WOD at Sheraton Carlsbad

This month we met at the breathtaking Sheraton Carlsbad Resort. When I first arrived, I felt as though I was at the Ritz Carlton. We all need to be sure to thank our host, Director of Catering and Conference Series, Debra Ayala. The food was scrumptious, the service was top notch and our group looked great!

We opened the floor with an acknowledgement of our guests for the day’s meeting – host Debra Ayala and Julia from The Sheraton Carlsbad Resort, Susan Khania and Jessica Woodall from Maderas Golf Club and florist Lois Matthews.

Lola Chaney, who had to run thanks to a lead from the Manchester Grand Hyatt, was bumped up for an early presentation of her services as one of the day’s showcasers. Lola is the owner of West Coast Print Brokers (www.westcoastprintbrokers.com)and was introduced to the group through our Founding President, Susan Ashley-Howell. Lola’s business not only stands for quality print but more so for customer service. West Coast Print Brokers consists of nine graphic designers who are able to do anything from business cards to trade show banners and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Lola has been gracious enough to waive design cost for any Weddings of Distinction member and only charges a little over market on print. Once graphics are complete, there is only a three day grace period before your product is complete.

We then welcomed showcaser and owner of Humphrey’s Florist (www.humphreyflorist.com)and My Wedding Accessories (www.myweddingaccessories.com), Mary Noriega. Mary’s daughter-in-law, Debra Ayala encouraged her to get into the flower business by assisting her at the Princess Resort as their onsite florist. Mary is now semi-retired as a florist and is currently working hard with her online accessory business, www.MyWeddingAccessories.com (www.myweddingaccessories.com). Mary’s accessory business extends nationwide and Mary finds it interesting that the majority of her customers come from either the east, mid-west or south. Her largest sellers are bouquet jewels and cake toppers.

Founding President, and Owner of Romantic Honeymoons, Susan Ashley – Howell announced that she is working hard with Scott Wagner of ChiliCo Catering and Karen Goslin from San Diego Authentic Flavors Custom Catering on our Summer Party. Tentatively hold Sunday, June 15, 2008 on your calendars, time and location is yet to be determined.

Membership, and Co-Owner of Artistic Productions, Merrylin Brichmann spoke proudly about how honored she is to be a part of Weddings of Distinction and how our presence as a group was very predominant at the March NACE meeting. She gave a special kudos to Katrina Lacape of Magical Party Rentals for her beautiful presentation of table linen and chair covers.

Merrylin then welcomed the newest members of our group:

• Wedding Coordinator – Ann Strobel of Ann’s Plans – www.annsplans.com (www.annsplans.com)
• Authentic Flavors and Custom Catering – Karen Goslin – www.sdauthenticflavors.com (www.sdauthenticflavors.com)
• Photographer - Lisa Gisczinski of ElleGPhotography – ElleGPhotography.com (www.ellegphotography.com)

Our group’s Marketing Director and Manager of True Photography, Shannon Henry opened the floor for feedback in regards to the blog (which is amazing I might add). She is currently working on a slide show to put together for many of the marketing avenues that the group will be using. Shannon would like to request that we submit 4-5 photographs that best represent our businesses since she has the ability to change them frequently. We also now have a listing on Facebook, please be sure to join!

Secretary and Senior Sales Associate with La Jolla Cove Suites, Joy Richards announced to the group that Weddings of Distinction will have a booth at their 2nd Annual Open House on Thursday, April 10, 2008 between the hours of 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Invitations went out specifying 5:00 – 6:30 but you are more than welcome to come anytime before 8:00 PM. Merrylin and Susan will be responsible for representing the group at a designated table but we are all invited to attend. Please be sure to send any marketing materials that you feel will best represent your business and call Joy if you have any questions.

Thank you to those that attended this meeting – what a great turnout. For those that couldn’t attend, we missed you. We’ll see you next month at The Crossings in Carlsbad!