Tag: monthly meeting

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

news + press :: may’s networking meeting

Each month, our group is lucky to travel and experience some of the best San Diego wedding venues/ wedding food/etc., yet this most recent experience at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe was pretty much mind-blowing.

Nestled in the rolling hills of Rancho Santa Fe, the Inn is small, quaint and classy…the perfect representation for the village it’s located in!  We knew it would be beautiful just based on the location and decor, but what really blew our minds was the meal and spread.  Head chef, Brian Black, coordinated a meal so perfect, not only for the start of the summer season, but so delicious and paired on point with the drinks, the bread, just EVERYTHING!!  Who knew that such a fantastic experience was to be had at a place often overlooked when compared to coastal wedding locations!

Lois Mathews provided the floral centerpieces, and in an atmosphere so romantic and elegant, her choice of flowers fit the scene perfectly.  We dined; we networked; we toured the amazing space. And with a belly full of perfectly-paired courses of food, we left the Inn with an appreciation of this small wedding venue that can, undoubtedly, boast an overall experience truly unparalleled!!
San Diego Wedding Professionals_WOD May 2015

Photos courtesy of McGuire Photography

new + press :: august meeting at paradise point resort + spa

The weather was hot, but it was ok; we were in paradise….or at Paradise Point Resort, anyway!  August’s Weddings of Distinction luncheon took place at the beautiful tropical resort, and with amazing views of the bay and an amazingly delicious summertime meal, this networking meeting did not disappoint.

We heard from a couple of our newer vendors, Greg Shibley of G Sharp Entertainment, and Scott Milnes, Wedding Officiant and relationship counselor.  Both are talented and charismatic speakers, so the stories each shared kept people captive and even had people tearing up at some points!

In addition to the logistical matters that were taken care of, many new ideas were discussed for the group.  Many changes have come in 2014, and with the momentum the group has, many more positive changes are in store.  Weddings of Distinction js not just a group that meets monthly for lunch.  Besides networking and sharing ideas, referrals and lead generation are a focus moving forward.  A lot of great things are coming for Weddings of Distinction members, so stay tuned to be a part of the journey with us!

August2014_WOD_Paradise Point

Photos courtesy of Maryanne McGuire Photo

Networking Downtown….May’s Meeting at the Westin Hotel

Memorial Day took place earlier this year, so for May’s meeting we were all about networking and celebrating the start of summer!  This month’s meeting space offered the perfect backdrop to do just that!  The Westin Gaslamp Quarter hosted our monthly networking luncheon, and the outdoor space on the patio offered each of us a healthy dose of Vitamin D.

Lunch was exquisite, distinctive in fact, and the combination of appetizers, entree options and dessert complimented the hot weather quite perfectly.  Our speakers were Deborah Young, one of the newer wedding officiants to the group, and Ann Strobel, of Ann’s Plans, wedding coordination.

We ate; we mingled; we shared ideas and offered referrals, and then we all went on our way.  It was warm, but the Westin offered our group the perfect platform to connect before the hustle and bustle of the San Diego wedding season!

Weddings in San Diego

news :: an urban chic luncheon encounter at Studio Carre’

abi photographyimages courtesy of abiphoto.com.

Who would have thought a loft-like experience existed up the I-5 in cozy Del Mar. Shannon Henry hosted our July Weddings of Distinction luncheon/meeting at her Studio Carre in the heart of Del Mar.

Fulfilling the ambiance for the day was WoD catering member Renee Hirsh and The French Gourmet. Renee and crew were totally on top of it with Mimosa’s, iced water and iced tea, scrumptious tray passed appetizers and a filling, family style served assortment of salads. Everyone left healthy and no one left hungry!

President Bob Brichmann, DJ and Emcee from Artistic Productions, greeted everyone to start the luncheon. Bob welcomed Gloria Paris’ guest Norman Phillips, a good friend, and Matthew Flint, Operations Manager for Plush Lounge, a guest of Karen Kluchonic’s from Plush.

Our showcasers on the day were obvious choices, our host Shannon Henry of Studio Carre and caterer Renee Hirsh from The French Gourmet.

Shannon shares studio loft-like space with other coastal photographers. The feel of Studio Carre is both warm, modern and cool. Shannon offers wedding, lifestyle and intimate/boudoir photography services. Shannon displays a definite passion for her craft through her work. Her demo slideshow was fantastic. Shannon’s clients love both her and how she makes them “pop” on film. Shannon is a very valued member of WoD and serves as co-marketing director for the group.

The French Gourmet almost needs no introduction, but definitely mega-kudos for the quality of their service and food they present. Renee Hirsh has been with them for years and doubles as an event/wedding coordinator. Their reputation is excellent as social and wedding event caterers. Our luncheon featured incredible couscous salad, Dijon mustard green bean salad, a Mediterranean green salad, chicken satay and more and a finishing touch of custard topped with fresh seasonal berries. French Gourmet also crafts exquisite wedding cakes, pastries and desserts.

General group business was handled accordingly and, most importantly, our new web site was officially unveiled for the group members and launched to the world (www.sandiegoweddingsofdistinction.com). Other marketing ideas were shared, Real Wedding testimonials with fellow members were offered up and raffle prizes were doled out to the lucky few.

We’ll see you next August 25th! Stay tuned for the location!

The Weddings of Distinction 2009 Board:
President, Bob Brichmann, DJ & Emcee from Artistic Productions (www.artistic-productions.com)
Vice-President, Ann Strobel, Coordinator from Ann’s Plans (www.annsplans.com)
Treasurer, Merrylin Brichmann, DJ & Emcee from Artistic Productions (www.artistic-productions.com)
Founding President, Susan Ashley from Romantic Honeymoons, (www.romantichoneymoonsbysusan.com)
Membership, Carrie Esparza from San Diego Authentic Flavors Custom Catering (www.sdauthenticflavors.com)
Secretary, Andrea Pena from The Prado at Balboa Park (www.balboaparkweddings.com)

Committee Members:
Shannon Henry, photographer from Studio Carre (www.studiocarre.com)

Weddings of Distinction is a non-profit networking group specializing in weddings and special events. They meet monthly at various San Diego County hotels, resorts and special event facilities. The group’s goal is building professional relationships and networking to give clients the best advice and services to choose from.