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June Meeting at the Sheraton Hotel and Marina

images courtesy of Lisa at www.ellegphotography.com



The San Diego Sheraton Hotel & Marina Shines Along San Diego Bay

Weddings of Distinction paid a visit to an iconic San Diego wedding property for their June luncheon meeting – The San Diego Sheraton Hotel & Marina (www.starwoodhotels.com).

WoD President Bob Brichmann, DJ and Emcee from Artistic Productions (www.artistic-productions.com) welcomed everyone to our June luncheon meeting. Honored guests included Stephanie Mason, Catering Manager for The San Diego Sheraton Hotel & Marina (www.starwoodhotels.com, Lindsey Campbell, Office Manager for Plush Lounge (www.loungefurniturerental.com) and Ariane Pardubsky, daughter of WoD member Cheryl Byrd, Haynes Antique Car Chauffeuring (www.lancedurant.com).

Stephanie Mason gave us a nice brief overview of the Sheraton and its banquet facilities. Stephanie has been in the hospitality industry for 11 years and at the Sheraton for about two years. The hotel is an incredible San Diego venue on the water with gorgeous views of the downtown skyline. They pride themselves on their service, quality and attentiveness to their wedding clients.

Bob introduced a cute icebreaker to warm up the meeting with a “guess who this is” type question and response quiz. Bob encouraged members to get to know each other on a more personal level as they network and share business leads.

Our showcaser for the day was Cynthia Blase, owner and wedding coordinator of Cynthia Zatkin Events (www.czevents.com). Cynthia, a native Californian, has a passion for event planning. Cynthia has planned events for a non-profit organization on the East Coast and has worked as a catering manager for the Hyatt Aventine in La Jolla. Cynthia strives to foresee what is needed to make her client’s wedding a “red carpet” moment!

Cynthia offers a couple of different packages, including full service, day of and month of planning. Cynthia also has a talented assistant – Andrea. Their ultimate compliment is to hear guests say, “The wedding is so the bride and groom!”

The Board shared several items of internal business. The Brichmann’s annual BBQ/Pool Party/Potluck was announced for July 12th. Co-Marketing Director Lisa Gisczinski, photographer from Elle G Photography (www.ellegphotography.com), shared new web site news and progress. Don’t forget to submit “Real Weddings” info for publication.

Raffle winners were: Dennis Way, ABI Photography (www.abiphoto.com) - gift basket donated by Ann Strobel (www.annsplans.com); Amy & Maurice Wright from The Theorie (www.thetheorie.com) - a magnum of champagne courtesy of Cynthia Blase; and, Merrylin Brichmann from Artistic Productions (www.artistic-productions.com) - a family portrait & 8x10 courtesy of ABI Photography.

The Weddings of Distinction 2009 Board:
President, Bob Brichmann, DJ & Emcee from Artistic Productions (www.artistic-productions.com)
Vice-President, Ann Strobel, Coordinator from Ann’s Plans (www.annsplans.com)
Treasurer, Merrylin Brichmann, DJ & Emcee from Artistic Productions (www.artistic-productions.com)
Founding President, Susan Ashley from Romantic Honeymoons, (www.romantichoneymoonsbysusan.com)
Membership, Carrie Esparza from San Diego Authentic Flavors Custom Catering (www.sdauthenticflavors.com)
Secretary, Andrea Pena from The Prado at Balboa Park (www.balboaparkweddings.com)

Committee Members:
Marketing: Lisa Gisczinski, photographer from Elle G Photography (www.ellegphotography.com); Shannon Henry, photographer from Studio Carre (www.studiocarre.com)

Weddings of Distinction is a non-profit networking group specializing in weddings and special events (www.weddingsdistinction.com). They meet monthly at various San Diego County hotels, resorts and special event facilities. Their July meeting will be Tuesday, July 28, 2009, from 11:30am-1:30pm at The Soledad Club (www.soledadclub.com).

Susan Ashley with Romantic Honeymoons and Holiday Travel

Romantic Honeymoons and Holiday Travel is San Diego’s Premiere Travel Specialist since 1995. With 14 years of travel experience, you can count on the fact that we have visited the top romantic destinations that most honeymooners want to travel to. We take pride in knowing which places to send our clients to and which ones to stay away from.

