No wedding is absolutely perfect. When we asked newlyweds and… the less newly wed to share their biggest wedding day woes with us, a few common threads started to emerge. Here’s what we learned:

1. Get It On Film
So many brides told us they wished they’d sprung for a videographer, or given their wedding photographer more specific directions. Your wedding will be RIFE with special moments – make sure you capture as many as possible!

“My husband and I really regret not recording the speeches. They were so loving and beautiful, we were moved to tears again and again! It’s one of the best memories I have of that day and I wish we had a better record of all the kind things our family and friends had to say. A few gave us their typed notes but most strayed and added in some great anecdotes. Nothing about hair/makeup/venue or cakes mattered to me once I realized there were so many people there who loved us so much!” – Isabella

2. Beauty Accidents Happen
Wind, rain, and acts of God can seriously undo your updo. When you’re contemplating your wedding hairstyle, consider the locale, temp, and time of year. ALSO – the week of/day of your wedding is not an awesome time to try exciting new beauty treatments for the first time.

“My biggest mistake? Thinking my hair would actually cooperate and not require 3.5 hours to do so, effectively ruining photo happy time.” – Christen

“My wedding was on the beach. It was gorgeous but there were strong winds so my Kardashian curls turned to a frizzy, curl-less disaster AND my veil flew out. Luckily the ceremony was over when it happened…. But you can see my hair get progressively worse in the pix!” – Jessica

3. Budget Your Time
Three words, ladies. HAIR AND MAKEUP. Too many wedding timelines get derailed when brides don’t budget enough time for wedding prep. Don’t let the primping get the best of your special day!

“I honestly think the one and only thing I would change would be starting hair/make-up for the ladies earlier, so we could have done more bride+bridesmaids photos. That said, I love the few we did get, and that is the *ONLY* thing I would change!” – Sean

4. Don’t Succumb To Peer Pressure
So many brides felt their wedding suffered because they’d been duped into letting friends or friends of friends handle important wedding services. “Friendors” can be fab…but they can also be a big flop.

“I’d have written contracts for services provided. Just because they’re your friends doesn’t mean you don’t need one. I’m still waiting for the dvd of our ceremony 13 mos later with no way of getting my money or the video footage.” – Jennifer

So there you have it brides – wedding wisdom from real brides who have been to the altar and back (and lived to tell about it). If you’ve recently wed, tell us – what would you have tweaked about your wedding?

-courtesy OneWed.com

photos courtesy of abi photography

June’s meeting took place at the oh so sweet, Sweet Cheeks Baking Co.! This month was a change from our normal daytime format and we were able to network and socialize more informally. We got to indulge in some yummy paella that David from San Diego Paella provided for our dinner. And of course to top it off….a smorgasbord of yummy treats personally made by Elaine and Donna that included mini tarts, cookies , and mini cupcakes. Delish!

The Westin treated our members and guests to a fabulous luncheon meeting to close April. Kudos to Sheri Karpinski and her banquet staff for fantastic service and a delicious lunch. The Westin is a fabulous choice for your next business meeting, corporate holiday party or that perfect, rocking, urban wedding.

WoD drifted this month from its normal monthly meeting agenda. WoD staged an informative and highly group engaging forum focusing on marketing, creative advertising and, basically, ideas on what to do when the phone is not ringing as much as it should be. Keynote speakers were President Bob Brichmann & Treasurer Merrylin Brichmann, Artistic Productions, Vice-President Ann Strobel, Ann’s Plans, David Wasserman from Joes On The Nose, and photographer Kristina Chartier. Member participation was very spirited and creative advice was flying about the room. Everyone surely took home at least one good idea from this meeting to help themselves and their business.

Typical monthly Board business was shared. New member coordinator Krista Murphy from Definitive Events was welcomed into the group. Raffles prizes were awarded. New member brochures are ready to go to print. We’ll see you next month (5/25) at the Sheraton Carlsbad!

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.

Michelle and Tyler exchanged wedding vows at the Wishing Well at The Prado at Balboa Park. It was an awesome display of Weddings of Distinction members on the night. Wedding Coordinator Ann Strobel from Ann’s Plans kept the night moving along in style from ceremony through reception. Ladies dazzled and tables shown with incredible floral bouquets & arrangements from Lois Mathews Designs. Variations of Spanish guitar wafted throughout the courtyard for the cocktail hour courtesy of Bob Brichmann, DJ from Artistic Productions. The party continued to rock throughout the reception with a mix of retro, old school and modern classics.

The San Diego summer is here and what wonderful way to kick it off with an outdoor wedding. Korey & Paul and their parents staged a gorgeous San Diego destination wedding and reception at The Paradise Point Resort. Lois Mathews, of Lois Mathews Design, provided stunning flowers and a bamboo ceremony arch set the tropical tone for the night. Starfish and orchids decorated the ceremony aisle. Their theme for the night was seashells, starfish, shades of butterscotch, soft blues and creamy yellows. The delicious wedding cake, designed by the French Gourmet, kept the theme going. Wedding planner Ann of Ann’s Plans assisted with every area of planning including design, venue search, vendor inquiries and negotiations. Everything was timed perfectly and Ann made it all flow smoothly for Korey & Paul.
You can tell by some of the photos that wedding photographer, Lisa Gisczinski, of elle.g photography, captured a fun loving, tight-knit group on the night. Her beautiful pictures grasped the warmth of the ceremony and the all-out party that ensued throughout the night. Bob Brichmann, DJ and Emcee from Artistic Productions, kept the floor packed the entire night with a combination of retro and modern sounds that pleased everyone! A true San Diego Weddings of Distinction wedding and a really great party!