wedding lunch | San Diego Weddings Of Distinction

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!
Photos Courtesy of Laura Christin Photography

news + press :: start to 2016 at the manchester grand hyatt

When you’re in a group as special as Weddings of Distinction, there is no better way to start off a new year than with a networking meeting, and when its at the Top of the Hyatt at the Manchester Grand in downtown San Diego, there is no classier and more beautiful way to kick off a new year!

With stunning panoramic views of the bay and of downtown San Diego, the Top of the Hyatt in the Manchester Grand is one of our more urban wedding locations in the group. The location boasts the label as the tallest waterfront hotel on the West Coast, and as such, offers guests a truly unique and special view of America’s Finest City.

We dined on a four-course meal, which started with appetizers and drinks (on the patio and inside), and ended with a custom dessert made by the Hyatt’s world-renowned chef. We heard from the Hyatt about the packages they offer couples getting married, locations, and more. We also heard from the newest rep from Sensational Treats, Sheri Kapinski.

The afternoon was cheerful, informative, and as always, it was great to reconnect with colleagues. February’s meeting will take place at the Bali Hai Restaurant. Stay tuned!

Photos courtesy of Studio Carre Photographie

news + press :: may’s networking meeting

Each month, our group is lucky to travel and experience some of the best San Diego wedding venues/ wedding food/etc., yet this most recent experience at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe was pretty much mind-blowing.

Nestled in the rolling hills of Rancho Santa Fe, the Inn is small, quaint and classy…the perfect representation for the village it’s located in! We knew it would be beautiful just based on the location and decor, but what really blew our minds was the meal and spread. Head chef, Brian Black, coordinated a meal so perfect, not only for the start of the summer season, but so delicious and paired on point with the drinks, the bread, just EVERYTHING!! Who knew that such a fantastic experience was to be had at a place often overlooked when compared to coastal wedding locations!

Lois Mathews provided the floral centerpieces, and in an atmosphere so romantic and elegant, her choice of flowers fit the scene perfectly. We dined; we networked; we toured the amazing space. And with a belly full of perfectly-paired courses of food, we left the Inn with an appreciation of this small wedding venue that can, undoubtedly, boast an overall experience truly unparalleled!!

Photos courtesy of McGuire Photography

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!

Photos courtesy of E3 Photography