networking meeting | San Diego Weddings Of Distinction

new + press :: june’s networking meeting at zlac rowing club

Unless you’re a rower, having a wedding at a rowing club may not fit, but with spectacular views and access to San Diego’s Mission Bay, ZLAC Rowing Club is wedding space that should not be underestimated!

It is a perfect, small space for those intimate, small weddings. With open access to Mission Bay, the club is steps from the Bay, making it an ideal wedding venue for not only those that may have been rowers, but for those that just love and appreciate open space and water!

For June’s luncheon meeting, we dined in the clubs patio area and were treated to a family-style lunch that was perfect for the hot summer day. We had a special guest that spoke to the group about the importance of business planning and making goals, which for a group consisting of mostly small-business owners was extremely informative and appropriate.

All in all, the luncheon was beautiful. The staff at ZLAC Rowing Club was hospitable; the food was tasty and healthy; and the location (in the heart of San Diego’s Pacific Beach) is ideal for those wanting to get married by the water. For many in the group, it was their first introduction to the sport of rowing, but the special thing about the space and the services, is that you don’t have to be a rower or a former one to enjoy the benefits of getting married in a rowing club!

Photos courtesy of Studio Carre Photographie

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

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!

Photos courtesy of E3 Photography