Tag: wedding day

:: newlyweds share their wedding regrets

 

We first published this piece over a year ago, but there is a lot of good information here that warrants repeating!  Read it, share the info, and don’t make their mistakes!

 

Newlyweds Share Their Wedding Regrets (So You Can Learn from Their Mistakes)…

No wedding is absolutely perfect. When we asked newlyweds and… the less newly wed to share their biggest wedding day woes with us, a few common threads started to emerge. Here’s what we learned:

 

1. Get It On Film
So many brides told us they wished they’d sprung for a videographer, or given their wedding photographer more specific directions. Your wedding will be RIFE with special moments – make sure you capture as many as possible!

“My husband and I really regret not recording the speeches. They were so loving and beautiful, we were moved to tears again and again! It’s one of the best memories I have of that day and I wish we had a better record of all the kind things our family and friends had to say. A few gave us their typed notes but most strayed and added in some great anecdotes. Nothing about hair/makeup/venue or cakes mattered to me once I realized there were so many people there who loved us so much!” – Isabella

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2. Beauty Accidents Happen
Wind, rain, and acts of God can seriously undo your updo. When you’re contemplating your wedding hairstyle, consider the locale, temp, and time of year. ALSO – the week of/day of your wedding is not an awesome time to try exciting new beauty treatments for the first time.

“My biggest mistake? Thinking my hair would actually cooperate and not require 3.5 hours to do so, effectively ruining photo happy time.” – Christen

“My wedding was on the beach. It was gorgeous but there were strong winds so my Kardashian curls turned to a frizzy, curl-less disaster AND my veil flew out. Luckily the ceremony was over when it happened…. But you can see my hair get progressively worse in the pix!” – Jessica

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3. Budget Your Time
Three words, ladies. HAIR AND MAKEUP. Too many wedding timelines get derailed when brides don’t budget enough time for wedding prep. Don’t let the primping get the best of your special day!

“I honestly think the one and only thing I would change would be starting hair/make-up for the ladies earlier, so we could have done more bride+bridesmaids photos. That said, I love the few we did get, and that is the *ONLY* thing I would change!” – Sean

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4. Don’t Succumb To Peer Pressure
So many brides felt their wedding suffered because they’d been duped into letting friends or friends of friends handle important wedding services. “Friendors” can be fab…but they can also be a big flop.

“I’d have written contracts for services provided. Just because they’re your friends doesn’t mean you don’t need one. I’m still waiting for the dvd of our ceremony 13 mos later with no way of getting my money or the video footage.” – Jennifer

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So there you have it brides – wedding wisdom from real brides who have been to the altar and back (and lived to tell about it). If you’ve recently wed, tell us – what would you have tweaked about your wedding?

-courtesy OneWed.com

news + press :: january meeting at la valencia hotel

 

San Diego Weddings of Distinction

Photos courtesy of ABI Photo

We kicked off 2013 in grand style, and for January’s Wedding of Distinction meeting, our fabulous vendors congregated to the La Valencia Hotel in beautiful La Jolla Village.  La Valencia is one of the newest members to join our select group, so this meeting was a great opportunity for all of us to see just what this beautiful hotel offers guests and couple getting married.

It may have been a work day, but we started the morning with mimosas outside on the Garden.  While waiting for lunch to be served, we had breathtaking views of the ocean.  Then, when lunch was served, we were all treated to a delicious family-style, 3-course meal created by Executive Chef Paul McCabe made up of striped bass and gnocchi with seasonal vegetables.

During and after the meal, we had the chance to “meet” our new Board members, listen to updates, and share ideas for the coming year.  We also heard from the staff of the La Valencia about exciting things coming up for the historical hotel!  The afternoon ended with prizes of fruit tarts, truffles, and flowers.

It was a great time to enjoy the company of friends, new and old, and get excited about another year of great weddings and events.

Special thanks to: Lois Mathews Design for the centerpieces; Concepts Event Design for the linens and tables + chairs, and of course to the staff La Valencia Hotel for the hospitality.

special event :: brides against breast cancer

 Want to GET INVOLVED?   Are you a BRIDE LOOKING FOR A DRESS?
The ‘Brides Against Breast Cancer Event’ is coming to San Diego next week: October 26th – 28th!

What is Brides Against Breast Cancer?

Brides Aainst Breast Cancer (BABC) is a non-profit organization that sells wedding gowns, which have been donated to them, to help provide free support services to those women impacted by breast cancer. BABC provides educations, outreach, and information to all event attendees, such as brides, community partners, and volunteers.  BABC tours the nation, visiting over 70 cities across the United States this year alone!  The events take place in premier wedding venues in the respective area, they feature the best, local bridal partners, and they sell 700+ designer and couture gowns!

