news + press :: april meeting at the kona kai resort

What a beautiful day, in a beautiful resort, all in America’s Finest City.  For April’s Wedding of Distinction luncheon we visited the newly remodeled Kona Kai Resort, a beachfront property boasting not only a private marina and beach, but also views of San Diego’s city skyline.

Our networking luncheon was served outside, in one of the Resort’s open spaces just by the marina and pool.  The day was hot, but it was so nice to be outside, in the sun, getting our Vitamin D.   We were all blown away with the level of class and sophistication of the Resort’s decor, and the reason being that it was only recent that the hotel has recently undergone a major overhaul and renovation.  Before we actually sat to lunch, we got a tour of the grounds, inside and out, so we were really able to gather the extensive level of renovation.  It is such a beautiful transformation!

During our meal, we heard from Lois Mathews, of Lois Mathews Design, wedding florist extraordinaire.  She told us of her start with wedding flowers, and interestingly, she stumbled into her special niche.  We also heard from Carmin Cermak, known in our group as a wedding coordinator, but what many do not know is that Carmin also has experience designing wedding flowers and arrangements.  It was not until her speech that many in the group learned that part of her business!

All in all, the day was perfect.  The meal was delicious. And the company was enjoyable.  It was great to see just how much this resort has transformed, and with it, the grounds have become the perfect: modern, yet beachy…truly perfect for any San Diego wedding!

San Diego Wedding Professionals_Kona KaiPhotos courtesy of Eddie Garcia | E3 Photography

Paula + Mike :: real wedding at the Barracks in Liberty Station

Reunited and it feels so good….well that is what Paula + Mike McCloskey think!  This special couple has a somewhat unique story.  They actually worked together for nearly 8 years!  Paula was hired to work for Mike at the now closed law firm, Baker & McKenzie.  After 8 years of loyal service, though, Paula left to raise her daughter, and it wasn’t until years after that that the two reconnected at Paula’s Christmas party!  They knew that if they connected after all that time and a wealth of life experience, then best not to mess with fate! 🙂

They were married in the old Navy barracks in the Liberty Station area of San Diego, Barracks 17 of the NTC Promenade, to be exact.  The venue was the perfect backdrop for this established couple.  The wedding colors consisted of greens and a rich purples/fuchsia, and even the bride, choosing to be more non-traditional, wore a pale green dress by Custom Made Design!   Her hair and makeup were done by Beauty Carriage.  She truly looked stunning!

Wedding coordinator and florist, Carmin Design, created the perfect ambiance.  The details were simple, yet amazingly elegant and colorful.  Catering was provided by Wild Thyme, and the dessert table, supplied by our beloved, Sweet Cheeks Baking Co., consisted of not just a wedding cake (and a football-shaped groom’s cake), but also cupcakes, bars, and bites, giving the 100+ guests plenty of delicious options!

Wedding photographer, Studio Carre’, captured some great images of Paula + Mike’s special day, and even with a quick glance at the images below, you’ll feel as warm and happy about this special couple as we do just to write about it!

 

 

real wedding san diego

real wedding :: Megan + Chris

When two people are meant to meet, somehow, some way, it will happen; even when the odds, and geography, are against them.

That is exactly how the story goes for Chris and Megan.  Chris was born in Pennsylvania and went to high school in Europe!  Megan: she was born and raised in San Diego.  Their upbringing could not have more different, but the world has a way of bringing people together, and as such, Megan and Chris’s paths did cross.

They met at The Waterfront in the Little Italy neighborhood of San Diego.  Chris was out celebrating being sworn in to the California state bar.  Megan, who was out with friends, noticed Chris and the fact that he was wearing a Nordstrom shirt, and since Megan was working at Nordstrom at the time, it appeared to be a no-brainer opening to begin conversation.  But alas, the time was not meant to be, and Chris chickened out and didn’t talk to Megan.  Fortunately for Chris, his friend wasn’t as afraid and he got Megan’s number for him!

But it would be months before the two would meet again, and this time Megan and Chris bumped into each other at Maloney’s in downtown San Diego.  Chris’s courage had months to mature, and that night he spoke to Megan. Hours and a Taylor Swift song later, the rest became history.

Megan and Chris share many loves: bagels, reality TV, Jerry Seinfeld and Friends.  But most importantly, they have two rescue dogs: Lyla and Lena, who are the center of their world.  If they’re not walking them in the park or playing ball with them in the backyard, Megan and Chris enjoy spending time with friends, enjoying our favorite Little Italy restaurants, singing karaoke, and relaxing at home with some tea and ice cream.

