Tag: waterfront weddings in san diego

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

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 :: january meeting at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse

images courtesy of studio carre’ photographie

Our first meeting of the year was filled with enthusiasm, inspirational ideas, positive feedback and lots of referrals. We had a delightful lunch at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse and were welcomed by Stephany Phenny, Catering Manager.

WoD’s 2011 dedicated Board Members are President Ann Strobel of Ann’s Plans, Vice President Krista Murphy of Definitive Events, Treasurer, Andrea Pena Catering Manager at the Prado, Membership Chairlady is Paula Anderson of Rae Florae, Marketing Chairlady Shannon Henry of Studio Carre, and Secretary Merrylin Brichmann of Artistic Productions DJ’s.

We shared fabulous ideas for programs in “This Year I Would like to See” and the team icebreaker cracked us up in “Your Plane has Crashed ~10 items you need to survive?”. Everyone got super creative with this one!

Raffle prize winners were Merrylin (Certificate from Silverwood & fab bag from Betwixt), Cynthia Zatkin won a beautiful bouquet from Lois Mathews Design and the healthy bag of home-grown goodies will be enjoyed by Lisa of Elle G Photography.

We look forward to networking and sharing another great meeting in February!