For pictures and updates from recent shows, you can visit the BABC Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/BABCTour?ref=hl

 

 

San Diego’s BABC Event:  

October 26th – 28th @ Hotel Salomar

For details, visit: http://babcsandiegoca2012.eventbrite.com/

Friday Night = VIP Reception/Costume Party, “Last Night Out”  —  Items will be available for raffle/auction at the party

Saturday + Sunday = Designer Wedding Gown Sale — All proceeds go to the BABC charity; gowns are designer + couture, with 25% – 85% savings!

 

Want to get involved?

1) Exclusive Vendor Booth Opportunities  —  Two (2) Sponsorship levels: VIP + Champagne Toast (see Vendor Form for details)

     * BABC is looking for one (1) vendor for each category, at each sponsorship level.

     * Vendors get exclusivity.  The booth is good for the entire weekend!

2) Be a Volunteer — BABC is looking for 100+ volunteers to assist with all aspects of the show!  Men, women, young and old are welcome.

     * To volunteer, visit:  http://babcsandiegocavolunteer2012.eventbrite.com/  

3) Tell/email your family and friends! — The event is open to all and is for a good cause, so spread the word and share the message!

 

For more information, please contact: Paige @ Bliss Events (paige@blissevent.com)


real weddings :: jenn + eddie

Photos courtesy of Studio Carre’

We’re so happy to blog about this couple…and their wedding!! They are great friends of many in the group, and it was such an honor to be a part of their day and capture all the lovely details.

Jen + Eddie are both outdoorsy people, with a love for the beach, so for their wedding, they chose L’Auberge Del Mar as their backdrop for their special day.   The couple and their guests were able to enjoy an awesome view of the ocean, while also relishing in the east-coast casual elegance that the property offers.   Rae Florae handled the floral designs for the wedding, and they did such a great job, mixing lovely colors and texture together. When it came to cake, this couple choose wisely when hiring Sweet Cheeks Baking Co.  Cupcakes are typically everyone’s favorite, and this “cake” did not disappoint.  After the ceremony and dinner, which were outside on the terrace, the night officially began in the ballroom, where friends and family hit the dance floor!  Amazing lighting was provided by San Diego Events Lighting.

WOD Vendors Involved: Studio Carre’, Rae Florae, Sweet Cheeks Baking Co., San Diego Events Lighting

news + press :: august luncheon at the dana on mission bay

Photos courtesy of Betwixt Studio.

The Dana Resort on Mission Bay hosted Weddings of Distinction’s August luncheon.   While August is typically a very busy time for wedding vendors in San Diego, this month’s meeting had a great turnout, with over 20 in attendance.  The round-table discussion, while informal, gave those present the opportunity to share stories with the group and offer one another tips and tricks for managing the end-of-summer bustle.   A special thanks is due to the catering staff at The Dana, specifically Keith and Kaylee, for not only sharing their space with the group for this meeting, but for the great meal and the tours of the property afterwards.

news :: february’s meeting at the bristol hotel

Photos courtesy of Betwixt Studio

The Bristol Hotel in downtown San Diego opened its doors (and roof) to Weddings of Distinction for our February luncheon/meeting.  Kudos to Meredith Bell from H Events & Ashley Cecaci from The Bristol‘s Catering Dept. for hosting us. Chef Travis Flood dazzled us with delicious tray passed hors d’oeurves, wine, iced tea an awesome entree choice between grilled salmon with crushed baby potatoes, green beans, toasted almonds & herb creme fresh and grilled skirt steak with yukon potato-corn roast, avocado, pico de gallo & chipotle aioli. Hats off, too, to House of Stemms for their decor.

Our President ~ Ann Strobel, led a spirited icebreaker where too much personal info was probably shared (lol) but laughs were had by all. Jenn Ragusa, from Pink Star Design, displayed a gorgeous table of her invitation and social invite offerings. It was great to hear her tale of her background & her dedication to her craft. We’re proud to have her as a distinctive member of the group!!

Much networking and bonding was had by all. When you are referred to a member of Weddings of Distinction, you are assured a quality, reputable, experienced professional who will not only meet, but exceed your expectations for your special event.

 

