By Carly Shihadeh
Twenty-six wedding professionals played hooky with Exquisite Weddings for SiteSee: Downtown San Diego. The event, held July 2, featured tours of top San Diego wedding venues, networking with the industry’s best, and lots of vino, of course.
The day began at Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, impressing the group with its wide selection of ceremony and reception sites, accommodating anywhere from 100 to more than 600 guests. The minimalist atmosphere of the rooftop area is a blank slate for couples to create their dream wedding, with stunning ocean views to boot.
Next up was a stop into the historic House of Blues, where the group was treated to a tour of the venue that’s a hotspot for rock royalty. And, finally, there were gasps when the cohort laid eyes on the updated interiors of Hotel Republic, a match-made-in-heaven venue for stylish couples.
“I absolutely loved this event. It was so well planned and offered a great opportunity to see the three venues. I can get so busy that it’s hard to take the time to plan tours like this on my own. But, when the ladies at Exquisite Weddings Magazine presented the opportunity, I cleared the decks and jumped at it. I’m so glad I did.” —Paula Laskelle, Champagne Taste
“SiteSee Downtown was an incredible introduction to some of downtown San Diego’s best wedding venues! The event was wonderfully organized and perfectly executed. As a busy wedding professional, it was such a treat to relax with other amazing vendors and be hosted and welcomed at each venue with wonderful food and drinks. It was a breath of fresh air in the middle of the busy season that invigorated me to get back to work with renewed creativity and ideas for upcoming weddings!” —Dawn Weisberg, Tularosa Flowers
“It is such a great idea to gather wedding professionals together to show them the latest renovations to venues or taking them to venues that are hidden gems. It really gives us the knowledge to spread the word to our clients. It was also a lot of fun and very appreciated by all!” —Annette Hoegner, Classic Touch Events
The event was sponsored by 3 Wishes PR, Carrie McGuire Photography, Hotel Republic, House of Blues, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, and Old Town Trolley.
Photos by Carrie McGuire Photography and Mark Ogilvie Photography.
