There’s a Story Behind These Wheels
Transportation is a very simple premise: going from point A to B. Everyone does it, everyone moves. But making each journey distinct is the how. Deciding how you travel or the type of car; these choices give space for the nature of human essence. For Micheal, owner of Cadillac Dreams, wedding day transportation is a drive to personalise, taking the time to speak with Melbourne Wedding & Bride’s Alice O’Brien about his both unique and timeless 60’s Cadillac fleet.
Image courtesy of Salt Atelier
His father’s dream was simple: to one day become the owner of a spacious black car full of chrome detailing. And dreams have the uncanny ability to come true, as Micheal, with his father’s words echoing in his head, made the decision that his next car would be a Cadillac. More specifically, the 1966 Triple Black Convertible. A car that is the embodiment of a father’s dream, and a son behind its wheel, steering it to life.
“Since then, my passion and love for 60s Cadillac’s have only grown,” reflected Micheal.
A love for cars can develop from a very early age, formed during playtime with toys or moments when young wide eyes find themselves glued to ever wonderous cars seen only on the big screens, and this is no different to Micheal’s story. It’s a passion, simply put, that was always part of his story.
“I’ve always loved cars: modifying them, improving them and finding ways to make them stand out just that little bit more,” said Micheal, when asked if he remembers when this interest first developed. But why specifically the Cadillac?
“At every car show I attended, I found myself drawn to American 60s classics because of their presence, their chrome, their styling … they were in a league of their own,” he fondly said, showing that this is a connection built on pure adoration and respect for design.
Speaking directly of his first Cadillac, the 1966 Triple Black Convertible, it’s more than a representation of a dream, this car is a restoration project between a family: Micheal, his dad, his son and daughter.
“It’s a car that will stay with the family forever … the quality, the ride, and the timeless styling deepened my love for these cars even further as they make a statement without ever being over the top,” Micheal said.
With a love that’s clear, how did Micheal find a way to share it with the world? The answer, a business called Cadillac Dreams.
Quite the Pair Made in Heaven
Approaching its twentieth year in business, Cadillac Dreams’ origin is the encapsulation of pure human chance, coming in the form of a single question from a father on the side of a road.
“I was out driving my convertible when an excited father waved me down,” begins Micheal, with the natural assumption he was simply going to ask for a photo with the timeless Cadillac. But, to Micheal’s surprise, this was not the case, continuing to say the father was “asking if I would drive him and his daughter to the church on her wedding day.” This question, by a father who happened to be on this road exactly when Micheal was driving down, is the “single moment that sparked what has become a long-standing business built on passion, pride and unforgettable experiences.”
Linked with American luxury, once carrying the slogan ‘The Standard of the World’ and famously known as the car for Elvis Presley, Micheal said, “these classics elevate a wedding from beautiful to unforgettable … their generous interiors accommodate even the greatest gowns, while their sweeping lines and chrome detailing create show-stopping arrival guests never forget.” Beautiful vehicles for a couple’s beautiful day – a perfect pair.
Dream Selection: The Picture Perfect Fleet
1960 Black Cadillac De Ville Sedan: “A true timepiece with dramatic rear wings, a warm, fawn interior and pillarless design … perfect for couples wanting classic lines, spacious interiors and cinematic photo opportunities.”
1963 White Eldorado Biarritz Convertible: “An exceptionally rare vehicle, with as few as twenty wedding quality examples in the world … its classic white exterior and deep burgundy interior create a timeless, elegant aesthetic that complements any wedding style.”
1968 Black Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham: “Only vehicle in our fleet with slight modifications; a strong ‘Blues Brothers tough boys’ look that grooms and groomsmen absolutely love … its deep exhaust rumble announces its arrival.”
1966 Triple Black Cadillac Convertible De Ville: “The car that started it all and still the heart of Cadillac Dreams … its black exterior, black roof and black interior form an exceptionally rare colour combination, believed to be the only one in Australia. Couples love sitting high on the back seat, with the dress or veil flowing over the glossy black exterior, highlighting all the intricate details, especially any delicate lace work against the black backdrop.”
Wedding Day Service
Providing more than just this fleet through Cadillac Dreams, Micheal’s service is a representation of himself: authentic. Simple and stress-free are the foundations of his philosophy, explaining “we offer customers the option to preview our vehicles in person, helping them understand the flexibility we provide and the high standard of our cars… we prepare for every situation, so couples can relax and enjoy their day.”
Preparation that comes in the form of thoughtful details as each vehicle carries umbrellas, sewing kits, water bottles, mints, and even a red carpet on arrival. But the truest service comes from the drivers themselves. The heart and soul behind the wheel, Micheal built Cadillac Dreams with “drivers that love what they do … they complete each occasion with genuine pride, knowing they’ve played a part in someone’s unforgettable moment.”