Our destination base consists of the Caribbean, Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji, Mexico, Europe Yachting & Cruises. We have a wealth of experience and feedback to draw upon when customizing your memorable honeymoon.

We also offer our clients a “Honeymoon Wishes” gift Registry. Check it out at www.romantichoneymoons.honeymoonwishes.com.

Planning your honeymoon through us WILL save you time and money. Most importantly, our services are complimentary! Contact us now to discuss your Island and resort options as well as additional amenities that may be available to you such as: spa treatments, sunset cruises, luau’s, zip-lining thru a forest, swimming with dolphins or even sharks - if you are that adventurous. We have it all and have done it all!

Call us for an appointment at 858-538-9811 or email us at romantic@san.rr.com. We look forward to working with you to create your most romantic, fun and memorable honeymoon ever!

The Grande Colonial Hotel in La Jolla

From The Grande Colonial Hotel

images courtesy ofwww.abiphoto.com


images courtesy of www.ellegphotography.com




A Gorgeous, Historic Hotel Rolls out the Red Carpet for Weddings of Distinction!

Our monthly luncheon meeting for Weddings of Distinction (www.weddingsdistinction.com) took us to the oldest hotel in La Jolla – The Grande Colonial (www.gclj.com). Nestled in the heart of La Jolla on bustling Prospect Avenue, The Grande Colonial, fresh from a recent $8 mill renovation, offers luxurious guest accommodations & amenities, ocean views, banquet facilities and scrumptious food and beverage.

Our host, Catering Events Specialist Rachel Carney, treated us to a delicious lunch no one will forget. Special thanks to Chef Jason Knibb - the halibut was awesome! The end of the meeting tour of the property gave many members a great idea on how nicely The Grande Colonial will treat their guests (our wedding clients). Rachel’s crew can tackle events ranging from 8 people up to 120.

Visiting Weddings of Distinction (www.weddingsdistinction.com) for lunch, were several area industry professionals: Stephanie Mason, Senior Catering Sales Manager from the Sheraton Harbor & Marina (www.sheraton.com/sandiegomarina), Kimmy Terrell, singer/manager/entertainer from The Sensation Show Band (www.sensationshowband.com) and Kyle Karges, owner/videographer from San Diego High Definition Weddings (www.sdhdwed.com).

Member showcasers for this month included Amy & Maurice Wright, owners/photographers from Theorie (www.thetheorie.com). This husband & wife’s motto is “Art That Thinks.” With their elegant vision and talents, they shoot everything from weddings to portraits, engagements & families. Their reputation is impeccable.

Also showcasing her business was founding president Susan Ashley, owner of Romantic Honeymoons (www.romantichoneymoonsbysusan.com). Susan’s been planning dream vacations and honeymoons for couples for over 15 years. Susan focuses on the couple’s unique tastes and with her insightful and first-hand knowledge of hundreds of resorts and guides them to make quality decisions.

Weddings of Distinction tests different group icebreakers and networking ideas from time to time. This month’s meeting saw assigned seating. Not to take people away from sitting with their established friends, the goal was to initiate people making new friends and business networking contacts. Based on the volume of conversation, I think the exercise was a success.

Various Board members took care of a little business. A few birthday salutations were given. Many wedding leads were exchanged (roughly 100). Raffle prizes were claimed by several members (Starbucks, champagne and a night’s stay at The Grande Colonial). Special thanks to Mary Noriega from Humphrey’s Florist (www.humphreyflorist.com) for the beautiful centerpieces.

See everyone at the next luncheon meeting on June 23rd! Location TBD!!

US Grant ~ Wedding and Event Showcase

images courtesy of elle g photography(www.ellegphotography.com)


US Grant Shines with a Glorious Day of Style & Fashion

Downtown San Diego had a definite glow above it this past Sunday afternoon, May 19, as the US Grant, A Luxury Collection Hotel, (www.luxurycollection.com/usgrant) staged its first Wedding and Event Showcase, A Journey of Self and Style.

