arrive or depart in a chauffeured 1947 Cadillac convertible, a marquee of distinctive elegance. It’s perfect for balmy days and looks great in pictures. Rates start at $375 per hour with a 3-hour minimum at Cole’s Classic Cars. colesclassiccars.com; 407-963-9089
BEST FOR: TRADITIONAL, VINTAGE OR PERIOD-THEMED WEDDINGS
HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE
When Prince William whisked his bride, Kate Middleton, away in a horse-drawn carriage after their royal wedding, it was nothing short of epic. A traditional horse and carriage ride, led by a coachman in top hat and tails, can bring the Cinderella storybook wedding to life and leave you feeling like royalty. Rates start at $250 per hour with a 3-hour minimum at Downtown Horse and Carriage. downtownhorseandcarriage.com; 888-76-HORSE
BEST FOR: TRADITIONAL, VINTAGE OR FAIRYTALE WEDDINGS
LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO
Considering less conventional transportation and want something sleek and exotic? Blast off to your after-wedding destination in a Lamborghini Gallardo, a sports car like no other. Rates start at $1,295 per day or $699 with a discount at Florida Exotic Car Rental.
floridaexoticcarrental.com; 407-382-9988
BEST FOR: CONTEMPORARY, OR DESTINATION-THEMED WEDDINGS
INFLATED PROPOSAL
Thanks to Groupon, a plan to pop the question takes off in a hot-air balloon.
Adrian Woods was trying to decide how he would propose to his girlfriend of three and a half years, Kimberly De Arcangelis, when the Internet discounter Groupon sent him a deal for Orlando Balloon Rides.
The offer led the 38-year-old RCB Homes vice president to consider popping the question while floating over Central Florida. But Adrian preferred not to share the special moment with strangers in the basket, so he wrote Groupon with his concerns about privacy. The Internet marketer responded with a complimentary upgrade to a private flight and a photographer to document the event, followed by dinner for two at Vines Grille & Wine Bar, which also happened to be the site of the couple’s first date. Now all Adrian had to do was persuade the love of his life to go up in the balloon. Kimberly, 36, an attorney with Hurley Rogner in Winter Park, has a fear of heights. Still, she’s adventurous and went for his suggestion, never suspecting an intricate plan was in place.
While aloft, Adrian bent down on one knee in the basket. “I was so nervous, I inadvertently asked her to be my husband,” he recalls. She was too stunned by the 4.5-karat-diamond ring he flashed to notice the flub.
Adrian also arranged to have family and friends waiting to celebrate the engagement when he and Kimberly landed. The couple plans to marry Oct. 8 at the Doubletree by Hilton Orlando Downtown.
If you’ve got an exciting story to tell about becoming engaged, please e-mail the details and images to editor@orlwedding.com.
—SS