real weddings :: alex and kelly

images courtsey of theorie

Kelly and Alex got married at the Mission Bay Yacht Club on a beautiful spring San Diego day. The day’s events were captured by San Diego Weddings of Distinction artists Amy and Maurice Wright of Theorie. Fellow San Diego Weddings of Distinction member and coordinator extraordinaire, Cynthia Zatkins of CZ Events orchestrated the day to perfection, ensuring that both bride and groom and their wedding party, as well as the guests had a fabulous fun time. And the amazing floral design was created by San Diego Weddings of Distinction floral designer Paula Rae of Rae Florae. The bright and colorful orange tulips, multi-colored gerber daisies, pretty little white camomile baby blossoms, orange pincushins, green spider mums and white scabiosa brought a sense of fun and eclectic freshness to the day. Attended by family and friends from all over the country, the love for this couple was endless. The wedding had elements of the couple all over it. From highlighting their love for sailing to the music that was played at the reception, there was no doubt that you got a sense of what this couple was about and the love they had for each other. The bride and her attendants arrived at the wedding in a fun little water vessel. They enjoyed a champagne toast before debarking at the dock where the groomsmen ushered the bridesmaids into the ceremony and the bride’s father walker the bride up the aisle. Their ceremony, held on the yacht club’s outside deck, provided an amazing view of Mission Bay for out of town guests to enjoy. Two words to describe their reception: 80s fabulousness. The tables were named after popular 80s songs like “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” and “867-5309” and were also adorned with brightly colored flowers arranged in mason jars that matched the margaritas that were served. To add to the 80s awesomeness, they even had the San Diego 80’s cover band, Freeze Frame, play all their favorite rockin’ 80s songs all night long. The guests were even treated to fireworks courtesy of Sea World late in the evening.f

member spotlight :: cynthia zatkin events

cynthia zatkinsCynthia is a native of La Jolla, a graduate of La Jolla High, and an alumna of UCLA. She began event planning through non-profit work in her early 20’s, planning conferences and both national and international philanthropic projects. In her late 20’s, she took a position at the Hyatt Regency in La Jolla as Catering Manager and continued to develop her event planning expertise. Then in March 2005, Cynthia launched CZ Events. Because of her hotel experience, Cynthia sees each event as one that involves a community of creative people. She excels in bringing together the expertise of various vendors to create an event that together showcases their individual talent in a triumphant whole.

What Cynthia had to say:
“Why weddings? People ask me this a lot. Simply, I love weddings! I love being part of a family’s most memorable occasion. It is wonderful to plan and create and then step back and watch the joy on the faces of those gathered. Celebrations are one of the most basic parts of humanity. We have celebrated rites of passage since civilization began. I feel connected to what is most important in life when I create the wonderful occasions that are part of each family’s story. I hope to able to create your wonderful occasion for you.”

tips from the pros :: 10 tips for planning a wedding

Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting and rewarding things a person will ever do, but it is also one of the most stressful.
The following is a list of tips for brides planning weddings in San Diego or anywhere else…

1. Start planning as early as possible. Places and service providers are booked earlier and earlier each year. So to ensure that you get exactly what you want, start early. It also gives you plenty of time to find and investigate other options if your first choice does not work out.

2. Know your service providers. The reputation of the service providers you choose is of the utmost importance. Avoid unpleasant surprises on the day of your wedding by selecting service providers with impeccable records.

3. Put everything in writing. When you book your service providers, anything that you discuss, including special arrangements or deals that you want included in your package for the quoted price, make certain is written in the contract. People can’t remember promises they made to you a year ago verbally, so make sure all the details are written in the signed contract.

4. Be organized. In order to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the number of tasks ahead of you, stay organized. Make an action plan (by week) of what you are going to do, and keep track of progress. This will help you to keep your thoughts and plans in order.

5. Pursue proper etiquette. Following proper etiquette has two advantages. Firstly, you will avoid embarrassing social blunders that can ruin your special day. Secondly, weddings are an emotional event for everyone involved, not just the bride and groom. It is important to keep all relevant parties happy and excited. By following the proper rules of etiquette, you can never go wrong.

6. Invite people to participate in your wedding party because they care about you, not out of obligation. I can’t tell you how often a bride asks someone to be in her wedding out of obligation, and is only frustrated by that individual’s lack of interest and participation. This is one of the most important days of your life. Only involve people who genuinely share in your happiness and love. If they don’t, there is no way they can behave the way you might expect them to. It is impossible.

7. Watch your budget. It is very easy to get drawn into spending more on your wedding than you planned or may be able to. There are so many wonderful choices available to brides that you should not have to put yourself in debt to have the wedding you want. If you start out with a budget, stick to it and find alternatives that allow you to do that. You do not want to start your new life with your partner paying off wedding bills for years to come!

8. Compromise. Knowing how to compromise will save a lot of stress through the planning process. You, your groom, and families all should enjoy the wedding and be proud of it. The bride and groom should do what makes them happy, but also be open to suggestions and sensitive to the feelings of those around you.

9. Confirm and follow-up. Make sure as the date gets closer, about 2 months before, that you follow-up with your service providers such as the band or DJ, limos, photographer, florist, and videographer to confirm your arrangements and provide any last minute instructions. It will make you feel secure and will ensure that they understand your expectations. This is also a task a good wedding coordinator can assist with.

10. Relax and enjoy! It is a fun, happy, beautiful time, especially in San Diego! Do not let the planning process mask that for you. Take moments to step back and enjoy what is happening, especially the day of your wedding. Just enjoy it. You have done all you can and it is in the hands of the trustworthy people you have hired.