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

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!!

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!

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…

Photos courtesy of ABI Photo

The networking at our April meeting was impressive.  We were hosted by the Mission Valley Marriott with our Event Manager Kim Tourtellott.   We welcomed our guest Johann Cazorla, intern for Carmin Design Events.  We enjoyed learning about the Mission Valley Marriott and its variety of ballrooms and events.

Our first showcaser Tiffany from CaliCards started her business in 2005.  Her invitations are all custom, one of a kind, unique and fabulous.  Her prices include packaging and addressing. Her philosophy is to be creative and make the invitation a glorious window to each event.

Our second showcaser was Diane from Silverwood.  We were greeted to the sounds of Silverwood during our mingling time.  Delightful and catchy tunes from Diane, Gary’s son Joel and Jason Coleman, vocalist.  Extremely talented and devoted to their craft, it’s always a joy to listen to their music and variety of songs.

After a delicious lunch, our President, Ann from Ann’s Plans, discussed next month’s Open Forum topic “Presenting Yourself as a Vendor of Distinction”.  Our new brochures were passed out ~ thank you Lola, Shannon and Tiffany.  The brochures are dynamite, classy and fabulous!   Raffle prizes were given away to Merrylin, Elaine and Susan.

We were reminded of the Celebration of Life for Peggi Walker at the Bali Hai that evening.  An evening of food, dance and song ~ Kimmy, from Sensation Show Band, will be rockin’ the attendees and creating a festive, joyous atmosphere. Many WoD members are involved in this event, donating food to décor.

Our next meeting will be Tuesday, May 24 at The Abbey.  We appreciate the Marriott for their food, service and hospitality.  We thank Paula Rae for the centerpieces and décor and Dennis Way for taking our photos.

After the hotel tour, we left happy, anticipating the start of another wonderful month of referring our WOD members!

San Diego’s longest running wedding networking group ~ Weddings of Distinction, rocks the San Diego Hard Rock Hotel & Resort!

Our Weddings of Distinction crew paid a delightful visit to the rockin’ Hard Rock Hotel San Diego this past month for our monthly luncheon meeting. Hats off to our Hard Rock hostesses ~ Barbara Berning, Rebecca Zweig and Lisa Bennun, Director of Catering, for a spectacular presentation of their hotel, service and food. What a fantastic luncheon and a great venue for special events and weddings!

Special thanks to our two key showcasers on the day ~ Tiffany Arnaldo from Cali Cards and Shannon Henry from Studio Carre. Both gave excellent presentations of their services.

Congratulations to fellow member David Wasserman from Joes On The Nose Organic Espresso Catering on his newly found wedded bliss!

Loads of referrals were shared. Lots of networking was conducted. Raffle prizes were doled out. A good time was had by all. We’ll see you September 28^th at member property Hilton San Diego Del Mar!

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: Markeing, Shannon Henry, photographer from Studio Carre.

Weddings of Distinction is a non-profit networking group specializing in weddings and special event. 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.

Larissa and Robert celebrated their classically modern wedding in true Southern California fashion at the adorable Darlington House in La Jolla. San Diego Weddings of Distinction members, Amy and Maurice Wright of Theorie, were there to capture all of the colorful details and enjoyable moments of the beautiful day. Theorie’s artistic and modern wedding photography was the perfect fit for Larissa and Robert, who were very happy with Amy and Maurice’s easy-going personalities and creativity. With the beach just a block away from the wedding venue, the couple had the best of both worlds … beach wedding pictures and a lovely outdoor ceremony in an intimate setting. Fellow San Diego Weddings of Distinction member, Rae Florae, provided the bright and beautiful floral design. As you can see from the wedding photos, Rae Florae’s lovely and creative floral creations brightened every aspect of the wedding day.