wedding venue | San Diego Weddings Of Distinction

news + press :: march’s meeting at bernardo winery

Just when we think our meetings can’t get any better, we go to a winery, the Bernardo Winery to be exact, and we completely out-do ourselves! To sum March’s meeting up: outdoor luncheon, historic charm, and of course, wine!!

While admittedly it was hard to focus (:)), there were two, very informative speakers this month: the first, Marc Lehman from Emotion Picture Studio. His company has transformed into so much more than just videotaping weddings. Emotion Picture Studio works with a couples’ budget, and they not only offer professionally-manned coverage, but they’ve developed a service that sends cameras to a couple for them to distribute and use on their own, and then once returned, the Studio edits and creates the final memories. Convenient and innovative, for sure!

Following Marc, we heard from Shannon Henry & Janine Abdallah (who manage marketing for the Weddings of Distinction) about Facebook Targeted Ads. Albeit a brief synopsis, they offered the group a lot of information, that in turn, can be used to promote individual businesses.

When it came to lunch, it was a pretty warm, sunny day, s0 lunch was served in one of the vineyard’s outdoor pavilions. The combination of the shade of the gazebo, the view of the vineyards, and the old-world charm that transports you back to the 1800s, made this afternoon one of our more memorable lunches! After all presentations were presented, lunch was served, the group was escorted through the Winery. We learned about it’s history (many of us didn’t know that Bernardo Winery is Southern California’s oldest operating winery); we toured the grounds, and, of course, had a tasting! It’s a tough job; someone has to do it! 😉

Photos courtesy of Maryanne McGuire Photography

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

news + press :: march networking meeting

The space is a blank canvas, with a world of possibilities, and if you want a space for your wedding that gives you choices, then 828 Events may be exactly what you’re looking for for your San Diego wedding!

Located in the heart of the Point Loma area of San Diego, 828 Events is a venue space that boasts industrial-style looks, with touches of intimacy and class from fine finishes like market-string lighting and vibrant white trim.

Last month, our special networking group had the pleasure to explore this new wedding venue in San Diego, and let’s just say, we were all impressed! The lighting was bright and cheerful, and the meal, catered by Brothers Signature, was delicious. All that, coupled with custom cocktails from Snake Oil Cocktail Co. made the afternoon probably a little too much fun!

April’s meeting will be at The Crosby Club in North County San Diego, so stay-tuned for more networking news!

Photos courtesy of E3 Photography

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

member spotlight :: the prado at balboa park

Discover why there is nothing else like The Prado at Balboa Park! Historic charm blends with contemporary elegance to create a memorable backdrop. The most discriminating brides will fall in love with this stunning venue, offering the finest combination of natural beauty and stylish settings. For a venue that is both romantic and entertaining, The Prado provides a unique atmosphere for your once-in-a-lifetime event. The renovated House of Hospitality features lush historical gardens and a courtyard, elegant banquet rooms, romantic terraces and the outdoor grandeur of the historic Casa Del Rey Moro Gardens. The Prado at Balboa Park offers more than 22,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space and can accommodate groups of 20-20,000 guests. Please contact Andrea Pena to receive more information about this one-of-a-kind venue. Phone: (619) 557-9441 x213
Web Site:www.balboaparkweddings.com | E-mail: andrea@pradobalboa.com

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.

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