San Diego Weddings of Distinction

The San Diego Del Mar Hilton hosted the 1st luncheon meeting of 2010 for Weddings of Distinction. Director of Catering Gary Bolotin and staff treated members to a wonderful luncheon in the Derby Room. Fellow WoD member David Wasserman with Joes On The Nose showcased his company’s delicious coffees, lattes, mochas, hot chocolates and cappuccinos. The group was a buzzin’…..and referrals were too!

As a 1st meeting of the year activity, each member and attendee stood and gave a 30 second introduction and “commercial” for their craft. Several guests attended: photographer Kristina Chartier, web site designer and SEO specialist Staci Paris, Haydee Alderete from Concepts Event Design and Diane D’Angelo from the bridal salon D’Angelo in Mission Valley.

Board members shared some new year’s business. Several raffle prizes were awarded. A few testimonials were shared. Birthdays were acknowledged. Several faces we’d not seen in a while were welcomed back. Many, many referrals were shared and, as is the goal of the group, spirited networking took place.

We’ll see you next February 23rd! Stay tuned for the location!

The Weddings of Distinction 2010 Board:

President, Bob Brichmann, DJ & Emcee from Artistic Productions; Vice-President, Ann Strobel, Coordinator from Ann’s Plans; Treasurer, Merrylin Brichmann, DJ & Emcee from Artistic Productions; Founding President, Susan Ashley from Romantic Honeymoons; Membership, Andrea Pena from The Prado at Balboa Park; Secretary, Diane Wilson from Silverwood Music Ensemble; Marketing, Lisa Gisczinski, Elle G Photography.

Committee Members:
Shannon Henry, photographer from Studio Carre.

San Diego Weddings of Distinction is a non-profit networking group specializing in weddings and special events. They meet monthly at various San Diego County hotels, resorts and special event facilities. The group’s goal is building professional relationships and networking to give clients the best advice and services to choose from.

images courtesy of elle.g photography

Weddings of Distinction paid a luncheon visit to the beautiful Hyatt Regency Mission Bay (www.hyatt.missionbay.com) this past October 27th and dined outdoors in the newly designed Banyon Court. The picturesque patio sits on the northeast side of the property with a view of Mission Bay.

Catering Manager Jennifer Pals and her staff treated us to a delicious lunch and dessert. Their recent $65 million dollar renovation is impressive. As wedding vendors, we all look forward to performing there in the coming months and confidently referring them to our clients.

2009 WoD President Bob Brichmann (www.artistic-productions.com) broke some early ice with a simple, cute “get-to-know your fellow member” icebreaker. Six members deepest secrets were revealed as members attempted to guess which clues matched which member. Good laughs had by all.

This month’s showcaser was Diane Wilson from Silverwood Music Ensemble (www.silverwood-music.com). Diane entertained our group during the 1st half hour meet and greet with a CD of their talented vocalist and the ensemble’s work. Prior to lunch, Diane took the time to reintroduce her group’s work to the group. Their repertoire spans many genres and is sure to please a varied special event audience – primarily weddings!

Founding President Susan Ashley introduced her new partner with her Romantic Honeymoons (www.romantichoneymoonsbysusan.com) – Gretchen MacKnight. Bob Brichmann reminded members that new Board members for 2010 were being sought for December 1st elections. Marketing team member Lisa Gisczinski, Elle G Photography (www.ellegphotography.com), pitched for members to link to the new WoD web site or seek help in doing so.

Raffles prizes were doled out. October birthdays were acknowledged. Mega leads were exchanged amongst members. We’ll see everyone next November 24th at fellow member facility Maderas Country Club (www.maderasgolf.com). Happy Halloween!

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.sandiegoweddingsdistinction.com). They meet monthly at various San Diego County hotels, resorts and special event facilities.