San Diego Weddings of Distinction ~ Hilton Del Mar

photos courtesy of elle g photography


Weddings of Distinction
General Meeting
January 27, 2009
Hilton Del Mar

Hello Weddings of Distinction!

Our first meeting of 2009 was hosted by the Del Mar Hilton, www.sandiegodelmarhilton.com. They are one of our newest members of Weddings of Distinction; Meredith Warfel, Catering Manager is their representative!

Director of Catering, Brittany Lee welcomed our group and spoke about their venue. The Del Mar Hilton boasts a variety of rooms to accommodate different guest list sizes from 25 to 400. The rooms’ names are reflective of their neighbor: The Del Mar Fairgrounds. The room we had our meeting in was the Derby room (originally a night club in the 1980’s). The Derby can seat approximately 80 for a set up of rounds of 10. The Del Mar Ballroom can seat up to 400 guests in a round of 10 set up. Also, the Ballroom can be divided into smaller sections. A Courtyard is the location for ceremonies with a capacity of 400. And of course, there are ample sleeping rooms for clients to book. The Del Mar Hilton is a one-stop shop for brides & grooms!

To reacquaint ourselves and to have a bit of fun, Weddings of Distinction President, Bob Brichmann of Artistic Productions, www.artistic-productions.com, led the group in an ice breaker. Each Weddings of Distinction member introduced themselves and the company they represent. Then Bob asked the member a quirky question to get to know each other on a more personal level.

This month’s Member Showcase Presenter was Wedding Officiant Michael Johnston, California Wedding Services, www.calwedservices.com.

Michael has been officiating ceremonies for over 11 years and he is a co-founder of the South Lake Tahoe Wedding Foundation. Michael offers a traditional style of officiating. He begins with a complimentary consolation with his clients to see if they and he are a fit. After that initial meeting, he will send the bride a groom home with homework to get them thinking about the ceremony and their vows. Next, he will have a (1) hour planning session with the couple. Michael will prepare a copy of the service to the bride and groom for their final approval. He will also be on hand for the rehearsal ceremony. Another service Michael offers includes renewal of vows. Also, he is writing a book of his experiences as being an officiant!

Question to Michael: Do you provide the marriage license?
• No
• However, Michael provides a worksheet to the clients with a check list (including the marriage license) that the couple is responsible for

Question to Michael: Does one need permission to get married on the beach?
• Yes; procure one through the city’s park & recreation department
• However, if it is a small wedding party with a short & sweet ceremony, he will quickly go to the location and perform the ceremony

Question to Michael: Do you provide you own sound system?
• No
• Michael prefers not to use amplification but he will if the couple requests him to or if the ceremony is being recorded for a video

The 2009 Weddings of Distinction Board was introduced.

Vice President, Ann Strobel, Ann’s Plans, www.annsplans.com announced our next meeting. It will be held on February 24th at the Paradise Point Resort, www.paradisepoint.com, on the deck and in the Dockside Room.

Membership Chairperson, Carrie Esparza, St. Tropez Bistro, introduced our newest member Susan Khania, Director of Catering at Maderas Golf Club, www.maderasgolf.com.

Treasurer, Merrylin Brichmann, Artistic Productions, www.artistic-productions.com, thanked members for dues paid

Marketing Co-Chairs, Shannon Henry, True Photography, www.truephotography.com and Lisa Gisczinski, Elle G Photography, www.ellegphotography.com reviewed in detail the WoD Marketing Goals for 2009.

Secretary, Andrea Peña, The Prado at Balboa Park, www.pradobalboa.com, announced new formatting for meeting minutes.

WoD President, Bob Brichmann, Artistic Productions, www.artistic-productions.com, announced (5) new etiquette articles have been added to the WoD web site, www.weddingdistinction.com. Bob encouraged members to submit ideas for additional articles as web sites are driven by content with regard to search engines.

Cheryl Haynes, Haynes Antique Car Chauffeuring, www.lancedurant.com, announced new business: Sightseeing in Antique Cars. Clients are shown the sights of San Diego in classic cars.

The Special Event, a leading industry trade show is in San Diego this year! The function hosts national vendors and offers educational seminars. It is held from January 28th through the 30th at the San Diego Convention Center. Many of our members, Ann Strobel, Merrylin Brichmann and Karen Kluchonic, strongly encouraged other members to attend! It is a chance to promote San Diego as an event destination to the international attendees.

A warm welcome to our guests:
• Tim English, DiscGo Round, www.discGoRounDJ.com
• Andrea Resnichek, Cynthia Zatkin Events, www.czevents.com


A very happy birthday to:
• Karen, Plush Lounge, www.loungefurniturerental.com
• Dennis, ASI Photography, www.ABIPhoto.com
• Meleah, First Dance Instruction, www.meleah.com

Congratulations to this month’s raffle winners:
• Lance & Cheryl, www.lancedurant.com, Border’s $25.00 gift certificate donated by Michael, www.calwedservices.com
• Dennis www.ABIPhoto.com, complimentary luncheon at the Hilton Del Mar donated by Meredith www.hilton.com