a year in review :: 2014

What a year 2014 was! There was change; there was loss, and, we imagine, like many organizations and groups, Weddings of Distinction dealt with its share of curveballs.

We began the year with high hopes and big plans. The board in 2014 was the same as in 2013, so the consistency in leadership helped keep the group on course for the plans in place.

However, in March, our small group got an unexpected and sudden shock: the death of WoD President, Bob Brichmann. As President, Bob was an integral part of the group, but as a long-standing WoD member, he was also a friend and trusted wedding vendor. Bob did so much, and he knew as a member since WoD’s inception, he understood the inner workings of our non-profit. His death came so suddenly, and in many ways, left the group in a state of confusion.

Yet, it was as a result of this tragic event, that the resiliency of the group and its members prevailed. Board members reshuffled responsibilities, and normalcy soon returned. By the middle to end of 2014, great things returned to WoD, just as Bob would have wanted.

In March, we partnered up with another San Diego-based wedding group, NACE, and had a joint luncheon. Many of our WoD members are also members of NACE, so the combination of vendors allowed for ample opportunities to network.

Also in 2014 was the chance to explore other venue and locations that are newer to the wedding industry, i.e. the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. As a group, we traveled to the Wild Animal Park in October, and many of us were astounded with the space, the possibilities and the potential! Who would have thought that use a space like the park for wedding, but based on the luncheon they hosted for us, it truly is an amazing wedding space.

Weddings of Distinction is a non-profit networking group, and the groups ultimate focus is on its members and the opportunity to network. 2014 was a stellar year in that regard. We welcomed many new vendors, and said goodbye to a few. Those remaining into 2015 continue to be among the best in the wedding industry!

What to expect from us in 2015….a new board. Beginning January 1, the new governing board is:

What’s really great is that many in the new board are new members and/or new to leadership. This transition should bring a fresh perspective to the group!

All in all, while 2014 was difficult in many ways, the tests and tribulations have brought about a stronger group and one more willing to protect the integrity of our special affiliation.

 Weddings of Distinction members are special. We all work hard, and as many of us realized at the holiday party this month, we all play hard, too.   Our members know and trust that membership in the group means we all are among the best in the industry, but what’s truly special, is that we all truly enjoy each others company outside the job. Friends and vendors…no matter what may happen, Weddings of Distinction will remain the same and remain as strong. After all, that’s what Bob Brichmann would have wanted.  So, going into 2015 and beyond, that is what we intend to stay!

walking on the wild side :: october meeting at the san diego zoo safari park

San Diego is known for lots of amazing things: a few of which are great weather, the beaches and, of course, the iconic San Diego Zoo.  Yet what many people may not know is that San Diego Zoo Global, the parent non-profit organization that operates the Zoo also has a second location here in San Diego: the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

Not only is the Safari Park a must-see destination, both for tourists and locals alike, but the inland location offers an interesting and exotic space for many San Diego weddings!

Our meeting last month was to explore what this space has to offer, and let’s just say; it is A LOT.  Our afternoon started with a mini, complimentary shuttle tour, and then we dined in an outdoor space amongst greenery and the music of nature.

We heard from the Catering and Events Managers with the Park, and they shared the spaces available and the types of weddings and guest counts this large space can accommodate.  So many opportunities are available to brides and grooms that get married at the Safari Park, and for many of us, this meeting was very educational and informative in this regard.

The day was truly an adventure, from the wonderful and healthy meal that the Park’s kitchen prepared, to the behind-the-scenes tours!  What an experience for all of us!

Photos courtesy of Maryanne Photo

Weddings at the Safari Park