news + press :: october meeting at sd botanic gardens

San Diego is known for its beautiful weather, so it makes sense that for October’s networking meeting, we would enjoy an outdoor luncheon, at the San Diego Botanic Gardens, located in beautiful Encinitas, CA.

Catering member, Continental Catering, offered with fall-themed food, that not only soothed the soul, but also our bellies, and Sweet Cheeks Baking Co. completed the meal with Halloween-inspired treats. The decor was bright and cheery, and the weather was spectacular too.

It was nice to be at a San Diego wedding location the group had never been to!  It truly was such a “treat!”  The location is really perfect for an outdoor wedding in San Diego.  The group was able to hear from not only the venue and the potential that exists at their location, but we also got an in-depth account of Continental Catering’s breadth of offerings.  While the catering company has been a member of the group for some time, they recently have expanded their offerings to brides and grooms, so it was great to hear about just what they offer, not only as a wedding catering company, but even for private and corporate events.

San Diego Wedding Professionals - 1015

Photos courtesy of Eddie with E3 Photography

news + press :: march networking meeting

The space is a blank canvas, with a world of possibilities, and if you want a space for your wedding that gives you choices, then 828 Events may be exactly what you’re looking for for your San Diego wedding!

Located in the heart of the Point Loma area of San Diego, 828 Events is a venue space that boasts industrial-style looks, with touches of intimacy and class from fine finishes like market-string lighting and vibrant white trim.

Last month, our special networking group had the pleasure to explore this new wedding venue in San Diego, and let’s just say, we were all impressed!  The lighting was bright and cheerful, and the meal, catered by Brothers Signature, was delicious.  All that, coupled with custom cocktails from Snake Oil Cocktail Co. made the afternoon probably a little too much fun!

April’s meeting will be at The Crosby Club in North County San Diego, so stay-tuned for more networking news!

weddings in San Diego

Photos courtesy of E3 Photography

two is better than one :: networking with NACE

We usually like to meet towards the end of the month, but for March, something special was planned.  In a effort coordinated by our beloved past president, Bob Brichmann, a joint networking luncheon took place – bringing together the members of Weddings of Distinction with those from the San Diego chapter of NACE (National Association of Catering & Events).

The luncheon was held at the newly-remodeled Pier South Resort.  Located in Imperial Beach, right on the coast, this hotel offers amazing views of the Pacific, coupled with an exquisite dining experience.  The chefs from Sea 180º Coastal Tavern made us food and drink that satisfied more than our appetites.  All together, the sun, the sea, and the food were quite literally breathtaking.

While this meeting was as much about networking and fun, there was also information and business to attend to.  We heard from NACE member and wedding officiant, Bethel Nathan.  Her topic for the day: the growing number of same-sex marriages in California.  She gave the groups some very helpful information, like the steps to take when working with a non-traditional couple, as well as the attention/awareness that should be placed on these couples.

It was a great change of pace to see so many people in the wedding industry in San Diego, and while many of our Weddings of Distinction members are also NACE members, this meeting opportunity allowed friends and colleagues to come together, and more importantly, for some new connections to be made!

networking in san diego

Photos courtesy of E3 Photography

networking weddings

news + press :: networking meeting at the Dana Hotel

2014 is officially underway, and last month, our meeting was hosted by our newest venue-member, the Dana Hotel.  With beautiful views and a 3-course lunch, this meeting did not disappoint.

We heard from Cynthia Zatkin, of CZ Events.  She explained the evolution of her wedding coordination business and described in detail the special care and attention she offers her couples.  We also heard from La Valencia Hotel.  “La V” as it is being rebranded as, is in the midst of renovations and again, rebranding, so Bobby Fader, the Catering Manager there, described the plans, the work that has already been done, and what we can expect to see going forward from the hotel in general.

It was a great afternoon.  We are pleased to have the Dana as one of our members!

networking lunch

Photos courtesy of E3 Photography

news + press :: august meeting at the glass door

Amazing views and a gourmet lunch: we got a little spoiled at last month’s networking luncheon at the Glass Door.  Located in the heart of San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood, the Glass Door restaurant is located in the lovely Porto Vista Hotel.  Boasting amazing views of the San Diego Bay/Marina, the Glass Door restaurant is super posh and sophisticated (perfect for a rehearsal dinner), so naturally, we wanted to take a Weddings of Distinction luncheon to the space.

Weddings of Distinction Meeting

This month was a little bit different.  Usually we have respected guests visit our simple networking lunch, and one or two will give a short presentation about their business.  This month, though, we kept our presentations internal, meaning August was all about social media marketing.  Thanks to Shannon Henry of Studio Carre’ Photographie and Janine Abdallah, her trusted colleague, those in attendance we schooled on social media 101!

Combining education with networking: a great combination for business success.

news + press :: may’s meeting at lomas santa fe country club

We traveled up to North County for May’s Weddings of Distinction luncheon, and Lomas Santa Fe Country Club was gracious enough to host our meeting.

The space was beautifully decorated, thanks to Lois Mathews Design for the floral arrangements, and guests were able to mix and mingle while enjoying coffee and tea.

During the delicious meal of steak salad, and an amazing chocolate ravioli dessert, we heard from some of our newest members, Manchester Grand Hyatt, Diane D’Angelo, and La Jolla Cove Suites.  We also heard from seasoned WOD member, Pink Star Design, who brought in some amazingly creative invitation samples.

We also had a very special guest, Dina, Owner/Publisher San Diego Style Weddings, attend, and she spoke to the group about special incentives for advertising for the upcoming season.

It was a wonderful afternoon, as usual, and a great opportunity to welcome our new members and network with our old!

Photos courtesy of Betwixt Studio

Weddings of Distinction

Photos courtesy of Betwixt Studio