Tag: 2016 wedding trends

news + press :: start to 2016 at the manchester grand hyatt

When you’re in a group as special as Weddings of Distinction, there is no better way to start off a new year than with a networking meeting, and when its at the Top of the Hyatt at the Manchester Grand in downtown San Diego, there is no classier and more beautiful way to kick off a new year!

With stunning panoramic views of the bay and of downtown San Diego, the Top of the Hyatt in the Manchester Grand is one of our more urban wedding locations in the group.  The location boasts the label as the tallest waterfront hotel on the West Coast, and as such, offers guests a truly unique and special view of America’s Finest City.

We dined on a four-course meal, which started with appetizers and drinks (on the patio and inside), and ended with a custom dessert made by the Hyatt’s world-renowned chef.  We heard from the Hyatt about the packages they offer couples getting married, locations, and more.  We also heard from the newest rep from Sensational Treats, Sheri Kapinski.

The afternoon was cheerful, informative, and as always, it was great to reconnect with colleagues. February’s meeting will take place at the Bali Hai Restaurant.  Stay tuned!

San Diego Wedding Professionals_Jan_Manchester GrandPhotos courtesy of Studio Carre Photographie

real wedding:: david + julia

San Diego boasts some of the finest wedding venues out there, but for certain couples, the intimacy of a private residence, for example, is more appropriate than a hotel for their “I Dos.”

The wedding of David and Julia was just that, an intimate affair on a private residence in beautiful La Jolla, CA.  The wedding was simple, yet screamed elegant.  The lighting, provided by WoD vendor, San Diego Events Lighting Co., was romantic, yet simple.  The accents of market string lighting lit their outdoor reception area perfectly.  The food was catered by one of San Diego’a best wedding caterers, Crown Point Catering, another WoD vendor, offered top-of-the-line wedding food and hors d’oeuvres.

In addition, three other Weddings of Distinction vendors took part in the nuptials: wedding music provided by DJ Daniel Peterson, wedding coordination by Ann’s Plans (wedding planning), and photography by Studio Carre Photographie.

San Diego Wedding Professionals_David and JuliaPhotos courtesy of Studio Carre Photographie

happy new year!

new year 2016

2015 was a time to rebuild, and after some misfortunes and losses that the group faced in the 12-24 months prior, the members of Weddings of Distinction were ready to start fresh.  2015 was the perfect year to do so!

With a fresh new Board in place in 2015, we rebuilt the group by streamlining our processes, and perfecting our procedures.  In turn, we were able to focus on what was important for our members, and in the end, we ended the year extremely well!  Plus, in the process, we explored some truly wonderful San Diego wedding reception areas/hotels.

In 2015, we got some new members; we lost some others.  Yet, that is the nature of the business, and of our unique group.  We understand that circumstances are always evolving for all our members… in their businesses and in their personal lives.

Weddings of Distinction is more than just a group of San Diego wedding professionals; we are family.  We network with one another because we trust not only the quality of the work he/she performs, but we trust the integrity of the person involved.  To be a member is an honor, so we know that now, in 2016, with some minor shifts to our board, this could be our best year yet!

2016 Board Members

President – Elaine Ardizzone (Sweet Cheeks Baking Co.)
VP (co-chaired position) – Frankie Hartwell (Hartworks Florals) & Renee Hirsch (French Gourmet Catering)
Treasurer – Tracy Zemke (Personal Touch Dining)
Marketing – Shannon Henry (Studio Carre’ Photography)
Membership – Merrylin Brichmann (Lady DJ Merrylin/Artistic Productions)
Secretary – Andy Haganah (The Groove DJs/ Starlight Photo Booth)
Education (co-chaired position) – Ashley Noack & Jillian Ziska, (Coastyle Events)