Something old, something blue
Something old, something blue
Shortish story about our quest to find Bluebell, our charmingly sweet 1969 VW Beetle, and how she's shaping up!
How we met Bluebell the Beetle
We clearly remember our end of the summer trip to Epsom to view the Beetle for the first time. The photos we’d seen of her (actually him) were stunning, but we’d been down that road before (playback to the time we went to view a seemingly stunning Morris Minor which turned out to be a complete disappointment). Naturally, we were cautious. This car would have to be something VERY special to join the VVV fleet as a wedding car. We were after the perfect partner for Sleepy Jean (our garden-themed green and cream VW splitscreen campervan) to become the fleet’s iconic and romantic duo!
Pulling up at the tidy suburban Surrey house, we saw the distinct shape of a ‘bug’ under an expensive Hamilton Classic car cover – the signs were indeed looking good. The proud owners came out to greet us and we were soon talking ‘dub stuff’. This father and son team had every reason to be proud. The unveiling ceremony began and we were both speechless and excited when we laid our eyes on ‘Arnie’ (AHN 21H). The bug was exceptional, and every inch a potential wedding car. In fact so good, you wouldn’t hesitate to book a wedding with it right away. Much time and money had been lavished on this pretty classic; even the metal petrol can had been sprayed the same colour. And with a box full of papers, receipts, and spares, we knew we’d found ourselves a fantastic car.
We eagerly exchanged the nod. We’d found THE ONE. After the quick decision and enjoying the hospitality of the whole family, we arranged to collect our new 4-wheeled family member at the end of the week. We couldn’t wait to get her back to Hampshire.
Bluebell’s first wedding
The Beetle’s first wedding was on the first weekend after we’d bought her. Sleepy Jean was already booked to transport Barbara and her bridesmaids to St. Peter’s Church in Bishops Waltham. The wedding parties would be at two pubs, the Bunch of Grapes and The Crown. We thought it would be the ideal opportunity to put Bluebell to work, so we dressed her up with pretty but simple ribbons, and stocked her up with bunches of real lavender. We then popped into the Groom’s pub and offered Bluebell as a runaround car for the wedding party.
Bluebell and Sleepy Jean introducing themselves at the Groom’s pub
It was a definite thumbs up, and she transported her very first wedding passengers; two bridesmaids and the wedding photographer. Her pale blue paintwork was perfect for this style of wedding and she even matched the bridesmaids’ dresses to a t. There is much more to this wedding which we’ll cover in another blog, but here are some snapshots moments.
Bluebell with her Wedding sign outside St. Peter’s Church, Bishops Waltham
VWs Sleepy Jean and Bluebell in service at the Bunch of Grapes (by The Cole Portfolio)
Captured moments after Barbara & Paul’s wedding (The Cole Portfolio)
BLU 1B
Before we’d even seen the Beetle, we’d already planned to rename him (Arnie) to Bluebell. Well, you have to christen cars with either sweet or memorable names. The perfect number plate, BLU 1B, was residing on our 1964 Sunbeam Alpine, Poppy. We’d always loved the Alpine’s registration number, but it looked wrong on a red and black car. Now, after a swift re-registration, our bug proudly wears her new name on her new number plate.
Bluebell’s unique personal number plate BLU 1B
Features: ragtop sunroof & roof rack
Bluebell’s top features: ragtop sunroof, paste blue paintwork, optional roof rack, concealed CD player, smart 60’s interior, hamper, personal number plate BLU 1B, running boards for celebration drinks, and a blue bell flower on her rear view mirror.
For 2015’s wedding season, she will have a light ragtop sunroof fitted from Paris Beetles, where you can pop your head out of, wave to your guests, blow kisses from, pose for photos, and even throw your bouquet out of to an unsuspecting bridesmaid. Like her big sis Sleepy Jean, Bluebell has an optional roof rack for tying in sweet props, romantic signage, balloons, bundles of bluebells, or pretty much anything you fancy! Both features are fantastic for animating your wedding and getting those amazing shots.
Bluebell at Stansted House with roof rack
Ideal parties
She truly is “the people’s car”. She seats up to 3 passengers and is great for a Bride & Father, just married couple, Groom & Best Man, and even as a little run around. And for the utterly romantic types, you could hire her and Sleepy Jean for the ultimate proposal.
Bluebell & Sleepy Jean, VW duo
Campers and Beetles are undoubtedly the most iconic of all VWs and make a wonderfully romantic, yet practical, combination for weddings.
The Ultimate Propsal …VWs Sleepy Jean and Bluebell, and a romantic spot
Sleepy Jean and Bluebell can accommodate up to 9 passengers between them which should cater for most wedding parties. Probably the most popular use is for Bluebell as the Bride’s transport to the wedding venue with her father or brother, and with her bridesmaids and mother in Sleepy Jean. Or perhaps as the Groom’s transport with his Best Man, rings, buttonholes, and speeches. It’s all up to you!