Several dozen of San Diego’s finest wedding industry experts displayed their respective crafts and talents as 300-400 guests roamed the historic halls and ballrooms of the US Grant. Brides, grooms, parents and area industry guests were treated to eye-popping displays, scrumptious culinary delicacies, wonderful music and the jaw-dropping historic beauty of the US Grant.

Proudly…Weddings of Distinction (www.weddingsdistinction.com) had several members invited to display their talents throughout the various ballrooms.

Beautiful floral and décor ideas were shared in the Palm Court by Lois Mathews Design (www.loismathews.com). Anthony Garcia (www.agarciaguitar.com) strummed his flamenco guitar for the Crystal Ballroom’s ceremony display. Coordinator extraordinaire Ann Strobel (www.annsplans.com) showed off her planning and décor expertise in the Celestial Ballroom. DJs/Emcees Bob and Merrylin Brichmann from Artistic Productions (www.artistic-productions.com) offered a soothing mix of downbeat and contemporary tunes as guests entered the festivities in the Palm Court. Plush Lounge (www.loungefurniturerental.com) provided cozy, colorful, warm and much needed lounge furniture for all to relax & reenergize upon.

Hosted champagne, wine, coffees and various specialty drinks quenched everyone’s thirst on the day. Desserts, cakes and cupcakes kept all on a sugar high. The fashion show entertained with the latest fashions. Highlighting the afternoon were several large prize giveaways including a luxury 5 night stay at The Royal Hawaiian (www.luxurycollection.com/royalhawaiian).

A grand day at the US Grant!

Green Premier Party

images courtesy of Bauman Photographers


Weddings of Distinction was out in full force for the Green Premier Party at the downtown New Children's Museum!

All those in attendance say Go Green- Merrylin and Bob Brichmann of Artistic Productions, Ann Strobel of Ann's Plans, Susan Ashley of Romantic Honeymoons, Shannon of Studio Carre, Ellie Blomgren of A New Twist, Lois Mathews & Jeri Heiser of Lois Mathews Design, Amy & Maurice Wright of Theorie, and Paula Rae of Rae Florae.
Weddings of Distinction certainly celebrates and supports all the innovative ways we can incorporate eco-friendly elements to weddings, and what a great venue this was to learn more about what San Diego vendors have to offer in the way of organic catering and cottons, environmentally conscious hotels, reducing waste at events, reusable rental items, and locally grown flowers- Especially because one of our own members was showcasing! Paula Rae of Rae Florae put together a tabletop design using all seasonal flowers grown right here in San Diego County, as well as natural fiber accents such as bamboo plates and woven raffia- showing off that being green doesn't mean not being beautiful!

Thanks to Plan It Green www.2planitgreen.com for coordinating the event and Bauman Photographers for capturing these great pics of our Weddings of Distinction members out and about- keeping our attitudes fun and our ideas fresh.

Brides Against Breast Cancer

images courtesy of Bob Brichmann, www.artistic-productions.com


This was a wonderful cause! This past Friday and Saturday, March 6 & 7, The Henley Company, an Event Management & Concierge Firm, www.thehenleycompany.com, staged a charity Wedding Gown Sale at the beautiful Manchester Grand Hyatt, www.manchestergrand.hyatt.com, in downtown San Diego.

Proceeds benefited the Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation. Please visit this web site for further information: www.BridesAgainstBreastCancer.com.

Over the two days, hundreds of brides tried on gowns, tiaras and accessories as they shopped for their wedding. Gowns could be had for bargain prices ranging from $99.00 up to $699.00 with all proceeds going to charity. All participants in the show were volunteers. Various San Diego wedding industry professionals donated and displayed their services on the day, including linens, décor, floral, hair styling, gown cleaning & preservation, lingerie & undergarments, photography, jewelry, lounge furniture and DJ music.

Weddings of Distinction was proud to have three members involved in the show: host property The Manchester Grand Hyatt, www.manchestergrand.hyatt.com, lounge furniture courtesy of Plush Lounge Furniture Rental, www.loungefurniturerental.com, and Disc Jockey/Emcee and Music from Merrylin Brichmann of Artistic Productions, www.artistic-productions.com.

A beautiful bridal shopping day with a great cause!!