luncheon | San Diego Weddings Of Distinction

news + press :: may’s meeting at tom hams lighthouse

It was a first for Weddings of Distinction as a group to visit Tom Hams Lighthouse, and while some of us have worked at this beautiful coastal wedding location (and restaurant) with our respective businesses, for many of us it was our first time!

With a seaside theme, entitled “Let’s Fla-mingle,” all decor and florals were provided by wedding florist extraordinaire, Embellishmint Floral & Event Design. Everything from the flowers, to the tablecloths, to even the desserts, united the theme in shades of pinks, plus golds and creams! Speaking of desserts, our after-lunch treats were supplied by no other than Sweet Cheeks Baking Co., one of San Diego’s finest dessert and cake bakeries!

These two special wedding vendors not only supplied our networking meeting with decor and desserts, but the two companies took the opportunity to present to the group, elaborating on the scope of their work and sharing some details and info that many of us do not already know!

The day really was great, and despite the “May Gray” typical to San Diego this time of year, every detail came together perfectly. From service, to location, to decor, to company, we felt pampered at this spectacular bay-front property. The staff there did a phenomenal job! And, a little bit a trivia: Tom Ham’s Lighthouse, to this day, is still a functioning lighthouse! Share that with your friends, or better yet, go visit yourself!
Photos Courtesy of Laura Christin Photography

news + press :: february’s meeting at the bali hai restaurant

It was a perfect afternoon on the water, and with February’s networking meeting graciously hosted by the Bali Hai Restaurant, we had amazing views of the San Diego Bay Harbor. We dined outside, underneath the restaurant’s “Hawaiian Village” outdoor pavilion. It was just the right amount of space for our rather large group, and with spectacular views of the Bay and downtown San Diego, it almost doesn’t seem fair that our meetings are part of “work!”

We heard from one of our new members, Stephanie, from A Perfect Table. They specialize in, as may be deduced, table decor, but what she and her company offer is really so much more. She works with the couple, determines their vision and style, and then coordinates with the florists, planners, and caterers to make the reception tables absolutely perfect!

We concluded the luncheon with a presentation from The Knot Magazine. The Southern CA rep told the group about the publicity they offer advertisers, as well as the benefits of working with the nation’s leading wedding planning magazine.

In the end, we hated to leave the San Diego sunshine and have to go back to the office, but this month’s meeting was not only enjoyable but informative!

Photos courtesy of Maryanne McGuire Photography

news + press :: april networking meeting at the Crosby

It was a hot April day, but the high temperatures did not keep us from The Crosby Club’s beautiful inland oasis. Nestled in the amazing hills of Rancho Santa Fe, The Crosby Club offers stunning panoramic views of the Southern California landscape coupled with a top-of-the-line catering and events team that goes above and beyond for weddings and events.

For April’s meeting, Weddings of Distinction members were able to experience just that! We began with a tour of the grounds, which not only boasts event space catering to 350+ guests, but also a country club and golf course. We heard from Sensational Treats, and Staci shared with the group some of the new opportunities and offerings her wedding treats business is offering. We also handled logistics and heard from various board members about the direction of our small networking group.

Many of our members have had the pleasure of working at/with The Crosby Club, so for those members revisiting the space was a treat, as always. Yet, there were many in the group that had not been to the Club before, so for them, it was a nice change of pace to be able to visit an iconic area of San Diego and to see a country club that many do not realize is there at all! The team and hosts at The Crosby Club were gracious and accommodating, and surely all Weddings of Distinction members were appreciative of the hospitality!

Photos courtesy of E3 Photography

january networking :: starting off the new year at loews coronado resort

Our group started off the new year with a gorgeous San Diego view at Loews Coronado Resort! With lots of new members and visitors in attendance, we introduced our new Board of Directors. We also received an in-depth visit to the property to get familiar with the different rooms and wedding sites that Loews can accommodate….from small to large ceremonies and celebrations.

Our newest members, Republic of Music and DJ Daniel Peterson gave us a quick intro to the service and music that they offer while our previous president, Andy Hagenah with the Groove, handed the mic over to our new president Elaine with Sweet Cheeks Baking Co. It was a great day of networking, meeting new people, and sharing a fantastic lunch!

Photos courtesy of Maryanne Photo

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!