Who are the “San Diego Wedding Rock Stars?” Other San Diego wedding pros I’ve done weddings with here in the 619 (or nearby) that were awesome to work with, talented, friendly…you know, the kind of vendors you probably want at your wedding, right? Drum roll please…let me introduce you to Rachael from The Prado, San Diego’s premier wedding venue.
I first met Rachael Wilkerson when I DJed a celebrity New Year’s Eve wedding at The Prado over a year ago. We then worked together again in July for Diosa & Ryan’s wedding. Rachael from The Prado is a delight, very knowledgeable, professional, and easy to work with. She makes couples & vendors alike feel at home & comfortable at The Prado. And she just got back to work after maternity leave with her second little bundle of joy–congrats mama!!!
DJ Staci asked, and The Prado’s coordinator Rachael answered…
How did you start doing weddings?
My first job out of high school was at The Island Palms Hotel & Marina where I worked the front desk/reservations department. We hosted weddings every weekend and after the first wedding I witnessed, I knew at that moment, I wanted to work in the industry planning memorable events of all kinds.
Most interesting thing that ever happened at a wedding you worked?
During an Asian ceremony there was a beautiful white crane that flew down into the pond directly in the center of our ceremony site. I then learned that the crane is a popular symbol in Asian culture where the crane’s fidelity mating rituals make it a common symbol for loyalty and a successful marriage. Its fabled long life span also makes it a symbol of longevity. I thought that was pretty neat for the couple to experience.
What is your professional background? Do you attend workshops to improve your craft? Have certificates/degrees?
I worked in the hotel industry for 11 years and switched over to the Cohn Restaurant Group for the last 4 years (total 15 years of experience in my field). I was a member of NACE (national association of catering executives) and served on the board for 5 years. I was also an active member of Weddings of Distinction and ABC (Assoc. of Bridal Consultants). I’m currently a member of ISES (international special events society).
Favorite wedding blog & why?
“How He Asked” is a fun and unique blog that review couples personal proposal stories along with proposal advice and ideas.
When you are not at a wedding on any given Saturday, what would you, Rachael from The Prado, most likely be doing?
Spending time with my husband of 7 years and my two daughters Zoey (3) and Dylan (3months). We love to enjoy our beautiful sunny San Diego weather on our boat, relaxing at the beach or riding bikes.
What are your top 3 wedding accomplishments you are most proud of?
Being a part of one of the most desired wedding destinations, multiple print publications in well-known magazines, and getting the chance to work with high affluent sports figures & celebrities.
You as a wedding professional in 5 words or less…
Patient, friendly, knowledgeable, reliable, and detail-oriented.
Where have The Prado’s weddings been published?
San Diego Style Weddings, Union Tribune (thank you Staci), Ceremony Magazine
If you could tell the wedding industry as a whole one thing, what would it be?
Listen to the client’s needs before trying to sell them something they may not want and qualify your clients to help guide them in the right direction.
Dish about what was important at your own wedding?
The most important part of my wedding, for me, was to make sure everyone had the best time possible. I wanted a beautiful setting and the dance floor to be packed all night. It was also a bonus when my husband surprised everyone by joining the band to sing and play the guitar to “White Horses” by the Rolling Stones.
CONNECT WITH SAN DIEGO WEDDING ROCK STAR RACHAEL FROM THE PRADO
Website :: BalboaParkWeddings.com
Facebook :: Facebook.com/PradoBalboaEvents
Yelp :: Yelp.com/biz/the-prado-weddings-and-events-san-diego-2
Wedding Wire :: Weddingwire.com/reviews/the-prado-at-balboa-park-san-diego/d0ea219738250283.html
Post by DJ Track Star Staci
I'm DJ Track Star Staci, an international DJ, MC, turntablist, & producer for 14 years. My clients have included: Lamborghini, Victoria's Secret, Reebok, and many more. My performances are trusted at A-list events like Comic Con, Entrepreneur of the Year, and movie premieres. I've rocked Sr. Frogs in Cancun, music festivals, the Vegas strip, celebrity events, & 500 weddings. Check my availability, get an instant fee estimate, or listen to some of my DJ sets or my original remixes & mash-ups.
