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.

John and Dion were married at the First United Methodist Church in Mission Valley – a magnificent, awe inspiring church with grand architecture and beautiful stained glass everywhere. Weddings of Distinction members Lisa of elle.g photography photographed their day; French Gourmet designed the one-of-a-kind cake; and, the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel hosted the reception. Held on the KIN|SPA pool deck overlooking downtown and the harbor, this beautiful venue was just steps away from their final destination – a cruise ship headed for Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. During the reception, you could hear the horn of the cruise ship beckoning the newlyweds. John and Dion graciously invited/hosted a large group of their closest friends and family for the weeklong cruise. Dion remarked after reliving the day “All the pictures are amazing, they almost made me want to cry….good.”
………another thrilled Weddings of Distinction bride!

Who would have thought a loft-like experience existed up the I-5 in cozy Del Mar. Shannon Henry hosted our July Weddings of Distinction luncheon/meeting at her Studio Carre in the heart of Del Mar.

Fulfilling the ambiance for the day was WoD catering member Renee Hirsh and The French Gourmet. Renee and crew were totally on top of it with Mimosa’s, iced water and iced tea, scrumptious tray passed appetizers and a filling, family style served assortment of salads. Everyone left healthy and no one left hungry!

President Bob Brichmann, DJ and Emcee from Artistic Productions, greeted everyone to start the luncheon. Bob welcomed Gloria Paris’ guest Norman Phillips, a good friend, and Matthew Flint, Operations Manager for Plush Lounge, a guest of Karen Kluchonic’s from Plush.

Our showcasers on the day were obvious choices, our host Shannon Henry of Studio Carre and caterer Renee Hirsh from The French Gourmet.

Shannon shares studio loft-like space with other coastal photographers. The feel of Studio Carre is both warm, modern and cool. Shannon offers wedding, lifestyle and intimate/boudoir photography services. Shannon displays a definite passion for her craft through her work. Her demo slideshow was fantastic. Shannon’s clients love both her and how she makes them “pop” on film. Shannon is a very valued member of WoD and serves as co-marketing director for the group.

The French Gourmet almost needs no introduction, but definitely mega-kudos for the quality of their service and food they present. Renee Hirsh has been with them for years and doubles as an event/wedding coordinator. Their reputation is excellent as social and wedding event caterers. Our luncheon featured incredible couscous salad, Dijon mustard green bean salad, a Mediterranean green salad, chicken satay and more and a finishing touch of custard topped with fresh seasonal berries. French Gourmet also crafts exquisite wedding cakes, pastries and desserts.

General group business was handled accordingly and, most importantly, our new web site was officially unveiled for the group members and launched to the world (www.sandiegoweddingsofdistinction.com). Other marketing ideas were shared, Real Wedding testimonials with fellow members were offered up and raffle prizes were doled out to the lucky few.

We’ll see you next August 25th! Stay tuned for the location!

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. 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.