The Wedding Planner
Anne Marie Mourhess, Director of Catering Sales
Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa
Indian Wells, California

Just 13 miles from Palm Springs, this elegant resort is a desert oasis, perfect for a romantic getaway and often the site of destination weddings.

This month, we talk with Anne Marie Mourhess,Director of Catering Sales and Marriott Certified Wedding Event Planner, about planning a wedding at this special property.

Anne Marie, like other planners interviewed in this monthly column, has passed the Marriott International Wedding Certification Program. Anne Marie also gives us her etiquette tips for destination weddings here.

What aspects of your property are most attractive to brides?

There are so many aspects about our property, it is hard to just name a few. The Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa is ideally situated in the prestigious desert community of Indian Wells and is nestled at the foot of the Santa Rosa Mountains.

The resort's decor is a distinctive blend of contemporary and classic style, featuring a stunning blend of African ash woods accented with hand-laid Italian marble tile walkways, an eight-story atrium lobby, specially commissioned works of art throughout, lush foliage, a spectacular grand staircase, with fountains, lakes and waterways throughout.

We are a four-star sanctuary in the desert. With first-class service, exquisite accommodations, and luxurious amenities, you'll find everything you need to experience the ultimate in pampering and relaxation. From the moment you begin planning your wedding at Esmeralda, you can count on our expert staff to assist with every last detail.

In fact, The Renaissance Esmeralda has been the recipient of numerous recognition awards to include:

• CONDE NAST GOLD LIST
  World s Best Places to Stay (2004)
  
• TRAVEL+LEISURE MAGAZINE
  Top 500 Greatest Hotels in the World (2004)
  
• AAA FOUR DIAMOND AWARD (2004)
  
• 100 BEST SPAS OF THE WORLD (2004)
  
• CONDE NAST READERS CHOICE AWARDS
  Top 75 North American Resorts (2003)
  
• TRAVEL+LEISURE MAGAZINE
  Top 500 Hotels and Resorts in The World (2003)
  
• CALIFORNIA RESTAURANT WRITERS ASSOCIATION
  4-Stars for Food, Wine & Service for Sirocco Restaurant

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

For ceremony sites, we have our Rose Lawn with fragrant roses and mountainous views. Our other ceremony venue is our Emerald Lawn, a lush green lawn with a water feature as the backdrop.

Our property has three exceptional ballrooms and other rooms that accommodate weddings from 10-500 guests. Our Emerald Ballroom is the only one in the Coachella Valley that boasts windows with views of the Santa Rosa Mountains. Our Crystal Ballroom has beautiful Crystal Chandeliers with a traditional elegant look to it. Lastly, Valencia Ballroom is the perfect size for weddings of 100-150 guests with fantastic private pre-function space. For more intimate weddings, we have an exceptional location, Lobby Court, it overlooks the 18th green and it has an Asian Flair, with windows, beautiful marble and African Ashwood.

In addition to the wedding venues we are fortunate to have many fabulous locations for photography like the Grand Staircase, the Spa Terrace and the Terrace Atrium.

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

The area is also known as a retreat for movie stars during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Like the pictures you see of Vintage Hollywood, the area is landscaped with magnificent Date Palm Trees. If you are planning an evening wedding the lighted Palms are stunning. Another fun idea is to have a red carpet as the entrance for your wedding.

Regarding food, our menus are inspired by our local bounty with the focus on California Fresh Cuisine. Our culinary staff is creative and is always looking for ways to incorporate the local cultivation into their menu development.

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

Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa is surrounded by two 18-hole championship golf courses designed by the famed architect Ted Robinson. Discounts are available to resort guests through the purchase of golf packages. Tee times may be reserved through the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and
Spa. The resort also boasts the new Callaway Golf Performance Center at Indian Wells, where golfers of all levels can experience the same state-of-the-art club fitting technology used by touring professionals.

Complimentary to guests the property has a state-of-the-art fitness center with 24-hour access, two tennis courts and three signature pools, including one with a sandy beach for children.

Spa Esmeralda features 19 indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, lush gardens with waterfall spas, a complete line of revitalizing spa products and a distinctive beauty salon.

The resort is close to downtown Palm Springs, the Living Desert Zoo & Reserve , Children's Discovery Museum, Canyon Jeep Tours , Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Casinos and El Paseo (The deserts "Rodeo Drive"), among other tourist attractions.

Click here for an interview with Anne Marie about etiquette for destination weddings.

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.

Photos courtesy Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa