Tag: abi photo

news + press :: june’s meeting at the W Hotel

We traveled downtown for June’s Weddings of Distinction (WOD) meeting, and this month,  Lauren Bonahoom of the W Hotel cordially hosted our monthly networking gathering.

The space (the Kelvin Restaurant) was decorated perfectly, and attendees were welcomed on the outdoor patio with delicious mojitos and tunes by DJ Volf.  Once we were seated, new WOD members as well as guests were introduced to the room, and then we were spoiled with a lunch of mojito shrimp with either a choice of salmon or chicken.

The team at the W Hotel really outdid themselves, and it was wonderful to hear from Lauren and her team about all the new “happenings” at the W, as well as about the unique and creative ways in which they cater to those getting married in San Diego.

Our speakers this month were both “sensational,” and we mean sensational both figuratively as well as literally!  Kimmy with Sensation Show Band spoke about the growth her band has experienced and how her band and business can cater to most styles of wedding music.  Sensation Show Band offers full service packages and can even travel performing for weddings  all over the country!  After the first presenter, Staci with Sensational Treats spoke and informed the group about all the possibilities her company caters to in terms of wedding snacks and treats.  She, also, was gracious enough to provide each guest with a small bag of cotton candy to take home!

The meeting ended with a giveaway of a dinner for two AND an overnight stay from our gracious hosts at the W Hotel!  We all also had the chance to tour part of the hotel to see the new upgrades to the dining and patio areas!

Special thanks, again, to Lauren Bonahoom at the W Hotel for the hospitality; to Frankie Hartwell from Hartworks Floral for the centerpieces; to the presenters, Sensation Show Band and Sensational Treats; ABI Photo for the pictures.

Next month, we’ll be at Stone Brewery in Escondido, so check back in as our fun continues!! 🙂

Photos courtesy of ABI Photo

news + press :: january meeting at la valencia hotel

 

San Diego Weddings of Distinction

Photos courtesy of ABI Photo

We kicked off 2013 in grand style, and for January’s Wedding of Distinction meeting, our fabulous vendors congregated to the La Valencia Hotel in beautiful La Jolla Village.  La Valencia is one of the newest members to join our select group, so this meeting was a great opportunity for all of us to see just what this beautiful hotel offers guests and couple getting married.

It may have been a work day, but we started the morning with mimosas outside on the Garden.  While waiting for lunch to be served, we had breathtaking views of the ocean.  Then, when lunch was served, we were all treated to a delicious family-style, 3-course meal created by Executive Chef Paul McCabe made up of striped bass and gnocchi with seasonal vegetables.

During and after the meal, we had the chance to “meet” our new Board members, listen to updates, and share ideas for the coming year.  We also heard from the staff of the La Valencia about exciting things coming up for the historical hotel!  The afternoon ended with prizes of fruit tarts, truffles, and flowers.

It was a great time to enjoy the company of friends, new and old, and get excited about another year of great weddings and events.

Special thanks to: Lois Mathews Design for the centerpieces; Concepts Event Design for the linens and tables + chairs, and of course to the staff La Valencia Hotel for the hospitality.

news + press :: bowling to the classics at the december “meeting”

DecBowling

The holidays are for celebrating, celebrating with family and friends and just having a good time.  So, that is exactly what we did for Weddings of Distinction‘s December “meeting”: we celebrated the holidays with friends and loved ones, but we also added the Parkway Bowing Alley into the mix!

Attendance was a record-high for this festive night, and most everyone came decked out in “ugly” Christmas/Hanukkah sweaters!  An award, at the end of the night, went out to the ugliest of them all, and the husband of Sweet Cheeks Baking Co.’s owner took home the prize.

A gift exchange allowed guests to open, swap and/or keep small presents, and many went home with random trinkets along with bellies full of “tasty bowling food.”  It’s OK, though.  We had the chance to work off the holiday treats by playing multiple games and dancing in between turns. Many of our vendor have some impressive moves, that’s all I can say!

At the end of the night, we all had a blast.  We also realized that many of our vendors are much better at bowling than they led us to believe!  It’s good to have options.

 

 

 

 

news + press :: november meeting at humphreys half moon inn

 

Photos courtesy of ABI Photography

Wedding of Distinction’s November meeting took place at Humphreys Half Moon Inn + Suites.  Taking place just after the Thanksgiving holiday, November’s meeting was was our traditional sit-down meet and eat.  We heard speeches by Sandra of Sandra Nicole, we met some new faces and potential new-members, and we enjoyed a delicious meal and dessert.  All that, and we had an amazing view of the pier and boats on Shelter Island.

