Petrol Vintage
When Amanda and Jackson Austin wed at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in October 2021, they drove off in a 1968 Ford Mustang to their reception at the Guardian Building. As they roared down Woodward, the gown Amanda wore barely fit in the classic car. It was a cinematic start to their life as newlyweds.
“We got so much attention. People were honking on the road and asking, ‘Is this real? Is this a get up?’ The car just demands attention,” Amanda says. “We didn’t think we were doing anything unique. We just knew we had a car that we loved and it was different … and it was ours.”
The retro muscle car, Paris as it’s affectionally known to the couple, was the spark for their recently launched classic automotive rental company, Petrol Vintage.
The couple, who purchased the car specifically for their wedding, “wanted something very specific. Very Americana,” says Amanda, a vintage enthusiast with a love of weddings, history, architecture and the 1960s. “It was hard to find something like that around here, so we just bought it!”
A self-declared “car guy” who grew up in a Ford family, Jackson always knew he wanted this specific auto for his wedding — it was bought before the engagement ring, the couple jokes. “I would always hear stories and see photos of my grandpa and my uncles racing up and down Woodward with their hot rods,” Jackson says. “So for me, older cars have always had this really cool factor. Sentimental too.”
The classic burgundy coupe isn’t your traditional wedding day accessory — and that’s exactly what Amanda and Jackson loved about it. With its black racing stripes, Magnum 500 wheels, and the growl of the V8 engine, it’s the perfect fit for anyone wanting that iconic American drama.
“Our wedding photographer, [Anastasia Shaydakova of Anastasia Photography], was so in love with this sports car on our wedding day that she was like, can you guys please offer this to my couples because I know who my couples are and I know they are young and lively and fun, and so she was like, please can you help me,” Amanda says. “She then was like, please find me a beautiful white car … And we found one! It was one of my dream cars, too — a 1984 Mercedes Benz.”
Their wedding photographer suggested they come up with a business name, and on August 1, 2022, Petrol Vintage was officially born.
“It’s been a fast two months and ever since we launched, literally that day, our life flipped … but we are definitely grateful for that,” Jackson says. “A dream of ours is to eventually get a location, so people can come and see the cars. So that they can experience them. All it takes is for people to sit in the car and feel how fun it is.”
Petrol Vintage offers three distinct vehicles in their fleet. Their beloved Mustang, Paris, is available to rent for staging and photography only. Betty, the white convertible Mercedes Benz, is by far the couple’s most popular car, as anyone over the age of 25 can rent and drive it all day. “I got to see a couple pull up to the Shinola Hotel in that car and everyone was out there screaming and clapping for them,” Amanda says. “It was a couple’s getaway car. There was no staging. They were driving off in it and it was so amazing.”
The third is a jaw-dropping 1970s Checker Marathon Taxi Cab. In mint condition and worthy of a museum floor, Ivy, as it’s known, is available for rent, features a spacious backseat, plush velvet cushions, and includes a chauffeur.
With hopes of adding more to their fleet in the future, Amanda says, “Our goal is to stumble upon something that is so unique and almost too good to be true.” Jackson adds, “We want to offer different experiences with each car.”
“We are not looking to do anything people can already get. We are really looking for those niche groups of people that can’t find what they want,” Amanda says. “I just want people to feel like they had this once-in-a-lifetime experience in their dream car.”
For more information, visit petrolvintage.com
Sareh Nouri 2023 Evening Collection
After the success of her first-ever eveningwear collection, designer Sareh Nouri has launched yet another stunning selection of soiree-ready styles. The collection features timeless examples of Nouri’s sophisticated glamour — think dramatic off-the-shoulder designs, tuxedo-inspired detailing, and liquid sequin shimmer. New this season are gowns featuring Nouri’s breathtaking florals.
The Laylee gown (named after one of Nouri’s daughters) features a chic and ever-classic structured shift silhouette crafted of a mesmerizing floral organza gazar. Each piece is made to order in Nouri’s design and production studio in New Jersey. Offered in a variety of sizes and colors, Nouri also offers additional customization.
For more information, visit sarehnouri.com
Bubbles
Husband and wife duo Ashley and Austin Lonetz, the photographers and owners behind Diffuse Media, have recently launched your next must-book wedding vendor — Bubbles, the 1977 Volkswagen Transporter Van turned photobooth bus. “Austin and his family worked tirelessly to restore her back to her original glory, including removing countless amounts of rust, sanding down to the bare metal, repairing holes, adding new coats of paint, and completely redoing the interior,” Ashley says. “She has a lot of personality and gets lots of attention wherever she goes.” Packages include unlimited prints, 2-4 hour run times, attendant, props and more.
For more information, visit bubblesvwbus.com
Rust Belt Market’s The Green Room
Until recently, Ferndale’s ever-popular Rust Melt Market’s wedding venue did not have a traditional bridal or groom suite to offer its clients. This year that has changed with The Green Room, a beautifully designed space that seats up to eight and evokes a luxurious bygone era. “With a mission to provide sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of event prep and party hype,” the room can be used for changing, hair and make-up, photography, “or even as a private lounge to sip bubbly with the couple’s closest friends.” Rust Belt’s co-owner, Chris Best, a licensed residential builder, was behind the design and building of the space that mixes art nouveau and speakeasy design elements. Luxurious features include finishes in green, brass and stone hues, antique frames, two custom-made doors from Ferndale craftsman, Laprairie Woodworks, diamond-tufted upholstered moss-green plush seating, a custom Detroit Wallpaper foiled wall covering, greenery styled by The Plant House, a custom, 8-foot full-length Hollywood-style lighted and dimmable floor mirror built by Best, a replica antique General Electric mounted fan, a refinished steel and glass 1930s antique single pane window, director’s chair, Marshall mini fridge, speakers and one of our favorite features, Best’s grandmother’s antique settee.
For more information, visit, rustbeltmarket.com
Sugar Honey
From a vintage horse trailer to a micro-business, Sugar Honey is metro Detroit’s beloved mobile macaron purveyor. “We specialize in handcrafted macarons, using as many high-quality, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients as possible,” says owner Victoria Lizabeth. “All macs are gluten-free, and we offer non-dairy options for those with allergy restrictions.” Sugar Honey began in 2021 as a pop-up outside of local businesses, but today the Mac Truck, as Lizabeth calls it, is offered for special events, weddings, late night snacks, bridal showers, and more. Custom macaron towers, favors, and even wedding cakes are also available. For those wanting to add a little more flair, custom signage, florals and décor can be used to tailor fit your style.
For more information, visit sugarhoneytruck.com
