New Vista High School Prom at the Avalon Ballroom – 5/5/2012
I can’t imagine what Maddy, Tai, and MacKinna had in mind for their prom-night transportation prior to Maddy’s parents booking the Hippie Limo, but I would like to think that after experiencing a ride in our WayBack machine (a Way, Way, Way Back machine for them) that now they couldn’t imagine anything else.
An early evening pickup in South Boulder was followed by a quick jaunt up Highway 93 for some fantastic photographs with the Flatirons and the Boulder Valley as the backdrop. Several smile-filled shutter-clicks later we were heading back into town for a special dinner at Japango. As I dropped off the revelers I remarked to myself how they seemed to carry off a sense of both ease and occasion that I rarely see in prom-night teens. After their meal the trio was anxious to get to their prom which was being held at the Avalon Ballroom, so with an abbreviated cruise through Pearl Street in downtown Boulder we set our sites on the jewel of the evening.
Pulling into the parking lot the three noticed a couple dozen of their New Vista High School classmates milling about outside. The three began to laugh a bit nervously amongst themselves, uncertain what their friends might be thinking upon seeing them pull up in our magic bus. As it turns out they didn’t need to worry. One friend rushed up to greet them, commenting that “of course you would come in a hippie limo” while the remaining onlookers cheered. I opened the door to let Maddy, Tai, and MacKinna begin the real highpoint of their evening and one of the most memorable nights of their lives. As I slowly pulled out of the parking lot I set the sound system volume to “Crowd Pleaser” and played Quincy Jones‘ Soul Bossa Nova (which many know as the theme song to the Austin Powers movies). All of those present burst into dance, peace signs, and shouts of “LOVE IT!” We’re not sure if they meant the song, our bus, or both, but whatever the case we are grateful to have been a part of everyone’s evening.
More Formal & Quinceañera Adventures!
Curious about the fun others have had with the Hippie Limo? We have stories and pictures galore:
- Look under Current Events & Musings in the right sidebar for the most recent rides
- Visit Formals & Quinceañeras for a complete rundown of all of our related activities
- Peruse our Photo Gallery to see some of the best images groups have shared
- Be inspired by pictures from celebrations around the world that feature vintage VWs on Pinterest
- Hop over to In the Press to see what the media and blogosphere are saying about us
- Preview a ride in the Hippie Limo from The Experience
- Click on the services listed on the Hippie Limo main page to explore other fun options
When you’re ready, check out our Limo Packages & Rates or our Beer, Wine & Sights Tours to see what we can do for your special occasion!
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Did you attend this event? Do you have something to add? Tell us about it with a comment in the Leave a Reply box below. If you need help making a comment, see the instructions on our Word on the Street page.
Cynthia’s Quinceañera: Red & Jerry’s Event Center – 7/24/2011
Early Sunday afternoon found the Hippie Limo arriving in Thornton for Cynthia’s trip to her quinceañera at Red and Jerry’s in Sheridan. This was the first quinceañera for the Hippie Limo (which isn’t particularly surprising since I am just getting started at this as a business, which makes almost every event a first). The anticipation was high for me, but I am sure it was nothing compared to what Cynthia and her family were experiencing. When the Hippie Limo arrived, Cynthia was still making her last-minute preparations. Her brother Erick invited me to sit outside and chat while his sister continued the process of making everything just perfect for her grand entry. In typical male fashion, Erick was waiting to the last-minute to put on his suit and was currently keeping himself cool and relaxed in his t-shirt, jeans, and sneakers.
In conversation Erick proved to be a very mature and knowledgable young man, especially for being only 16. I learned that he was a worn but dedicated veteran of quinceañeras and had a lot of advice to offer about them. Shortly, Cynthia emerged in her shimmering turquoise gown, complete with classic lined sequins, corset pleats, and full skirt in draping arched layers. She was stunning, and the only thing that could eclipse her appearance was her beaming smile. The photographer appeared, seemingly from nowhere, and Cynthia immediately and effortlessly slipped into model poses with the Hippie Limo. In short order Erick came out of the house and took his place at her side. I was surprised to see him in a flawlessly white and perfectly pressed Marine JROTC dress uniform, though I should have expected something similar based on the maturity I had remarked on earlier. He was handsome and proud, she was elegant and beautiful – just what you would expect from both on such a day.
After a few more photographs, Cynthia, Erick, their cousins Lisbeth and Oscar, and Cynthia’s mom Alicia settled into the Samba for their ride to the ceremony. Though I had the sunroof open for the pictures, I quickly closed it before heading out. After all of the time she had obviously spent getting her hair just right, it would have been a shame to have the wind whip it into a tangle. We were on the road through Denver, the girls chatting wildly about the splendor yet to come and the boys in quiet contemplation. Occasionally Alicia and I would lean in to one another to talk, and I learned that her grandfather had had a Kombi (a basic version of our Samba) that she had ridden in as a child. Between taking a half-dozen phone calls to check and finalize arrangements and her singing and bouncing along to the 60s music playing, she seemed both overjoyed and exhausted.
We arrived at Red and Jerry’s and I let Cynthia and Erick stand in the now open sunroof and approach the portico in parade style. Again the photographer appeared from nowhere to capture the moment. As the guests of honor and their family emerged from the Hippie Limo they were all smiles. I am sure that the ride had been enjoyable, but it was the pageantry inside that was calling to them and making them genuinely happy. The Hippie Limo was a small part of their wonderful day and we are glad to have had a part in such an important event in a young woman’ s life.
More Formal & Quinceañera Adventures!
Curious about the fun others have had with the Hippie Limo? We have stories and pictures galore:
- Look under Current Events & Musings in the right sidebar for the most recent rides
- Visit Formals & Quinceañeras for a complete rundown of all of our related activities
- Peruse our Photo Gallery to see some of the best images groups have shared
- Be inspired by pictures from celebrations around the world that feature vintage VWs on Pinterest
- Hop over to In the Press to see what the media and blogosphere are saying about us
- Preview a ride in the Hippie Limo from The Experience
- Click on the services listed on the Hippie Limo main page to explore other fun options
When you’re ready, check out our Limo Packages & Rates or our Beer, Wine & Sights Tours to see what we can do for your special occasion!
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Did you attend this event? Do you have something to add? Tell us about it with a comment in the Leave a Reply box below. If you need help making a comment, see the instructions on our Word on the Street page.
