Rainy Ride

We’ve had the honor of chauffeuring many couples on their wedding day, each with its own special flair and memory. But the wedding of Zachary and Jennifer will always hold a special place in our hearts—because it was the first rainy wedding we ever chauffeured, and with it came a few quietly profound moments that we won’t soon forget.

Unlike many weddings where the chauffeur waits until the ceremony is over to begin the ride, Zachary and Jennifer had arranged for a pre-ceremony trip in our vintage 1951 Pontiac Eight. Their wedding and reception were both at the Grand Rapids Downtown Market, but they opted for a ride beforehand from their pre-wedding location. As light rain fell that afternoon, I sat idling quietly at the curb, taking in the stillness that’s become so rare in today’s world.

It was serene. Peaceful. There’s something about a vintage car in the rain that slows time down—no radio, no buzz of notifications, just the soft rhythm of droplets on the roof and the quiet anticipation of a wedding day.

That ride to the Market was simple and sweet. We had a chance to chat, to share in the joy and excitement of the day. I learned how they met, where they were headed for their honeymoon, and how much they were looking forward to this new chapter. Moments like that make this job more than transportation—it becomes part of the story.

When we arrived at the Downtown Market, the rain was still gently falling. We all knew there was no avoiding it—Jennifer would get a bit wet walking into the venue. But just as I opened the door, a family member appeared with an umbrella. Without hesitation, Zachary stepped out, opened the umbrella, and reached for Jennifer’s hand. With quiet grace, he helped her from the Pontiac, shielding her as they walked together toward the entrance.

It was spontaneous. It was old-fashioned in the best sense of the word. And it reminded me why rainy weddings have held a special charm ever since.

In this business, we see a lot of beautiful moments. But some—like a groom with an umbrella, a bride in the rain, and a vintage 1951 Pontiac Eight waiting patiently at the curb—become timeless.