Briana and Ben Kaplan celebrate their newly pronounced marriage
The newly minted Briana Kaplan (nee Candeub) has been dreaming of her wedding day since she was washing cars at Park Avenue Limousine’s garage and “driving” them around the parking lot from the safety and security of her father’s lap.
So when her now-husband Ben proposed last winter before the two Temple University alumni saw their alma mater’s football team soar to victory, it took two weeks for the happy couple to set a date and start making plans for the Jamaican wedding that brought the lovebirds and 126 of their nearest and dearest—including CD Publisher Chris Weiss and CEO Eric Alpert—to the white-sand beaches where the Kaplans said “I do” December 7.
As a second-generation operator, Briana grew up in the industry, and even laughingly refers to Park Avenue as her “third sibling.” And growing up in such a tight-knit world where the lines between “personal” and “professional” are warmly, joyously blurred meant that Briana’s definition of family transcends blood to include industry friends who are just as close as any genetic bond.
“When I entered the limousine industry, I couldn’t believe the love, support, and welcoming vibe,” Briana says of her decision to follow in the footsteps of her father, Park Avenue Founder Alan Candeub. “Many of the people in the industry went from being affiliates, to friends, and have now become family—not my ‘limo family,’ just ‘my family.’”
That closeness is so important to Briana that she was thrilled when members of her extended family started strengthening their own ties while coming together to celebrate her wedding. Before the big day arrived, there were plenty of opportunities for snowbirds of a feather to flock together with prenuptial outings at the beach, on the water, and at the links that made the destination wedding a true vacation with friends.
L to R: Briana Kaplan, Alan
Candeub, wedding officiant Janet Yassen-Goldman (who’s also the bride’s great aunt), Lisa Candeub, Braydon Kaplan, and Ben Kaplan
“We had events leading up to the wedding itself to show our guests how much we appreciated that they traveled from around the world and were spending time away from work and their families to watch Ben and me begin our life together,” she says. “The most amazing part of my wedding was that people in the industry who didn’t know each other or even just other guests became friends—I saw so many of our family and friends connecting with others on social media, and it was just so humbling to watch those relationships form.”
The guests themselves appreciated the opportunity to enjoy one another’s company in a truly casual environment, rather than rushing to spend time with each other in between sessions and meetings at industry events.
“This industry is a family that has some of the most giving, selfless, and loving people that we have the pleasure of calling friends, and that closeness was definitely felt while in Jamaica for Brie and Ben’s wedding,” says Faith Glasgow of Peak Limousine. “One of the things that I loved most was being able to spend time with industry friends in a very fun and relaxed atmosphere: Whether we were having dinner, lounging at the pool, or on the catamaran, everyone was laughing and having a great time. The icing on the cake for us was that our daughter, Piper, joined us and was immediately adopted by everyone she met.”
"Were so honored to be a part of this magical time for Brie and Ben, and to witness their lifelong commitment to each other. The gathering of limo folks only served to enhance our time on Jamaica. My feet still hurt from the dancing!” - Eric Devlin of Premier Transportation“Alan and his family are great, longtime friends of ours. Never mind that we do business together: We have houses just a few blocks from each other down at the Jersey Shore, they’re great people, and it was wonderful to have so many close industry friends come together to celebrate Brie and Ben’s wedding and share in this wonderful family event,” adds Brett Barenholtz of Above All Transportation/Boston Car. “It’s just one more example of what a great industry we’re in. It’s very rare to have so many friends who you also get to work with.”
One big happy industry family (L to R): Steve and Kim Dolniak; Matthew and Kathy Kahne; Tony and Lisa Simon; CD Publisher Chris Weiss; Piper, Shawn, and Faith Glasgow; Melissa Woodruff; Eric Devlin and Kelly Alderete; Scott Woodruff; and Kyara and Edison Kahakauwila
When the big day itself arrived, Briana and Ben were flanked by their parents and siblings as they walked down the aisle and exchanged vows under their beachy wedding chuppa—and surrounded by one, big family as the ceremony transformed into the after-party reception.
And while Briana’s dream wedding turned into one big, happy reality, she realized it was not because of the where but the who.
“My whole life, all I’ve wanted was to find my person, have children, and raise an amazingly close and loving family as my parents did—as a young girl you think your wedding will be a fairytale like the movies,” she explains. “Well, as an adult, to me, that’s exactly what December 7 was like. It was one of the best days of my life and what this time was all about. Singing, dancing, laughing, hugging, smiling: It really doesn’t get any better than that.”
And the happy couple’s joy was evident among those who shared in the big day.
L to R: Dawson Rutter, Jon Epstein, Chris Weiss, and Jas Boparai
“This was the most amazing wedding I’ve ever had the honor of attending—there were so many wonderful things about it!” says Kathy Kahne of Windy City Limousine & Bus. “When I think of the Candeub family, the first words that come to mind are love, thoughtfulness, caring, and fun: Put all of that together and you have the Candeub/Kaplan wedding. Our industry is so unique, and I would not trade it for the world. We truly need each other to grow, learn, and survive, and spending four days with my extended family is a memory that will last forever. To have been a part of such a beautiful event is something I will always treasure.”
And, of course, Alan is thrilled that his passion for both his work and especially his family is one more thing he can share with his oldest daughter.
“Being in the industry for over 35 years, I have developed many incredible lifelong relationships—actually, the two people there who I knew longer than anyone else in that room besides for my wife were Chris Weiss and Eric Alpert,” Alan says. “We met when I bought an antenna boomerang for my stretch Cadillac from them, and it was with great excitement that 30 years later, they were there for Briana and Ben’s wedding. I have experienced good times and bad with my longtime friends, and I couldn’t be happier that they were there to celebrate with us.”
[CD0120]