Humphreys Half Moon Inn + Suites is known for their fantastic concerts by the bay, and with its ample outdoor space and views of the “colorful marina,” if you haven’t been there yet, we highly recommend a trip there!

news + press :: “spooktacular” october meeting

October Meeting - WOD

Photos Courtesy of Studio Carre’ Photographie

Weddings of Distinction‘s October meeting was non-traditional, and in the spirit of Halloween, we would not have had it any other way.  With the help of San Diego Events Lighting, the studios of Hartworks Floral Design + Pink Star Design were transformed into a dark, yet vibrant space for a casual networking party.  Complete with fluttering bats on the wall, a spooky-faced tree, and a plethora of candy/treats that would make a dentist mad, October’s WOD meeting put the fun into this function.

The French Gourmet provided delicious comfort food, ranging from fall soups, to nachos and cheese, and the collection of local wine and champagne kept the mood light.  Many vendors came in costume, and if you are Jenn from Pink Star Design, you came in your child’s!  Bag-lady, Batman, Cat-woman, 50’s woman, Maurice from Betwixt Studio: all the costumes were great!

Special thanks to ABI Photography for providing the photo-booth!  Everyone in attendance had the chance to play with props and be goofy for the camera!  It was a perfect addition to the Halloween festivities!

 

news + press :: september luncheon at AFR Furniture Rental

September has come and gone, and Weddings of Distinction members congregated at AFR Furniture Rental for the monthly meeting.  What is normally a drab warehouse was turned into a chic dining space, complete with decorative furnishings and chairs (special thanks to David Wright and Kristen Spooner for the hospitality)!  San Diego Paella cooked up some delicious lunch, and Joes on the Nose brewed some refreshing teas that held off the September heat.

The meeting was pretty casual, but all relevant and important business was attended to and all new members were introduced to the group.  Friendly conversation ended the afternoon.  All in all, it was a great, yet hot, afternoon!

news + press :: san diego style weddings magazine – fall 2012

UPDATE: The  San Diego Style Weddings magazine launch party was last night at La Costa Resort & Spa!  It was a lovely time!  We’re please to announce that our very own, Merrylin Brichmann, of Artistic Productions, spoke at the event, sharing stories of her relationship with SDSW over the years.  It truly was a great evening, and many Weddings of Distinction members celebrated the special event!

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

2012 is a big year for San Diego Style Weddings magazine; it is celebrating 25 years of helping brides plan their weddings!  In the latest magazine release, available to the public today, Weddings of Distinction is mentioned in a “Wedding Service Group” feature!

Get your copy today for helpful tips and tricks for planning a wedding in Southern California!

news + press :: august luncheon at the dana on mission bay

Photos courtesy of Betwixt Studio.

The Dana Resort on Mission Bay hosted Weddings of Distinction’s August luncheon.   While August is typically a very busy time for wedding vendors in San Diego, this month’s meeting had a great turnout, with over 20 in attendance.  The round-table discussion, while informal, gave those present the opportunity to share stories with the group and offer one another tips and tricks for managing the end-of-summer bustle.   A special thanks is due to the catering staff at The Dana, specifically Keith and Kaylee, for not only sharing their space with the group for this meeting, but for the great meal and the tours of the property afterwards.

news + press :: may’s meeting at continental catering

photos courtesy of ABI Photography

Weddings of Distinction paid a visit to fellow member Continental Catering‘s facility in La Mesa for the most recent WoD meeting/luncheon. Decor, service, food, beverage… they rocked it! Kristie Emmons & company took great care of us. Their kitchen remodel is fantastic. Officiant Patricia Coleman showcased and shared some of her talents and stories with us, as well. Many guest wedding vendors attended to check out our offerings as one of San Diego’s oldest & most successful wedding networking groups (17 years). Welcome to our newest members ~ Darla Mercer and Humphrey’s on the Bay and the collection of The US Grant, Westin Gaslamp Quarter & W San Diego, represented by Kimberley Winninger. Good networking was had by all!

news + press :: april’s meeting at the prado

photos courtesy of Kristina Chartier Photography and Janine Whittaker for Studio Carré Photographie

The Prado at Balboa Park was our location for April’s all-industry networking event…and it was a hit! This month we opened the doors to everyone to have lunch and all around great networking. Live entertainment was provided by arguably one of the more versatile and talented bands on the West Coast ~ Sensation Show Band with their array of music from 80’s pop, jazz, rock, and disco…which kept the crowd lively and chatty. This was our first open door meet & greet and we were excited about the turn out and hope to do it again! Kudos to all of the members who worked hard to put this huge event together. Thank you to all of the fabulous area industry peeps for turning out.