news + press :: september’s meeting at la jolla women’s club

Sometimes last minute changes are a good thing, and in September, the last minute change to have the monthly meeting hosted by the La Jolla Women’s Club proved to be one of those instances. Nestled in the heart of the the village of La Jolla, the Women’s Club boasts some beautiful garden landscapes coupled with tons historic charm, and all with an ocean view… Talk about a perfect location for a San Diego wedding!

We networked and mingled on the Club’s terrace, where we enjoyed small appetizers and fresh lemonade.  Then, we dined in the Club’s main hall, with a delicious late summer meal provided by Crown Point Catering: fresh summer salad, followed by another 3 courses!  We handled some important logistical matters, like the upcoming Board (re)elections, and enjoyed the company of one another in a truly beautiful and historic San Diego location. If you haven’t been there, it is definitely worth a visit.  Stroll through the gardens; make your way to the beach; and if a wedding is in your future, contact them for details and information!

San Diego Wedding Professionals_September 2015

Photos courtesy of Studio Carre Photographie

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

january networking :: starting off the new year at loews coronado resort

Our group started off the new year with a gorgeous San Diego view at Loews Coronado Resort! With lots of new members and visitors in attendance, we introduced our new Board of Directors. We also received an in-depth visit to the property to get familiar with the different rooms and wedding sites that Loews can accommodate….from small to large ceremonies and celebrations.

Our newest members, Republic of Music and DJ Daniel Peterson gave us a quick intro to the service and music that they offer while our previous president, Andy Hagenah with the Groove, handed the mic over to our new president Elaine with Sweet Cheeks Baking Co. It was a great day of networking, meeting new people, and sharing a fantastic lunch!

Photos courtesy of Maryanne Photo

Jan WOD

 

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

San Diego Wedding Vendors

news + press :: the US Grant Hotel for June’s monthly meeting

It may be considered “June Gloom”outside in San Diego, but inside the US Grant Hotel, it was quite a different feeling.  It was the first time the group has been to the US Grant Hotel in quite some time, so our hosts from the US Grant, Kanani Ching & Mark Higginbotham, outdid themselves and placed the group in one of the most beautiful and historic rooms in the hotel, the Crystal Ballroom!

As usual, we handled all business, and then the group was given a special treat: instead of two speakers this month, we had one topic for the presentation…. social media, specifically an exploration into Instagram.   Shannon Henry, of Studio Carre Photographie, and Janine Abdallah spoke to the group about this extremely useful social media application and how various wedding vendors can use this tool for their business and work!

We dined on some delicious seasonal food, learned a thing or five about social media, and of course, networked with one another post-meeting.   Next month we head to the Sheraton on Harbor Island!  Stay tuned!

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.