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

Yes, sometimes we do get out and have some fun! This year’s holiday party consisted of cosmic bowling and a variety of ugly Christmas sweaters….with a few select prizes for the most creative. We had great fun with each other during a relaxed evening away from work, but some competition was definitely going on between the lanes…and the santa gift exchange!

We hope that you all have a wonderful and happy holiday season, and we’ll see you next year!!

photos courtesy of abi photography

Our last meeting for 2011 was a lot of fun. Elizabeth Bradshaw from The Loft and Michelle Koenig, Projects Manager for Zanzibar Café, Inc., treated us to a great venue and lunch experience at UC San Diego.  Our guests were Brent Clifford, Studio Carre, and Joe Park with Disc Go Round DJ & Video Services. We also welcomed our newest member, Jen from Pink Star Design!  And our thanks to Paula for the great centerpieces.

Andy Hagenah was our showcaser.  He talked about Disc Go Round DJ & Video Services and Starlight Photo Booth (yep, we got to take fun pictures in it too).  Andy, Tim and sometimes a third guy handle the DJ end of the business.  We all know Andy is professional, classy and does a great job for his clients!  Joe Park, one of the videographers, does a lot of video for DGR and showed us a sample video of his work ~ professional, sharp and a great overview of the event.  Andy offers a lot of value and entertainment with the photo booth, including video, props and pictures ~~ prices vary so check with on availability and options.

The Loft is a great location for all kinds of events, including weddings.  They can seat 120-150 for weddings and 223 standing room.  The space rents for $1500 and offers an impressive variety of packages.   They have a wine and beer license, lots of tables/chairs custom menus and an over-the-top sound system.  In addition to the delicious lunch, we all were given welcome bags (including cool T-shirts)!   They really did a great job hosting us ~~ special thanks to Krista and Karen for setting this one up.  It’s a “hidden jewel” and they would love our support.

After raffle prizes were drawn, we all headed off campus to enjoy the rest of our afternoon.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone at our Ugly Sweater Bowling Party with Secret Santa gift exchange next month.  Our new Board will be announced then too!

Happy Holidays All!!

photos courtesy of studiocarre.com

Members had a great time at the University Club atop the Symphony Towers last month.  Ed Westfield told us about the awesome renovations recently completed…they love to book weddings and were very excited to host WoD and share the beautiful new changes!

Our guest was Darrin Dietz, representing AFR and our Showcaser was Paula of Rae Florae, who is celebrating five successful years and growing to six assistants/designers. What’s big in florals?  Succulents, painted and lots of greens.  Her designs are simplicity created and expressed in a new way.  Her expertise is reflected in her level of detail and excellent service!  And, she’s really, really sweet!

We did a little ice-breaker game ~ “two truths and a lie” and tried to guess who did what.  It was hilarious ~ we have some very creative people in our group and learned lots about each other!

Kimmy from Sensation Show Band told us about her new band, 80’s Beta Max.  Kimmy will be playing at the Del Mar Powerhouse concert in the park on 9/18.  A bunch of us rocked out at Viejas with her too ~ it was a disco inferno! Her bands are jamming!

Lunch was delicious, champagne flowed and raffle prizes were drawn.  Everyone was very busy networking, excited about the busy summer months and our meeting next month at Loew’s Coronado!

Weddings of Distinction is proud to announce that Kristina Chartier Photography and Cali Cards were featured on the California Wedding Wave blog for a 1920′s inspired photoshoot.  It’s amazing what can happen when you get San Diego’s finest wedding professionals together.

Our July meeting at The Cosmopolitan Hotel in Old Town was quite an experience.  Our lunch began with three different drink samples as we chatted away.  Nothing like a Whiskey Sour, Manhattan or Margarita to get your meeting started!   We got a tour of the hotel where we learned that the bottom floor of the building was built in 1829, when the land was still part of Mexico!  Our pleasant guide presented colorful details of the Cosmopolitan’s long history, including the life of the owner with his family, the stages of the building’s use—from stagecoach stop to restaurant, some shady business transactions, and a “haunted” room.  Our  treat continued with lunch on the outdoor patio, with live piano music in the air.  We were served some very creative and tasty dishes, in several courses, and were continually attended to by our host and the waiters.  Thank you Cosmopolitan Hotel, you out did yourself!

Maurice Wright of Betwixt Studio was our showcaser.

Photos by Kristina Chartier Photography

images courtesy of kristina chartier photography

Jenny and Drew’s wedding took place at the beautiful Scripps Seaside Forum in La Jolla. Although the wedding was around the 4th of July, they stayed with a neutral palette of white with hints of green and yellow with linens provided by Concepts Party Design. They also included their super well behaved dog Sadie who got to take place in the photos taken by Kristina! After indulging in Guiseppe’s food and gelato, everyone got cozy, enjoyed the ice luge for shots, and took in (an almost personalized!) fireworks show.

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!

images courtesy of Studio Carré Photographie

Ross + Katie were married at the beautiful Ponte Estate Winery in Temecula. Originally from the east coast, they wanted to wine and dine their families and friends and show them a unique southern California winery experience. Their wedding was photographed by Weddings of Distinction member Studio Carré Photographie, and officiated by Patricia Coleman. With LOVE as their theme, each colorful detail and special moments were a highlighted and everyone danced the night away!

Photo courtesy of True Photography Weddings

Our very own members were featured recently for the nuptials of Meghan and Cheyne, the amazing race winners! They selected the Hard Rock Hotel’s Legends Ballroom to celebrate the Big Day Reception on May 7, 2011. Sweet Cheeks Baking Co. was more than thrilled to feed their party delicious cake and cupcakes, and Concepts Event Design created the personalized dance floor. For more details of their wedding be sure to visit People Magazine online…