The Wedding Planner
Hollie Zelenka, Senior Sales Manager
Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Center
Cleveland, Ohio

Considering a downtown destination wedding--one perfect for a weekend wedding where your guests can walk to downtown attractions? The Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Center just might fit the bill. This 400-room hotel right in the heart of the city will appeal to your wedding guests looking for museums or sports--and appeal to you for its excellent on-site wedding assistance.

This month, we talk with Hollie Zelenka, Senior Sales Manager and Marriott Certified Wedding Event Planner, about planning a wedding at this special property.

Hollie, like other planners interviewed in this monthly column, has passed the Marriott International Wedding Certification Program. Hollie also gives us her tips for planning a winter wedding in a related article.

What aspects of your property are most attractive to brides?

Our all inclusive wedding packages. Also, the downtown location. Guests from the west side and east side of town can get to our property fairly easily. The hotel is very contemporary. The lobby is open and airy, it has a wonderful sense of arrival for the guests.

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

The East Ballroom. This room features a large foyer that has floor to ceiling windows that overlook the Northcoast Ha bor. The East Ballroom features 16' ceilings with no pillars or obstructions in the room. This allows the bride a lot of flexibility on the set up of the room.

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

Definitely, food! Cleveland is a typical Midwest city. Warm comfort foods are always popular. Fresh flowers - all over - are still the most popular centerpieces. We offer pin spot lighting. This adds spotlights over each table that we set up for each event. The pin spots offer a unique way to light up the room. They cast a soft glow over each centerpiece. It creates a very magical effect.

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

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (right), Playhouse Square, Great Lakes Science Center, and great shopping in the east suburbs. Guests can take a trolley tour of Cleveland all year round. Depending on the season, guests can enjoy an Indians Game, Browns Game, or even get a chance to see LeBron James play at Gund Arena.

Click here for an interview with Hollie about planning a winter wedding.

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 Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Center