real weddings :: patrick and mary

san diego wedding photographerimages courtesy of elle.g photography

Mary and Patrick are a uniquely strong willed and determined couple. Mary was a dolphin trainer for Sea World for several years. She is the type of person that sets goals, and achieves them. Patrick is much the same, dedicating himself to run for San Diego City Council. This unique couple was married in early October at the Bahia Resort. The Bahia sits right on the waters edge of beautiful Mission Bay. Their intimate ceremony was on the sand and the wedding reception took place in the Del Mar Ballroom. Since Mary is a former animal trainer, it was a given that their dog Lily would be the ring bearer. Lily executed her part perfectly by running down the isle with a flower in her mouth! San Diego Weddings of Distinction members, Lisa of elle.g photography and Shannon from Studio Carre‘, captured the day’s precious moments perfectly and French Gourmet created the beautiful and delicious wedding cake.

member spotlight :: SilverWood musicians

wedding musicians SilverWoodSilverWood began in 1995 as a guitar/flute duo and since then has mushroomed into a versatile musical ensemble, with two to seven musicians, including a vocalist. They perform a vast variety of music styles, including classical, pop, jazz, folk, and international, providing tasteful live music for almost any occasion.
Characterized by rich harmonies and stirring rhythms, their presentations can be intimate or dynamic, soothing or energizing, whatever fits the event. Also, they promote a stimulating rapport between themselves and their listeners; SilverWood plays music for enjoyment!

Please contact Diane at diane@silverwood-music.com for more information!

news and press :: NBC throws a wedding at The Prado…meet the winning couple!

NBC Channel 39 recently held a contest for a free dream wedding giveaway. The winning couple, Stefanie & Jerome Heard, met in an unbelieveable and touching scenario. While Jerry was starting treatment for leukemia, Stefanie was his admitting nurse (and is a bone marrow transplant nurse here in San Diego). They fell in love instantly and ended up being chosen by the San Diego public to win the dream wedding of a lifetime! Jerry is feeling well in remission, but he has a long journey ahead. Thankfully he has an incredible new wife who will care for him as they enjoy the beginning of their life together.

Our very own San Diego Weddings of Distinction members, The Prado, Sweet Cheeks Baking Co., and SENSATION Showband were involved in the endeavor. Sweet Cheeks donated the “show” wedding cake for the original voting (5 tiers) to Rady Children’s hospital and then made the same cake for the actual wedding at The Prado. The wedding guests danced the night away to San Diego’s finest party band SENSATION Showband .

If you’ve ever thought about having your wedding at The Prado, this is a video you won’t want to miss.
Congratulations Jerry and Stefanie!

NBC Throws a Wedding – Jerry & Stefanie- Highlights from Taylor Films on Vimeo.

news :: new patio/banquet area unveiled for the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay

san diego weddings of distinction mtgimages courtesy of elle.g photography

Weddings of Distinction paid a luncheon visit to the beautiful Hyatt Regency Mission Bay (www.hyatt.missionbay.com) this past October 27th and dined outdoors in the newly designed Banyon Court. The picturesque patio sits on the northeast side of the property with a view of Mission Bay.

Catering Manager Jennifer Pals and her staff treated us to a delicious lunch and dessert. Their recent $65 million dollar renovation is impressive. As wedding vendors, we all look forward to performing there in the coming months and confidently referring them to our clients.

2009 WoD President Bob Brichmann (www.artistic-productions.com) broke some early ice with a simple, cute “get-to-know your fellow member” icebreaker. Six members deepest secrets were revealed as members attempted to guess which clues matched which member. Good laughs had by all.

This month’s showcaser was Diane Wilson from Silverwood Music Ensemble (www.silverwood-music.com). Diane entertained our group during the 1st half hour meet and greet with a CD of their talented vocalist and the ensemble’s work. Prior to lunch, Diane took the time to reintroduce her group’s work to the group. Their repertoire spans many genres and is sure to please a varied special event audience – primarily weddings!

Founding President Susan Ashley talked about Romantic Honeymoons (www.romantichoneymoonsbysusan.com). Bob Brichmann reminded members that new Board members for 2010 were being sought for December 1st elections. Marketing team member Lisa Gisczinski, Elle G Photography (www.ellegphotography.com), pitched for members to link to the new WoD web site or seek help in doing so.

Raffles prizes were doled out. October birthdays were acknowledged. Mega leads were exchanged amongst members. We’ll see everyone next November 24th at fellow member facility Maderas Country Club (www.maderasgolf.com). Happy Halloween!

The Weddings of Distinction 2009 Board:
President, Bob Brichmann, DJ & Emcee from Artistic Productions (www.artistic-productions.com)
Vice-President, Ann Strobel, Coordinator from Ann’s Plans (www.annsplans.com)
Treasurer, Merrylin Brichmann, DJ & Emcee from Artistic Productions (www.artistic-productions.com)
Founding President, Susan Ashley from Romantic Honeymoons, (www.romantichoneymoonsbysusan.com)
Membership, Carrie Esparza from San Diego Authentic Flavors Custom Catering (www.sdauthenticflavors.com)
Secretary, Andrea Pena from The Prado at Balboa Park (www.balboaparkweddings.com)

Committee Members:
Marketing: Lisa Gisczinski, photographer from Elle G Photography (www.ellegphotography.com); Shannon Henry, photographer from Studio Carre (www.studiocarre.com)

Weddings of Distinction is a non-profit networking group specializing in weddings and special events (www.sandiegoweddingsdistinction.com). They meet monthly at various San Diego County hotels, resorts and special event facilities.