Form submitted successfully, thank you.

Error submitting form, please try again.

welcome to weddings of distinction!

Weddings of Distinction is a select group of San Diego area wedding vendors who are dedicated to providing excellent quality services for the discriminating bride and groom. As individual companies, we are committed to serving each client to the best of our abilities in the area of our particular skill or expertise. We strive to work together or with other wedding professionals you may have already chosen to make your special day live up to and surpass what you have envisioned. As you plan for your wedding, surround yourself with local professionals with impeccable reputations and skills that will compliment your special day. Experience, professionalism, creativity and excellent service will lead to peace of mind for you and your family and a spectacular, memorable and fun wedding day!

We want to take a moment to welcome you to our new website. There are a lot of features we hope you will enjoy. Make sure to search for your favorite vendor under MEET THE PROS, and you can find out more about them by searching under the MEMBER SPOTLIGHT section. If you had a great experience with one of our members, please feel free to leave a comment. Also be sure to subscribe to our RSS Feed, follow us on Twitter, join our Facebook group. The site will be updated frequently. We hope you visit often!

Thanks for stopping by!!!! 

real weddings :: lindsay and ashley

images courtesy of sara france
Lindsay & Ashley are one of those perfectly suited, happy couples that make you smile when you help to create their Big Day! The rain made its best effort to ruin their wedding festivities, but with gorgeous photography by Boucher Photography and very cool light from the rain, the results were truly magnificent. How Lindsay managed to look like Mariah Carey on her best days after all the rain is beyond impressive! The wedding took place at one of Weddings of Distinction’s favorite venues… Maderas Golf Club. Lindsay and Ashley chose Sweet Cheeks Baking Co. to create a cake that was designed after the beading on Lindsay’s gorgeous dress. They also chose delicious mini carrot cupcakes and cheesecakes to tempt their guests before the grand wedding cake of vanilla bean with fresh raspberry mousse and blackout chocolate with Belgian Chocolate Whipped Mousse.

news:: monthly luncheon at bahia belle

images courtesy of Studio Carre.

The William D. Evans sternwheeler at The Bahia Resort was the scene of our latest WoD outing. What a treat! It’s such a beautifully historic boat. The stain-glassed 2nd deck ceiling is gorgeous. Many thanks to the catering ladies – Susan, Kristin and Kelly and the banquet staff for providing a delicious meal and wonderful visit.

Special thanks go out to WoD member Lois Mathews of Lois Mathews Design for the creative table décor. Beautiful candles, baubles and peacock feathers!

Guests for the day included coordinator Carmin Cermak of Carmin Designs, Fred Alderete from Concepts Event Design and little baby Axel – WoD member Cynthia Zatkin’s newest addition to her family. Also welcomed to the group were new members Sara Sargent, catering manager from the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa , Haydee and Fred Alderete, owners of Concepts Event Design and Kristina Chartier of Kristina Chartier Photography

Our two showcasers for the day were coordinator Ann Strobel from Ann’s Plans and Meleah , hair & make-up stylist, 1st dance instructor, image consultant and more. Thank you ladies for sharing your talents with the group.

Board members shared group business and announcements with all. Thank you Ann for the generous raffle prize. A few testimonials were shared. Birthdays were acknowledged. Many, many referrals were exchanged and, as we do each month, networking was enjoyed by all.

We’ll see you March 23 at Humphrey’s On The Bay!

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.

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.

member spotlight :: artistic-productions

Merrylin and Bob Brichmann are arguably two of the more accomplished wedding DJs and Emcees in San Diego. Fueled by a passion for music and a love for the sun, their careers brought them to San Diego from Ohio in 1989.

Melding to each couple’s tastes, reading a crowd, taking requests with some discretion, avoiding the cheese factor…they’ll take your elegant wedding and turn it into a fun, rockin’ party! They also offer DVD/slide show projection, uplighting and monograms. Artistic Productions’ goal is a memorable party for all!

In this era of going green, their web site is their brochure. Feel free to visit them at www.Artistic-Productions.com. Personal connection is always crucial in our field so they make themselves available for meetings/interviews at your convenience.

Check out their website at www.artistic-productions.com or give them a call at 619.593.7367, they are waiting to hear from you.

