Staff Profiles


Our Wedding and Event Staff

When it comes to tying the knot, Marriott’s Certified Wedding Planners are an important part of your special day. Our expert wedding event planners provide complimentary services, handling all of the event details and working closely with you and your wedding planner to ensure the perfect wedding.

Christy Brandner, Certified Marriott Wedding Planner Christy Alwell, Certified Marriott Wedding Planner

Christy has a passion for weddings. With over 5 years of wedding planning experience, Christy will be with you from the moment you decide to use the Cincinnati Marriott until you are announced as husband and wife at your very own Joy Wedding. Christy has incredible relationships with all of the premier wedding companies in the Cincinnati area and looks forward to assisting you in planning your wedding to remember. Christy is a native of the Cincinnati area and has fulfilled her dream of working for the premier wedding destination in the area.

Julie Kirkpatrick, Director of Sales and Marketing Julie Kirkpatrick, Director of Sales and Marketing

Julie has over 15 years of event planning experience at some of the most unique and incredible venues in the United States. She works closely with Christy to ensure that all brides and grooms' special needs are met on their big day. Julie is most proud to make her dream of a riverfront ballroom come true with the opening of the Marriott's RiverView Ballroom, the only balconied riverfront ballroom in Cincinnati.

J. Samuel Gillivan, Executive Chef J. Samuel Gillivan, Executive Chef

Sam brings a creative culinary flair to the Cincinnati Marriott. Chef Gillivan works closely with the wedding couple on creating a menu that meets their individual personalities. Sam graduated from the Midwest Culinary Institute. After 10 years with the Tavern Restaurant Group and 5 years working with Jeff Ruby, Sam joined the Marriott in 2007.