Tag: destination weddings

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)

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!

member spotlight :: cynthia zatkin events

cynthia zatkinsCynthia is a native of La Jolla, a graduate of La Jolla High, and an alumna of UCLA. She began event planning through non-profit work in her early 20’s, planning conferences and both national and international philanthropic projects. In her late 20’s, she took a position at the Hyatt Regency in La Jolla as Catering Manager and continued to develop her event planning expertise. Then in March 2005, Cynthia launched CZ Events. Because of her hotel experience, Cynthia sees each event as one that involves a community of creative people. She excels in bringing together the expertise of various vendors to create an event that together showcases their individual talent in a triumphant whole.

What Cynthia had to say:
“Why weddings? People ask me this a lot. Simply, I love weddings! I love being part of a family’s most memorable occasion. It is wonderful to plan and create and then step back and watch the joy on the faces of those gathered. Celebrations are one of the most basic parts of humanity. We have celebrated rites of passage since civilization began. I feel connected to what is most important in life when I create the wonderful occasions that are part of each family’s story. I hope to able to create your wonderful occasion for you.”

tips from the pros :: 10 tips for planning a wedding

Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting and rewarding things a person will ever do, but it is also one of the most stressful.
The following is a list of tips for brides planning weddings in San Diego or anywhere else…

1. Start planning as early as possible. Places and service providers are booked earlier and earlier each year. So to ensure that you get exactly what you want, start early. It also gives you plenty of time to find and investigate other options if your first choice does not work out.

2. Know your service providers. The reputation of the service providers you choose is of the utmost importance. Avoid unpleasant surprises on the day of your wedding by selecting service providers with impeccable records.

3. Put everything in writing. When you book your service providers, anything that you discuss, including special arrangements or deals that you want included in your package for the quoted price, make certain is written in the contract. People can’t remember promises they made to you a year ago verbally, so make sure all the details are written in the signed contract.

4. Be organized. In order to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the number of tasks ahead of you, stay organized. Make an action plan (by week) of what you are going to do, and keep track of progress. This will help you to keep your thoughts and plans in order.

5. Pursue proper etiquette. Following proper etiquette has two advantages. Firstly, you will avoid embarrassing social blunders that can ruin your special day. Secondly, weddings are an emotional event for everyone involved, not just the bride and groom. It is important to keep all relevant parties happy and excited. By following the proper rules of etiquette, you can never go wrong.

6. Invite people to participate in your wedding party because they care about you, not out of obligation. I can’t tell you how often a bride asks someone to be in her wedding out of obligation, and is only frustrated by that individual’s lack of interest and participation. This is one of the most important days of your life. Only involve people who genuinely share in your happiness and love. If they don’t, there is no way they can behave the way you might expect them to. It is impossible.

7. Watch your budget. It is very easy to get drawn into spending more on your wedding than you planned or may be able to. There are so many wonderful choices available to brides that you should not have to put yourself in debt to have the wedding you want. If you start out with a budget, stick to it and find alternatives that allow you to do that. You do not want to start your new life with your partner paying off wedding bills for years to come!

8. Compromise. Knowing how to compromise will save a lot of stress through the planning process. You, your groom, and families all should enjoy the wedding and be proud of it. The bride and groom should do what makes them happy, but also be open to suggestions and sensitive to the feelings of those around you.

9. Confirm and follow-up. Make sure as the date gets closer, about 2 months before, that you follow-up with your service providers such as the band or DJ, limos, photographer, florist, and videographer to confirm your arrangements and provide any last minute instructions. It will make you feel secure and will ensure that they understand your expectations. This is also a task a good wedding coordinator can assist with.

10. Relax and enjoy! It is a fun, happy, beautiful time, especially in San Diego! Do not let the planning process mask that for you. Take moments to step back and enjoy what is happening, especially the day of your wedding. Just enjoy it. You have done all you can and it is in the hands of the trustworthy people you have hired.