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| features: a day in the life... |
A Day in the Life of an Antique Limousine Chauffeur Johanna Kaestner |
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It's high noon and time for Leo to leave his house. His black tuxedo and new formal shirt look immaculate. It is a short drive to the indoor showroom where Ambassadors Rolls' collection of Classic and Gatsby era cars are stored. Today he is driving the white 1955 Diplomatic Silver Wraith limousine in which will pick up the bride and groom from her parents' The drive to Carmel from the showroom takes a good three hours. Even though he knows the area well from previous engagements, he still carefully mapped out the drive again.  According to the road service he checked on this morning, the freeways should all be clear. The route he chooses leads him over Interstate 80, the Bay Bridge, onto 101 though San Francisco, and along the Peninsula. He likes the Marin route, too, but right now there is a road construction around San Rafael and he doesn't want to risk damage to the car. This Saturday in early autumn could not be more perfect. A bright sun shines down from a clear, blue sky, and a slight breeze from the ocean freshens the air. "What great weather for a wedding," Leo thinks as he drives through the countryside. A family walking their dog and laughing on a lane close to the freeway point at the Rolls and wave. Leo waves back and smiles to himself about how much he likes this job! What a coincidence that he met Scott and became part of his team. He cherishes the camaraderie with his boss and the other drivers. He enjoys the excitement when Scott finds another antique car, usually in pitiful condition, and then watching the ugly duckling turn into a beautiful swan. He loves the customers and is proud of the level of service and special attention the company provides. Leo arrives at the turnoff from Highway 1 at 3:45 PM, just as he had planned. He stops the car at a nearby parking lot, gets out, and walks around the car, carefully inspecting its appearance. He touches up the windows so that not a speck of dust can be seen. He  checks his watch; it's time to get going. There are a number of cars in the driveway. The caterer's van parks next to the garage, and a young woman carrying a beautiful floral bouquet disappears into the house. Leo finds an empty spot near the walkway to the massive entrance door, carefully parks the Rolls, and rolls out the burgundy red carpet. How well they fit together, the stately mansion and the elegant car. The bridal party arrives at the Rolls for photos and video. There are ooh's and ah's, and many compliments for limousine and driver. Half an hour later, Leo opens the car door with a bow to the bride and her two bridesmaids. "Ladies... Your chariot awaits!" The bride enters through the reverse opening door and sits comfortably in the huge passenger compartment followed by her bridesmaids. Then he starts the car and slowly steers the vehicle with its valuable cargo through the gate. The glass partition is closed, but from time to time he hears a faint burst of laughter. The Carmel Mission is about five miles away and there is plenty of time for the ride. After the bride and her friends disappear from his view in the Mission courtyard, the waiting begins. The Mission San Carlos Borremeo de Carmelo, the actual name of the Carmel Mission, is Leo's favorite. Its founder, Fra Junipero Serra, is buried here. He named the mission for St. Charles Borremeo, a 16th century cardinal. A steady stream of locals and tourists ask questions about the Silver Wraith and take pictures of Leo and his car. Then the other limousine drivers, hired to shuttle the guests, come over to admire the Rolls. Leo willingly shares its technical data. Car talk is always a favorite topic among men and the time passes quickly. Suddenly the Mission doors open and the priest appears with the beaming couple, followed by a large number of noisy guests. Now it's time to place the royal burgundy red carpet in front of the passenger compartment door. He always does this at the last minute so that it still looks pristine when the newlyweds enter the car. After all the guests express their congratulations and all the pictures are taken, Leo greets the couple with bubbling champagne offered in crystal goblets. He drives slowly back to the mansion to give the couple time to be alone together before the party begins. After a gracious handshake and "thank you" from the groom and a hug from the bride, the couple disappears into the mansion and the only thing left for Leo is to enjoy his drive back to Vallejo.
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beautiful Pebble Beach villa and take them to the ceremony at Carmel Mission, then back to the wedding reception at the home.