news + press :: September’s meeting at the prado

Located in the heart of Balboa Park, The Prado Restaurant is one of San Diego’s historic dining experiences. Featuring stunning indoor and outdoor seating, The Prado offers guests a first-class dining experience, coupled with the history and charm that defines San Diego’s Balboa Park.

We are so fortunate to have this historic restaurant in our group, and when the opportunity presented itself to host our September meeting there, let’s just say it was a ‘slam dunk.’ It was an intimate setting, perfect for our select-group.  The vibrancy of teal colors and exposed wood beams captured the charm that San Diego/Balboa Park are known for!  Edible Arrangements catered the “appetizers” of delicious fruit, and we heard from a local agent who spoke to the group about the importance of planning for life’s ups and downs, especially for small business.

All in all, it was great to get back to The Prado.  The restaurant is an icon in San Diego, and especially so for a San Diego wedding.  There is nothing more quintessential San Diego!

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Photos courtesy of Laura Christin Photography

photos courtesy of Laura Christin Photography

news :: wow the prado at balboa park shines!!

images by elle.g photography

Weddings of Distinction paid a visit to fellow group member The Prado at Balboa Park this June for their monthly luncheon and…in a word…WOW! Hats off to Catering Sales Manager Andrea Pena and her crew for greeting us in the Terrace Garden with champagne and sparkling cider and dazzling us with an incredible meal prepared by their fantastic new chefs. Seared scallops, a duet of steak and slipper lobster tail with a salad splash and a lemon cake dessert left no one wanting. Even our attending member caterers offered glowing praise.

To start our luncheon/meeting, Mary Noriega from Humphrey Florist was honored by the group in a touching farewell ceremony celebrating her 16 years of loyalty and support of Weddings of Distinction. An original group member, all of us will miss you Mary!

Showcasing members on the day were florist Lois Mathews and flamenco guitarist Anthony Garcia. Both gave impressive updates on their respective businesses and shown brightly with samples of their craft. A big thank you goes out to Lois for her beautiful centerpieces and to Anthony for entertaining us with his wonderful music as we did our meet & greet and during the luncheon.

Our beautiful day was embellished with loads of networking, sunshine, referrals shared and excellent camaraderie amongst San Diego wedding professionals. The Prado at Balboa Park provided quite the display and is an awesome venue option for wedding ceremonies and receptions, rehearsal dinners, corporate parties and family functions.

Board business was shared. New members officiant Patricia Coleman and invitation specialist Tiffany Lord Arnaldo with Cali Cards were welcomed into the group. Birthdays were acknowledged. Raffle prizes were awarded. A warm, beautiful day in Balboa Park was enjoyed by all!

The Weddings of Distinction 2010 Board:

President, Bob Brichmann, DJ & Emcee from Artistic Productions; Vice-President, Ann Strobel, Coordinator from Ann’s Plans; Treasurer, Merrylin Brichmann, DJ & Emcee from Artistic Productions; Founding President, Susan Ashley from Romantic Honeymoons; Membership, Andrea Pena from The Prado at Balboa Park; Secretary, Diane Wilson from Silverwood Music Ensemble; Committee Members: Shannon Henry, photographer from Studio Carre.

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.

real weddings :: tyler and michelle

images from Studio Z

Michelle and Tyler exchanged wedding vows at the Wishing Well at The Prado at Balboa Park. It was an awesome display of Weddings of Distinction members on the night. Wedding Coordinator Ann Strobel from Ann’s Plans kept the night moving along in style from ceremony through reception. Ladies dazzled and tables shown with incredible floral bouquets & arrangements from Lois Mathews Designs. Variations of Spanish guitar wafted throughout the courtyard for the cocktail hour courtesy of Bob Brichmann, DJ from Artistic Productions. The party continued to rock throughout the reception with a mix of retro, old school and modern classics.