real wedding:: david + julia

San Diego boasts some of the finest wedding venues out there, but for certain couples, the intimacy of a private residence, for example, is more appropriate than a hotel for their “I Dos.”

The wedding of David and Julia was just that, an intimate affair on a private residence in beautiful La Jolla, CA.  The wedding was simple, yet screamed elegant.  The lighting, provided by WoD vendor, San Diego Events Lighting Co., was romantic, yet simple.  The accents of market string lighting lit their outdoor reception area perfectly.  The food was catered by one of San Diego’a best wedding caterers, Crown Point Catering, another WoD vendor, offered top-of-the-line wedding food and hors d’oeuvres.

In addition, three other Weddings of Distinction vendors took part in the nuptials: wedding music provided by DJ Daniel Peterson, wedding coordination by Ann’s Plans (wedding planning), and photography by Studio Carre Photographie.

San Diego Wedding Professionals_David and JuliaPhotos courtesy of Studio Carre Photographie

bridal event in San Diego :: exquisite weddings fall launch party

Are you a bride and in need of some top-notch wedding inspiration?  Or maybe you are not part of the couple, but involved in some aspect of the wedding planning?  Either way, there is an event coming up that you will sure not want to miss: the Exquisite Weddings Magazine Fall Launch Party!

On Tuesday, October 14th, from 6:30 – 8:30pm, The Westgate Hotel will host some of San Diego’s best wedding vendors, including some of our amazing Weddings of Distinction members! There will be loads of inspiration, amazing displays to see, and an opportunity to meet many San Diego wedding professionals that may or may not be part of the actual show!

Hosted bites and dessert will be available, as well as complimentary beer and wine.  If you are a bride and register as such, you get in free, so be sure to RSVP for a night of inspiration and giveaways!

See you there!

bridal event in san diego

san diego weddings :: what’s trending in 2013

Weddings are a major production, and while the main premise will always stay the same (the celebration of love), the trends and themes with which that love is celebrated is constantly evolving and changing.

So, while it may be the beginning of June, and you may be wondering why we would explore 2013 wedding trends at this point in the year, we think there is no better time than now to explore how 2103 wedding trends have played out.  Using images and styles from some of the major San Diego bridal events as well as those from local photographers, we will explore a few things that we’ve noticed over the past five months.

Let’s explore!

__________

Simple, Stunning Lines in Bridal Gowns

A girl knows when she’s found her dress, and it is the bridal gown that can impact the rest of the wedding.  This year, 2013 has proved to be the year of clean lines and simple elegance.  Also popular: lace.  Here are just a few styles:

Wedding Dresses San Diego

Photos courtesy of Luna Photo

__________

Bright Colors/Accents Colors

“By using varying shades of the color you have chosen, you will be able to add depth and interest to your color scheme. For example, if your bridesmaid’s dresses are burgundy in color, you could use a deep red and a light red to achieve a contrasting look.”

Wedding Colors

Photos courtesy of Kristina Chartier Photography | TRUE PhotographyLuna Photo

__________

Accessories and Headpieces

Traditional veils are a thing of the past.  Nowadays, brides are choosing stunning headpieces and/or accessories that are as unique as their personality.

Bridal Accessories

Photos courtesy of Studio Carre’ |  Luna Photo

__________

Going Beyond the Wedding Cake

The days of one flavor cakes are long gone. Enjoy the flavors and tastes of multi-tiered/multi-layered wedding cakes. Or, better yet, enjoy desserts that are not just cake!  Now, mini donuts, cupcakes, candy and more are all viable dessert options!  Now, all your guests can enjoy de

Wedding dessertsPhotos courtesy of TRUE Photography | Luna Photo

__________

Themes

Great Gatsby or Steampunk – English Garden Romance — Themed weddings are all the rage in 2013.  What’s better than the recreate a time long gone, or an atypical space not in the everyday.

European Garden Theme

themed weddings

Photos courtesy of Kristina Chartier Photography | Studio Carre’ | Luna Photo

__________

Information courtesy of:

Everyday Experience

DREAM Bridal Event

San Diego Wedding

The Knot

Wedding Blogs 100

Bridal Guide

tips from the pros :: make-up trends

You will be photographed more on your wedding day than any other day in your life. Your photographs will be viewed and treasured for many years and generations of your family. You’ll be the center of attention–Guaranteed! You probably know the most popular saying heard at a wedding is, Congratulations!. But, running a close second is “You Look So Beautiful!”.

Having the right dress and the right hairstyle are just part of the equation. Having the right makeup application is also critical on your wedding day.
San Diego weddings require no unique preparation for bridal make up than anywhere else. Of course, you should be aware of weather conditions if you have a beach wedding, boat wedding, or use any outdoor wedding location.
A face primer is ideal to neutralize skin imperfections, diminish the appearance of fine lines and increase makeup wearability. Apply over moisturizer or use alone.
Using an eye primer neutralizes discolorations from the brow bone down to the eye lid, thus giving the eye area a perfect canvas for true color as well as hours of long-lasting eye shadow wearability without fading or creasing. Be sure to apply a foundation or concealer and powder to the eyelids.
Foundation should look and feel like a second skin. The more natural looking, the better. Oil-free mineral foundations with long wearing properties are great to use.
When using an illuminating powder on the face, only apply to the areas that you want to highlight and enhance. If applied all over the face, you will look unnatural and your face will look shiny and oily in pictures.
To enhance the eyes, use a soft shimmering eyeshadow on the lid and use a sheer matte finish eyeshadow in crease of eye and under brow. If the eyeshadows are too pearlized under the brow, the area will reflect the light creating a bright spot above the eyes in photographs. To make the eyes look larger and stand out, curl the lashes with an eyelash curler before mascara application. Try a natural style of false lash. Pick a soft pair and cut in half. Apply to the outer half of lash line for a full, yet natural look. Be sure to choose a mascara that’s waterproof; it’ll last longer and withstand tears.
For longer lasting color, line lips as well as entire mouth. Apply lipstick in the same color family. Blot the lips, apply a light dusting of powder, and apply lipstick again. Or try a long-lasting lipstick that’s formulated to stay on ’till the wee hours of the morning.

Lastly – be sure to create a great skin regimen that you’ll stick to, get lots of sleep, drink plenty of water, and exercise to prepare for your big day!