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! 😉

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Photos courtesy of Maryanne McGuire Photography

luxury dining at vintana restaurant :: september meeting was all about style

North County San Diego is not a area where Weddings of Distinction members venture too often, so when the opportunity to visit Vintana Wine + Dine in Escondido presented itself for our September meeting, it was a welcome experience into a restaurant that is one of San Diego’s finest!

Located in a rather unconventional location, above the Lexus car dealership in Escondido, CA, Vintana Wine + Dine  is not affiliated with Lexus, but rather The Centre.  The Centre is a space that hosts the restaurant on top, the Lexus dealership on the bottom, and in-between, professional offices, galleries and shops.  It is quite a unique space!

Lunch was served in one of the private banquet rooms, with floor-to-ceiling windows that gave us a stunning view of life below.  With the mountains in the backdrop, yet the conveniences of commercial life close by, it is easy to forget where you are for a moment.  Plus, with the exquisite taste of the food (surf & turf) and dessert, all we can say is WOW!

In our “Tips from the Pros” segment, we heard from two members representing our wedding venues, and they shared some insight with the group about what it is like representing the actual wedding location.  Big responsibilities!

The afternoon ended with a tour of the space.  For many who had been to this location before, it was further proof that this restaurant is special; and for those who first time was then, going back is a must!!

Wedding location in Escondido