news + press :: june’s meeting at stone brewing company

Stone Brewing Co. is one of San Diego’s finest beer breweries, yet many do not realize that at the brewery’s main location in Escondido, CA, there is ample indoor and outdoor space for weddings and events!  So, for June’s Weddings of Distinction meeting, the group traveled to North County San Diego and enjoyed a spectacular buffet lunch and beer pairing in one of the brewery’s main meeting rooms.  Not bad for a Tuesday afternoon!

Upon arriving in the space, guests were welcomed by the vocals the group’s newest vocalist, Celeste Barbier.  She is an amazing Jazz/Blues/Retro-style singer and performer.  Her voice is soothing, and her style was the perfect accompaniment to the meeting’s “cocktail” and networking hour!

After some time to talk and tour the grounds, lunch was served, buffet-style. Pairings and tasters were available to those that wanted to day-drink, and for those that had to go back to work, non-alcholic options were available!  We had a guest who spoke to the group about managing money for small business, so besides being social, we also learned something to take with us on our ways.

It was a great afternoon.  We ate; we drank; we networked.  We are thrilled to have Stone Brewing Co. as a member of our group!  Not only does Stone offer delicious craft beer, but for those beer enthusiasts getting married, a wedding at Stone Brewery, whether in Escondido or one of their other San Diego locations, may just be the perfect fit!

Weddings of Distinction_June 2016 Meeting

Photos courtesy of McGuire Photography

real wedding :: adam + sara

Weddings are unique and are a reflection of the couple, their style and tastes, and their upbringing.  For Adam and Sara, their Indian wedding was the perfect combination of tradition and fun!  This particular celebration was the couple’s 2nd one, as the week prior the bride’s side of family enjoyed their own party.

Coordinated by Cristina Gold, Adam and Sara’s special day took place at the Marriott La Jolla. Weddings of Distinction members, Concepts Event Design and Republic of Music, provided the uplighting/market lights and the entertainment, respectively.   Republic of Music is one of San Diego’s premier live music and DJ entertainment, and this wedding was no exception…they provided a 15 piece dance band, Cocktail Duo (piano/vocalist), Professional DJ, 2 DHOL players (indian drummers), projector screens, as well as stage trussing!  Then, to top it all off, patterned gobos were spread out throughout the reception room and dance floor!

The wedding was extremely high energy, and entertainment centered around numerous Indian performances by friends and family. There were times, though, when the groom, himself, surprised the bride with not only a choreographed dance, but with his own musical debut on drums!  The groom wanted this night to feel like a concert, and with all the details, the band, the staging and lighting and more, its safe to say, he got what he wished for!

San Diego Weddings; Wedding Professionals; Wedding Planning; Wedding Venues; Wedding Cake; Wedding Coordination; Wedding Flowers; Wedding DJ; Networking; Wedding Photography; Wedding Videography, San Diego Wedding MusicPhotography Courtesy of Bob Hoffman Photo & Video

featured wedding vendor :: ‘the groove’ {formerly disc go round DJ}

New name; same business; fresh look.  That is what is present for Andy Hagenah.  Andy started and successfully operated a leading San Diego-based DJ company, Disc Go Round DJ.  Yet, for 2014, a new approach was needed.  So, with the help of a former client of his, Andy has re-named and merged ‘Disc Go Round DJ’ into ‘The Groove,‘  rebranding an already successful DJ business into one that is more modern, hip, and above-all, experienced.

Andy, along with his partner Tim English, have been doing so much in the past year, connecting not only to his clients, but also transforming himself, so it is only appropriate that this rebranding personify the good that has come.  The Groove will continue to serve weddings, corporate events, private parties, and more, so if you know of someone, or some event, that needs good tunes, contact Andy today!

San Diego Wedding DJ

photos courtesy of E3 Photography

:: what can a professional wedding DJ really offer?

 

Wedding music; the decision of whether to have a band or a DJ can be daunting for some.  Bands are great, but DJs offer more diverse options.  Sometimes, it’s great to have both, but then who do you choose?  Bands can be distinguished by their sound and skill, but a DJ, their skill is not so easily distinguishable.

[Weddings of Distinction is fortunate to have two of the best San Diego wedding DJs in the business: Artistic Productions + Disc-Go-Round DJ.]

 Many may think that a DJ just plays songs from a playlist. There is truth in that, but really they do so much more.  Having a DJ at your reception not only gets the crowd moving, they have the ability to take your event to the next level.  Ever been to an event where the music was blah, and the “DJ” was boring and dry?  That’s what we’re talking about.  A DJ can make or break an event.

Of course, DJs play music, and you may be thinking, “Well, Uncle __ can create a playlist on iTunes entitled ‘_ Wedding,’ and it includes all our favorite songs.”   True, but think about timing.  A professional DJ, one who has been in the business for years, knows the appropriate mix of styles of music & the right timing for certain types of music.  Doesn’t that seal the deal?  An experienced DJ knows how to cater your event to your tastes as well as to the expectations of your crowd.  A professional DJ can read your crowd and then create the proper ambiance for your particular party in your particular stage/venue.

The idea that a DJ at your reception is there only to play music and to get the crowd bumpin’ is a bit naïve these days. Many professional DJs also act as emcees.  They make announcements, introductions; or, they may chime in with a funny ad-lib or joke.  DJs are in this business because they have personality; a professional DJ engages in public speaking for a living!  And, think about it, keeping your guests entertained is not accomplished through music alone.

The services many professional DJs offer is extensive, and when you really think about what you’re getting for your big day, the money is always worth it.  Music, microphones, speakers, and DVD/slideshows, and so much more.  Arguably one of the key components to creating a fun and memorable wedding reception is the not just the food, it’s the DJ/music.

Our advice: be wise, do your research, meet with DJs in person prior to your event.  Guage his/her personality, find out how long they’ve been in business, and look for reviews!  Weddings of Distinction is fortunate to have two of the best San Diego wedding DJs in the business in our group: Artistic Productions + Disc-Go-Round DJ.  You, your friends, and your family will surely remember the ceremony, the dress, etc., but why have a wedding if it’s not for the celebration

wedding dj

 

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.