The Backup Plan February 2015

The Journey Part III

The honeymoon came and by that time John and Mary’s confidence in All Star Limousine was already established.  The town car arrived on time and was exactly like the one that had picked them up the night of their wedding clean, new and efficient.  The driver assisted them with their luggage he was courteous, polite and even had the morning’s paper in the back seat for them when he arrived.  The trip was fantastic and when they returned from their tropical getaway their journey with all star continued, the diver met them in baggage with a sign and the chauffeur that day had actually been the gentleman who had driven the lead car the day of their wedding.  The man was so kind and reassuring that day, calming Mary and going so above and beyond that to see him now at the end of their experience almost brought Mary to tears.  Of course the ride home was flawless as the couple now knew it would be, and when they were dropped off the now husband and wife were saddened by the thought that their journey with All Star Limousine had come to end, what they did not realize was that this was just the beginning….

To Be Continued...

The Journey (Part II)

John and Mary were then told about our incredible chauffeurs, who we brag about tirelessly because these ladies and gentlemen deserve the praise.  So many people think well all they do is drive a car, but in reality it is so much more.  These chauffeurs are logistics experts thoroughly familiar with the areas they service, they are more then just punctual, they will help facilitate the day coordinating with the florist, the church and the photographer to make sure things go smoothly and all the details are attended too, all the while dressed immaculately in a black tie tuxedo.

We explained to them our checks and balances system and how meticulous we are with the confirmations.  The organization and the dedication we approach any wedding day with so that nothing falls through the cracks and that everything is perfect.

They were shown our incredible fleet.  All Star Limousine has a brand new 150-car fleet of only the latest model vehicles.  We also have one of the most beautiful and stunning antique collections in the world, these antiques are certified mint condition vehicles with redone interiors, electrical systems and engines, so they not only look great but they run great too.  We took them on all the different types of buses we carry, giving them all the options for the hotel shuttles and the accommodations for their out of town guests.   Being an executive car service as well we even offered to arrange transportation to and from the airport for their honeymoon.

Needless to say John and Mary were so impressed they booked that night.  Excited and relived, knowing in full confidence they had made the right decision, the young couple approached the remaining months of the planning process with a new sense of ease and assurance.

The day of had finally arrived and the young couple and their families were overjoyed.  The weather was perfect, the dress and flowers gorgeous; everything was exactly how it should be.  20 minutes prior to the arranged pick up time the lead car had arrived a stunning 1962 Rolls Royce, the driver politely and professionally announced himself and the bride and groom could not have been more pleased.   Moments after the bride and her father departed an 18 passenger Escalade pulled up for the bridal party, an impressive and incredible vehicle.

Upon arrival at the church the driver helped the bride with her dress and laid down the white isle runner.  The driver of the Escalade had arrived previously with the bridal party and had spaced the procession perfectly, adjusting boutonnieres and pocket squares as requested.  The extended and passionate vows caused the ceremony to run slightly over but due to the coordination between the photographer and the chauffeurs everything ended up back on schedule prior to the arrival at the catering hall.

The night was amazing, John and Mary looked at one another with wonder and amazement at how truly perfect everything had gone.  Ending the evening with a ride home in a town car with less then 5,000 miles on it, it was quite and peaceful and got them back home with no issues or delays.

To Be Continued...

The Journey (More Then Just a Ride)

So many people think of transportation as a means to an end, just a way to get to where you want to be, but the reality is that it can be so much more.  Many fail to understand that, for many occasions, how you get there is as important as what you do when you finally arrive.  This is the story of John and Mary, a young couple in the process of planning their beautiful wedding.  Although the names have been altered, this is a true story; it is not an effort to glorify this company but more an attempt to convey the relationship that can develop from just a ride.

John and Mary had known each other for years, not quit high school sweethearts but their parents had been acquainted through business since long before either of them was born.  Recently engaged the young couple, as well as their parents, wanted their wedding to be nothing short of spectacular.  It was not that money was no object, they simply wanted to make sure that everything was perfect, or as close to perfect as possible.  The hall was booked, the photographer chosen; everything was falling in to place.  Once the timing and the logistics of the day had been established it came time to start thinking about the transportation. 

For many the transportation is saved for near the end of the wedding planning process, as certain things need to be established before the vehicles can be booked.  What many do not anticipate is how complex the travel arrangements can become.  After all if you are looking to accommodate 200 people and the ceremony, the reception and the pictures are all taking place in separate locations you have to figure out a way to get everyone where they need to be.

John and Mary had this type of situation.  Both having large families and a lot of friends, some coming from out of town, the number of individuals that had to be accommodated just kept growing.  After a few preliminary phone calls to different limousine companies Mary began to panic, these companies were all proposing different, and often times convoluted scenarios, in an effort to accommodate her.  Many seemed to be trying to push her in certain directions that did not at first make sense.  A friend suggested to her to relax and to go online and read reviews about the companies she was considering.  The results of her investigation were telling, the companies she had gotten a bad feeling from were the companies where the vehicles broke down, did not show up, or were grossly late.  The truly frightening part was that this was the case with the majority of companies she had contacted; it seemed to be the norm not the exception.

Mary called us at All Star Limousine and by that time she was in a panic and in a near frantic state.  After running through several hypothetical situations she realized it would be best to come in and sit with a professional, someone who would write out all her options and tell her based on experience what the best course of action would be.  So began Mary and John’s journey with All Star Limousine. The couple came in to the office and saw our facility, the showroom and the the vehicles, they got to meet members of the events team and see for themselves in person what kind of company they were dealing with. 

Sitting with one of our event coordinators we checked availability and explained to them that no matter how long they booked their vehicles for these vehicles would not be going out before or after their event.  Not only that but we do not sub-contract out our work; the vehicles that you see today will be the vehicles that show up on your wedding day.  “What happens if there is an accident or there is a mechanical issue. “John asked?  We have a 12-month turnaround time and are very careful about the work we do with our vehicles, we also perform preventive maintenance to our fleet daily, this all helps to minimize and chance of mechanical failure the day of, or during the transfer.  “What about if there’s an accident, say someone hits the limousine as it’s on its way to pick us up?”  “Not to worry Mary.” The coordinator replied “We never book solid so we always have something here on stand by, further more our drivers are always very early leaving themselves enough time for almost any eventuality, we tell them if your 15 minutes early your late.”  So any problem that may occur, even though the chances are very slim, can be managed, solved and addressed seamlessly.

(To Be Continued)...