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BRIDAL NEWS MAGAZINE
JAN - JUL | 2009

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Brentwood specializes in old-fashioned chauffeur service

Reviewing Marilyn and Brent Ferguson, Brentwood Livery, The Limousine People

There are no shortage of people who have excellent things to say about Brentwood Livery. I'd heard from both brides and other experts in town that Brentwood was a call I needed to make. When I finally met Brent and Marilyn, I could tell that everything about them and their dedication to their business, was genuine. With Brentwood Livery, you get the distinct feeling of being taken care of - the way you would when your grandmother spoils you by sneaking you a chocolate and a hug when no one else is looking.

A family business

Brentwood Livery is a family owned and run business that has been in operation since 1990. It was originally opened by Marilyn Ferguson and her husband, David, who sadly passed away in 2007 (click here for a tribute to David). Their son, Brent has been a big part of the company from the beginning before officially becoming an owner. Brent admits that he has worked in this family business for as long as he can remember.

Brentwood Livery is one of the largest limousine companies found here in K-W and (unlike many large companies) is equally as personable. Brent and Marilyn always greet you with a smile and Marilyn’s helpful nature means that you're always in good hands. Brent is dedicated to continuing Brentwood's long-time policy of offering personal service to every client that calls in, further making their clients feel like they're in good hands.

People go into business for many reasons. Many, simply for money. Others, for the work itself. On the second day I visited Brentwood, Marilyn had been ordered by her husband and son to take a well-deserved day off to relax. Instead, about half way through our meeting, she guiltily appeared at the office saying something about just popping by, and then went about getting her hands into some paperwork. It is obvious that these people enjoy their work – and are happy to do it.

The fleet
The Brentwood fleet includes a variety of vehicles including six, eight and ten passenger limousines, a LimoBus, and a brand new twelve passenger Excursion stretch, all custom designed by a top limousine manufacturers in North America with comfort and extravagance in mind. Brentwood's vehicles are used for a variety of events such as proms, corporate events, Christmas parties, anniversaries, concert trips, stag and doe parties, and of course, weddings.

 

Adding to the inventory... Brentwood's new Excursion is the biggest SUV on the market, compared to the Navigator and Expedition. It holds a maximum of 14 people, though they recommend 12 for a wedding to give you a little extra space. Also expanding the fleet is the new LimoBus that holds a maximum of 20 people (or 18 for that extra space). A very cool option, this bus even comes equipped with a big screen television.

Couples deserve more than just a nice ride on their wedding day

After being involved in the limousine business for a long time, the Ferguson family decided the only way to do the service right was to do it for themselves. That's when Brentwood Livery was born. "Our unforgettable service cannot be found anywhere else. No one does weddings the way we do. We provide old-fashioned chauffeured service with white gloves, tuxedo suits and champagne," says Brent.

There are several sweet surprises that Brentwood uses to spoil couples on their wedding day, but Brent and Marilyn guard their surprises the way many companies guard their price lists. Marilyn says that "... the personal effort and extra treats that we give our couples mean so much more when they are unexpected." Brentwood's motto is that they include ‘all the little extras’. What these extras are, will have to remain a mystery until your wedding day. Brides who hire Brentwood, do so for three main reasons - their immaculate cars, their attention to detail, and their personal touch. Anyone who has ever taken a ride in a Brentwood limousine will tell you that they made them feel like royalty.

Going that extra mile
At one wedding, a photo session was taking such a long time that the children in attendance had started to get rowdy. Brentwood's chauffeur asked the parents for permission to take the crew of little ones to Dairy Queen for kiddy cones to occupy their time while their parents finished up. How many companies can you think of that would do that?

A sleek, four-wheeled getaway

Many of the weddings that Brentwood handles, involve accompanying the bridal party and groomsmen throughout the entire wedding day. Brides use their limos for privacy - one bride used her limo to change into her going-away outfit during the reception, another found herself and her seamstress using a limo bus to do a last minute alteration on a stitch that popped at the worst possible time.

The cars often provide refuge from the crowd, a chance to grab a bite to eat after starving through a two hour photo session, a place to have the first husband and wife champagne toast, and most of all, a place just to take a breath on a busy, emotional day.

Details and decorations

Vehicle decorations could include 'Just Married' hearts, pom poms on the car, and a red carpet. The cars are impeccable and have new-style bodies with elegant lighting, flat screen LCDs, DVDs (television sets, VCRs,) sound systems, and a chauffeur whose goal of the day is to make you feel delighted!

A Brentwood wedding chauffeur has had a minimum of thirty hours of training and hands-on driving with Brent personally, before he is allowed to chauffeur a Brentwood Limousine. To chauffeur a wedding they must meet many requirements and typically it is the final stage of chauffeur training after proving credibility for at least six months while handling less stressful events. When the wedding chauffeur is sent out, he is taught to go with one thing in mind... "How can I create unforgettable, stress free memories for my bride and groom today?"

Like all wedding vendors, Brent and Marilyn suggest that you book as far in advance as possible if you want to be assured of getting the limousine, LimoBus, or excursion that you want. Saturdays in prime wedding season are in high-demand for the limo business. It is not uncommon to book six months to one year in advance. But always give them a call. You just never know if there was a last minute cancellation. And with the addition of new cars to their fleet, Brentwood now has some openings for 2008.

 

For the boys... Brentwood Livery suggests a sporting event for your bachelor party - Brentwood says they can take you to Toronto, Buffalo, Detroit and beyond! Contact them for more details and options.

Prices...

Included below is Brentwood Livery's general pricing for their cookie cutter five and ten hour packages to help you prepare your budget. They understand that these packages won't fit everyone's wedding day, so contact Brentwood to take advantage of their wedding specialist's knowledge in choosing a package that is right for your day.

 

8	Sedan	Stretch	SUV	LimoBus	Limbusine
Recommended Passengers	3	8	12 to 14	14 to 20	20 to 30
5 Hours	$410	$825	$1295	$1395	$1595
All Day	--	$1025	$1595	$1695	$1895

If your wedding is in the off-season between November and April, there is up to 20% price reductions and other packages are available. Remember to add a suggested 15% gratuity, and GST tax applies. All prices are subject to change and should be verified by Brentwood Livery. Brentwood accepts cash, cheque or credit card for payment.

Inotherwords... "It was great having the Limo Bus at our disposal for the whole day!... Our entire wedding party was impressed with both the bus and all of the amenities it offered as well as the SUPER Driver, Brent, who was just great with everyone. Patient, smiling and professional. He helped with my dress numerous times and even instructed my brother (who, by the way, managed to leave his shoe print my train)... It was a relief to see Brent's smiling face at 1:30am... We did not have to worry about any member of our wedding party driving after consuming alcohol or getting lost in unfamiliar territory..." - Heather & Bruce "Our driver treated us so well we felt like royalty." - Jess & Scott

"We wanted to thank you for your exemplary service on our wedding day. Our limo drive was so helpful an has such a great personality, which made our day even more memorable." - Shannon & Phil "... our driver was polite, kind and courteous and [he] added a special touch to the hustle and bustle of 'morning of' preparations... [We] appreciated the exception service!" - Luanne & Paul

Booking your ride in style

The best way to find out more information is by contacting Brent, Marilyn or their staff at 519-741-5700. They will be happy to quote you over the phone, set up an appointment to meet, or invite you to visit their showroom to check out their vehicles. You can also visit them at www.brentwoodlivery.ca or www.thelimousinepeople.ca.

- Jennifer Goulden, TheWeddingRing.ca

* Prices are all approximate and are subject to change and verification by authorized staff and management of Brentwood Livery.