Fast-forward a couple of years and the two got married in a beautiful ceremony at the US Grant Hotel.   The couple took to downtown San Diego and celebrated their special day in the city in which they met.   It was a magical day for the lovely couple and their friends and family.  The ceremony site was candlelit in an exquisitely opulent fashion. The effect was clean and tasteful, a true reflection of the couple themselves. The reception décor was soft and romantic, with the colors of whites, grays, and then hints of royal blue.

Wedding coordinator, Carmin Cermak, of Carmin Design, did an excellent job capturing the taste of the couple, and all the vendors involved in this wedding did an incredible job making the event complete.  Megan and Chris are amazing people and together they are even more special.

The future: Megan and Chris plan to stay in ‘America’s Finest City’ and start a family.

Photos courtesy of:  TRUE Photography

Vendors Involved:

Venue/catering: The US Grant Hotel

Coordinator: Carmin Design

Cake: Sweet Cheeks Baking Co.

Entertainment: Tim Altbaum Productions

Flowers: Posies

Photography: TRUE Photography

Décor-Linens: APR Linens

Décor-Rentals: Posies

Invitations/Stationary: Wedding Paper Divas

Dress: Legends by Romona Keveza (Panache Bridal – Costa Mesa)

Jewelry: J. Crew

Groom Suit + Tie: J. Crew

Hair/Make-up: Theresa Amundson of Bijou Beautiful

Officiant: (Megan’s Uncle) George Fogelman

Honeymoon Location: Bora Bora

:: happy 6th birthday sweet cheeks baking!

 

Happy Birthday, Sweet Cheeks Baking Company!  This past March marked the 6th birthday of this special woman-owned business.  It seems like just yesterday that they opened their doors and began offering savory desserts and treats to the people and brides and grooms of San Diego!

So, like any 6 year old, Sweet Cheeks had a party, and this birthday brought out some great industry colleagues, family, and local & long distance friends for a wonderful evening!  Approximately 300 people attended the modest festivities, and some brought with them some special favors and snacks.  For example,  Joes on the Nose, fellow Weddings of Distinction vendor and dear friend, brought caffeine (coffee + espresso), so needless to say, he was a hit.

Then, San Diego wedding coordinator,  Carmin Cermak, of Carmin Design, also a Weddings of Distinction vendor, helped style the food and decorate the space.  The theme was 1950s – 1960s Americana, with many hints of Norman Rockwell art inspiration.  So in fashion with the theme, the wonderful Sweet Cheeks staff, with the help of San Diego caterers and Weddings of Distinction vendor, Continental Catering, created snacks and treats, such as:

Root Beer Cupcakes | Hamburger Cupcakes | Parmesan Savory Shortbread Cookie “Fries” | Chocolate-Caramel Apples on a Stick | Mini Pop Tarts | Flourless Chocolate Cake | Gluten-Free Red Velvet | and Vanilla Sour Cream and Slow-Cooked Fudge Birthday Cake

Besides being Sweet Cheeks birthday, it happened to also be Carmin’s, so the celebrations were shared.   Yet, these birthday parties did not just include food.  Music was provided by Tim Altbaum Production, a photo-booth provided by Starlight Photo Booth, (yet another  also a Weddings of Distinction vendor!), and event photography by McGuire Photography.

It was a great evening all around.  We talked; we ate; we celebrated. If only every evening could be like that!

Photos courtesy of McGuire Photography

news :: january’s meeting at the hilton harbor island

San Diego Wedding Vendors

photos courtesy of www.studiocarre.com

As Weddings of Distinction fires up the new year, we descended upon the beautiful Hilton San Diego Airport/Harbor Island on January 24th. Catering Sales Manager Charles Wolford & his staff treated us to a fantastic lunch with dazzling views of San Diego Bay & the marinas from the 9th floor Skyline Room. As we feature members at meetings, Carmin Cermak from Carmin Design impressed us with her wit & colorful personality as she shared with us her vision & passion for full service event planning, including occasional floral & interior design. Haydee Alderete who owns Concepts Event Design along with her husband Frederico provided stunning linens for our tables & chairs. She also told us of their upcoming feature on TV via San Diego 6 where they talked about their fantastic National City showroom…the ultimate in decor shopping.

We’ve amped up our marketing efforts, social media and networking for 2012 which is what will fuel the continued success of Weddings of Distinction throughout 2012 and beyond! Stayed tuned for more….