The Wedding Planner
Anthony Milkey, Director of Wedding Sales for the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa in Dana Point, California

Are you planning the resort or hotel wedding of your dreams...and looking for a planner who can help you make those dreams come true? In this monthly column, we interview Marriott wedding planners; each planner has passed the Marriott International Wedding Certification Program.

This month, we interview Mr. Anthony Milkey, Director of Wedding Sales for Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa in Dana Point, California.

What aspects of your property are most attractive to brides?

Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa is located in the Heart of Orange County. We are situation on a beautiful bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. We have 3 spectacular outdoor event sites for Weddings and Receptions. We are one of the few places in South Orange County that allow outdoor receptions and even outside catering.

The resort is in driving distance to both Los Angeles and San Diego. Just steps from the Dana Point Marina with daily sails to Avalon on Catalina island, Whale Watching (seasonal) and Sport Deep sea Fishing adventures. Dining and great specialty shopping is located in the famed Laguna Beach Artist Colony. It is just 7 miles up the road and boasts some of the best restaurants and beaches in the state.

What are the most popular wedding venues at the property, both for large and small weddings?

Photo of Del Mar Lawn wedding courtesy Jack Randall Photography

The Del Mar Lawn with its breath taking views of the Pacific, San Clemente Coast. The Del Mar Lawn is our most popular venue for year round weddings and receptions. The next area is called the Regatta Lawn with its pristine view of the Marina at Dana Point and the Regatta. This venue has the largest capacity for ceremonies and receptions. The last outdoor site is the Laguna Brick, this space has a great view of the Pacific Ocean, facing westerly gives this site the most light for your guests and you to enjoy a perfect California sunset. The brick floor and European lamps give the venue a very international flare.

We do have a Spectacular Richard Henry Dana Ballroom as well, with wonderful Crown Modeling, Crystal Chandlers, beautiful scones and 10,000 square feet of space. The foyer outside the Richard Henry Dana Ballroom has a wonderful view of the Pacific Ocean.

What local elements can a bride add to her wedding to give it a regional feel?

The Pacific adds such an element to the event that it’s hard to add anymore. Wonderful Seafood is found all around here and brought in fresh daily. Sea Shells and Sand Dollars are very popular centerpieces and/or favors this year. Pacific Coast Cities and Surf Beaches could become great names for tables and or themes for the event. Beautiful gardens throughout the resort give the feeling of a tropical paradise, which adds a whole other dynamic to events.

For Brides planning a weekend wedding, what nearby attractions or on property activities are of special interest for their guests?

I could spend a day alone on this one. You name it, it’s within a few miles. Let me help you put together the destination wedding of your dreams.

• Festival of Whales: Whale Watching (seasonal) has always been a favorite family outing. Although, this is a seasonal activity, it will be a memory you and your guests will cherish.
  
• Dolphin Safari tours are available throughout the year. It is truly breathtaking and can you say...Exciting! On the Dolphin Safari Tours, you will get to witness first hand, schools of Dolphins swimming and jumping together. Dolphins are some of the most intelligent and playful creatures in the sea, and they love to swim along side the boats. Truly a MUST activity for you and your guests.
  
• Sports Fishing is for your adventurous guests. This activity offers sun, excitement and of course, when a fish is caught, getting wet! Sunscreen and sunglasses a must for a day of adventure on the sea!
  
• Gondola Rides: are perfect for romance! Picture the evening starting at Newport Beach Harbor, your walk to the Gondola’s. There are three packages to choose from. Hotel can Package fabulous wine/champagne and cheese baskets for special event.
  
• World Class Golf: is everywhere, let us put together a family scramble or classic tournament for your families to enjoy
  
• SPA at Laguna Cliffs: it is finally here and we are so proud, state of the art spa and healthclub, tennis, aerobics, yoga, you name it we have it.
  
• Surf Butlers: did you ever want to learn how to surf, but you were a little nervous to try without a lesson. Well we make it easy, met our resident Surf Butler at 7am and that afternoon you will be hanging 10.
  
• Catalina Express Cruises offers a full day of complete relaxation and shopping. Leave early in the morning for a 1 hour cruise to Catalina, and enjoy breakfast from a seaside cafe', Rent a Golf cart to toodle around the island, go shopping and enjoy a romantic dinner on the pier looking at the mainland.
  
• Wine Tasting Expedition: Transportation provided from hotel to pre-determined wineries. Hotel would provide additional cheeses, bottled water, and Tylenol for the trip.
  

To plan a Marriott wedding, call the Marriott of your choice and ask to consult with the hotel's wedding event planner. For more information on Marriott Hotels, Resorts, and Suites, call 1-800-228-9290 or see www.marriott.com.