Tag: san diego bay

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!
San Diego Wedding Professionals_Tom Hams LighthousePhotos Courtesy of Laura Christin Photography

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 :: 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!
San Diego Weddings, Wedding Professionals, Wedding Planning, Wedding Venues, Wedding Cake, Wedding Coordination, Wedding Flowers, Wedding DJ, Networking, Wedding Photography, Wedding Videography

Photos courtesy of Maryanne McGuire Photography

news + press :: july meeting at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel + Marina

Life is San Diego is pretty spectacular, and when you’re part of a group that takes you to one of the finest wedding venues in San Diego for lunch, life gets that much more spectacular.  For July’s meeting we traveled to the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, located bay front with amazing views of America’s Finest City.

We started the afternoon outdoors, on the Bay View Lawn, with a sunny and warm reception hour with small bites and custom lunchtime cocktails.  The view of the docked boats and the crystal-clear blue skies made everyone’s mood happy.  Then, we moved the luncheon indoors, into the Sheraton’s Harbor Island Ballroom, which still offered stunning views of the harbor with its tall windows throughout.

Our speakers this month: Maryanne McGuire, of McGuire Photography, and Andy Hangenah, of “The Groove,” formerly “Disc-Go-Round DJ.”  Maryanne shared with her start as a wedding photographer, from her beginnings in NY state, to her travels out west.  Andy explained the evolution of his wedding DJ business, and how the re-branding of his company and changing the name to “The Groove” actually came from a client of his!  It was great to gain insight into these two about their starts and to see how they’ve come to where they are today!

Our “Tips-from-the-Pros” series continued this month, and it was the florists in our group, Lois Mathews, Frankie Hartwell, and Dawn Stone, that shared insight into the extent of the work a wedding flower designer can do for a wedding.  Many may not realize that so much more goes into wedding flowers, not just designing bouquets and arrangements!

The meeting ended with a 50/50 raffle and a gracious giveaway from the Sheraton Hotel.  Next month: we travel to Paradise Point Hotel & Spa.  Stay tuned!!

Photos courtesy of E3 Photography

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