.

real weddings :: moses and stephanie

images courtesy of theorie

Stefanie and Moses’ wedding was a fun, fresh, modern, urban celebration beautifully captured by San Diego Weddings of Distinction member, Theorie, whose modern, colorful, candid style perfectly suited the couple’s wedding day. The couple got ready for their big day downtown in San Diego’s Gaslamp District, the perfect setting for pictures with their bridal party before the ceremony. Their outdoor ceremony was held at the Admiral Kidd Club overlooking San Diego’s downtown skyline. Fellow San Diego Weddings of Distinction member, Artistic Productions, provided the music, sound and reception lighting for the day’s festivities. The bride and groom danced the night away with all of their guests to the professional DJ services provided by Merrylin Brichman, whose experienced, professional presence and upbeat nature combine perfectly with her love of music to make her one of the most sought after DJ’s in San Diego.
Stefanie and Moses could not have been happier with their wedding day, taking the time to send enthusiastic emails thanking both Theorie and Artistic Productions before jetting off to Mexico for their honeymoon the next day.

March 11, 2010 - 9:26 am Merrylin Brichmann - It was such a joy to be included in this amazing wedding ~ the energy and love was everywhere and we rocked and rocked and rocked!

real weddings :: josh and amber

images courtesy of theorie

Amber and Josh were married in La Jolla just blocks from the ocean at the historic Darlington House. San Diego Weddings of Distinction member, Theorie, provided complete coverage with their artistic and modern wedding photography. Their images beautifully documented the story of Amber and Josh’s vibrant and colorful outdoor wedding and reception. The courtyard setting for the ceremony was the perfect wedding venue for these two outdoor lovers, who partied the night away in the wonderful Southern California weather for an outdoor reception under the stars in the Darlington House’s lovely Rose Garden. San Diego Weddings of Distinction member, Continental Catering, was on hand with all manner of delicious edible delights, treating the guests and wedding party to bountiful fruits and cheeses during the cocktail hour, as well as a variety of the couple’s favorite international cuisine at individual stations for the dinner.

February 11, 2010 - 2:57 pm Amber Estes - I couldn't have asked for more amazing vendors... between the theorie's fresh and creative photography, Continental Catering's exquisite cuisine and artful set-up, and the charming, quirky backdrop of the Darlington House, it was the perfect day!

February 11, 2010 - 6:03 pm Lauren - This was such a beautiful wedding! The color combos worked so well. Lovely bride too! :-)

February 11, 2010 - 8:00 pm amy + maurice @ theorie - Thanks Amber! We had SUCH an amazing time at your wedding, it was a beautiful day and we were so honored to be part of it!

Weddings of Distinction kicks off 2010 with a Bang!

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.

tips from the pros :: planning a small wedding

San Diego Weddings of Distinction member Cynthia Zatkin Blase of Cynthia Zatkin Events helps brides and grooms coordinate their intimate and personal day. She shares her tips on how you can create the ultimate small wedding.

Find your critical mass: Figure out how many people you need to have in attendance to feel as if your wedding is an “event.” For some brides, 20 people are enough, but others need 50 or 60 to feel like they have created a party. Find that number you need and then, to account for negative responses, invite 20 percent more than that number.

Invite your essentials: Come up with a list of the people who mean the most to you. This, in itself, will create intimacy.

Find a distinctive venue: With a smaller group, you can select an untraditional space. Consider using your favorite restaurant or the quaint inn you and your spouse-to-be love.

Find a venue that fits the size of your group perfectly: Try not to have the room be too small or too large. If the room is a bit large, use more tables and seat fewer guests at each table.

Do more than just the standard toasts: Have childhood friends or your college roommate tell stories. Just make sure these are all prepared speeches and not inebriated ramblings!

Personalize your wedding: Because only your closest friends and family will be in attendance, include photos or mementos that truly showcase your personalities.

Specialize your menu: Consider polling your guests for their favorite kind of food or upgrading the alcohol to reflect their preferences.

Be grand! Small weddings don’t need to be small events. Feel free to create large, dramatic centerpieces, display a magnificent cake and have a full band.

Upgrade the item that is most important to you: Because smaller weddings are generally less expensive, spend the money you are saving on that item you really want. Whether it’s the perfect dress, a specific photographer or gorgeous linens, upgrade on whatever it is that you’ll remember most.

written by the union tribune http://sports.uniontrib.com/uniontrib/20080120/news_1c20wedtipm.html

news:: monthly luncheon at Maderas Country Club

Images by Studio Carre' Photographie

images courtesy of studio carre’

Weddings of Distinction staged its final meeting of the year on November 24th at Maderas (www.maderasgolf.com). WoD member Susan Khania was our host and introduced us to her assistant and GM Bill O’Brien. They treated members to a fantastic lunch and showed off their beautiful property. Maderas, while being known as a first class golf course, hosts corporate and family functions and weddings throughout the year. Maderas stands out for its beauty, staff service and delicious menu offerings.

Special guests included: Sara Sergeant, Catering Manager from the Sheraton Carlsbad (www.sheratoncarlsbad.com), Lindsey Campbell, Senior Sales Associate from Plush Lounge (www.loungefurniturerental.com), photographer Mike Blomgren, husband of WoD member Ellie Blomgren from A New Twist Hair & Make-up (www.anewtwist4u.com), and new little baby Kailyn Grace Murphy, daughter of WoD member Krista Murphy, Catering Manager from the Manchester Grand Hyatt (www.manchestergrand.hyatt.com).

The luncheon meeting took a different turn this month as we tested an open forum format for the first time. Led by moderators President Bob Brichmann from Artistic Productions (www.artistic-productions.com) and Vice-President Ann Strobel from Ann’s Plans (www.annsplans.com), the goal of the meeting was to share marketing advice amongst all members to benefit both personal and business growth.

Four panelists covered several areas of modern marketing significance and shared their expertise on subjects ranging from web site/SEO and social media, industry thank you gifting, email campaigns, networking and giving back to the community. Panelists shared what they have done and what works for them and how each member might consider doing the same or some similar action to benefit their businesses. A lengthy question & answer session ensued and many, many ideas were shared.

Special thanks to all members who participated but especially to our panelists: photographer Lisa Gisczinski from Elle G Photography (www.ellegphotography.com), flamenco guitarist Anthony Garcia (www.agarciaguitar.com), coordinator Cynthia Zatkin Blase from Cynthia Zatkin Events (www.czevents.com), and DJ/Emcee Merrylin Brichmann from Artistic Productions (www.artistic-productions.com).

In addition to the format test being well received by those in attendance, upcoming holiday party news was shared, raffle prizes were doled out courtesy of florist Lois Mathews and our host Susan Khania from Maderas, birthdays were acknowledged and much networking and referrals was shared by all.

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

real weddings :: patrick and mary

san diego wedding photographerimages courtesy of elle.g photography

Mary and Patrick are a uniquely strong willed and determined couple. Mary was a dolphin trainer for Sea World for several years. She is the type of person that sets goals, and achieves them. Patrick is much the same, dedicating himself to run for San Diego City Council. This unique couple was married in early October at the Bahia Resort. The Bahia sits right on the waters edge of beautiful Mission Bay. Their intimate ceremony was on the sand and the wedding reception took place in the Del Mar Ballroom. Since Mary is a former animal trainer, it was a given that their dog Lily would be the ring bearer. Lily executed her part perfectly by running down the isle with a flower in her mouth! San Diego Weddings of Distinction members, Lisa of elle.g photography and Shannon from Studio Carre‘, captured the day’s precious moments perfectly and French Gourmet created the beautiful and delicious wedding cake.

member spotlight :: SilverWood musicians

wedding musicians SilverWoodSilverWood began in 1995 as a guitar/flute duo and since then has mushroomed into a versatile musical ensemble, with two to seven musicians, including a vocalist. They perform a vast variety of music styles, including classical, pop, jazz, folk, and international, providing tasteful live music for almost any occasion.
Characterized by rich harmonies and stirring rhythms, their presentations can be intimate or dynamic, soothing or energizing, whatever fits the event. Also, they promote a stimulating rapport between themselves and their listeners; SilverWood plays music for enjoyment!

Please contact Diane at diane@silverwood-music.com for more information!