OUR TEAM
ASTRID SIGGINS, SENIOR CATERING SALES EXECUTIVE
Astrid is passionate about helping couples find the perfect setting for their dream wedding. She loves showcasing the resort's beautiful venues and helping couples envision the unforgettable moments that will unfold throughout their celebration. From intimate ceremonies to grand receptions, Astrid takes pride in connecting couples with spaces that reflect their unique style and vision.
Originally from Raleigh, North Carolina, Astrid spent her summers on Hilton Head Island from the time she was born and always felt a special connection to the Lowcountry. That connection came full circle when she chose The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa as the location for her own wedding in 2026. Having experienced the excitement of planning a wedding at the resort firsthand, she brings a personal perspective and genuine enthusiasm to every couple she works with.
What I love about weddings - “Because this is where I said, 'I do,' this venue holds a special place in my heart. I love helping couples discover the possibilities within our beautiful spaces and watching their wedding vision come to life as they begin planning one of the most meaningful days of their lives.”
ROSEMARY ALEJOS, CATERING SALES COORDINATOR
Rosemary calls the Lowcountry of Beaufort County home, where she developed a deep appreciation for hospitality and service. With a strong background in weddings, events, and catering, she is passionate about creating memorable experiences through thoughtful planning and attention to detail.
During her five years at The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa in Food & Beverage, Rosemary supported high-volume luxury resort operations while developing expertise in guest service and event execution. Known for anticipating guest needs, solving challenges efficiently, and thriving in fast-paced environments, she brings both professionalism and warmth to every event. As a bilingual professional fluent in English and Spanish, she is able to connect with and serve a diverse range of guests and clients.
Outside of work, Rosemary enjoys watching sunsets along the local docks and is guided by her strong faith in both her personal life and career.
What I love about weddings - “The quiet magic behind the scenes - the way countless details come together seamlessly to create an unforgettable experience for the couple. There is something incredibly rewarding about helping transform a vision into a celebration filled with joy, beauty, and meaningful moments that become cherished memories for a lifetime."
KELLY PRY, DIRECTOR OF EVENT PLANNING
Kelly began her career with Marriott almost 17 years ago. Kelly attended Ohio University, majoring in Marketing and Management OH-IO!. With a dream of being J-Lo from the Wedding Planner, Kelly started her hospitality career at the front desk working her way up to become an event manager at the Westin in Pittsburgh, focusing on corporate groups and the sports market for 8 years. Kelly always envisioned moving to the South (the true definition of hospitality) often vacationing in Charleston but then took a 6 year detour to Chicago, before she made the move to the low country.
What I love about weddings - “I love helping the couple’s vision of their special day come to fruition and creating everlasting memories”
HEATHER FISHBURN, SENIOR EVENT MANAGER
Heather has been planning weddings in the Hilton Head Island area for the last 12 years. Upon graduating in Travel & Tourism from Penn State, she started her career planning weddings in Vail, CO. It was while living there that she vacationed in Hilton Head and fell in love with the island. She was later recruited by Melrose Resort on Daufuskie Island, where her wedding career took off, and she was able to experience higher luxury wedding clientele when working at The Inn at Palmetto Bluff Resort in Bluffton, SC. Heather has now been working at The Westin for 5 years and has loved every minute. Servicing weddings on the beach combines her two passions of planning weddings and going to the beach.
What I love about weddings - “I enjoy getting to know the couples and their families. I enjoy assisting them in making decisions that will make memories last forever. To build that bond is priceless then to watch their wedding day unfold is truly magical!”
SONJA MESLEY, EVENT MANAGER
Sonja began her journey in hospitality at Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida, while in college. She knew that hospitality was the road she wanted to travel, and once she graduated from Becker College in Massachusetts, she moved to Orlando to pursue this passion. Learning the Art of Excellence at Disney shaped her into who she is today. She moved back to Maine and experienced sales & planning with a luxury boutique resort, and then made the transition to Marriott, which she enjoyed for 15 years. With a wide variety of experience under her belt; sales, catering, conference services and wedding planning, the innumerable number of events that she has planned have all been personally unique and special in their own way.
What I love about weddings - “I love seeing the excitement in the couple and their family, from when they first tour our venue, to planning every detail, to seeing their vision come to life. The excitement never fades. I know they’re placing their dream wedding in great hands!”
MARIANNA PARLAGRECO, EVENT MANAGER
Marianna attended Clemson University to study Psychology and in the summer, she worked in Food & Beverage on Hilton Head Island and developed a passion for hospitality. After graduating and working in Atlanta in the Front Office of a Crowne Plaza, she moved back to her island home and started as an Event Coordinator at the Westin HHI. For a few years she learned from and shadowed her colleagues in both corporate and social event planning. Now as an Event Manager, she is excited to take on more of these events and loves to find creative ways to make event dreams come true.
What I love about weddings- “I love when months of detailing and planning comes together and the couple gets to see their vision come to life when they walk into the venue for the first time on their wedding day.”
ROBERT BUCKLEY, DIRECTOR OF FOOD & BEVERAGE
Robert Buckley, a Virginia native with a lifelong passion for food and hospitality, began his journey as a teenage baker before studying at The Culinary Institute of America and Virginia Tech.
His Marriott career has taken him from luxury resorts in San Antonio to the grand Gaylord Rockies in Denver, where he helped open award-winning restaurants and create unforgettable dining experiences.
With a love for great food and meaningful moments, Robert brings creativity, warmth, and a touch of Lowcountry charm to every celebration he’s part of—making each wedding as memorable as the meal itself.
JORGE PETTERSON, EXECUTIVE CHEF
Jorge brings over 22 years of Culinary experience to his role as Executive Chef at the Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa. Born and raised in Peru, he moved to the States at the age of 18, and started as a cook at the biggest Marriott in the world, the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando, Florida while getting his Degree in Culinary Arts. Cooking is Jorge’s passion, and he has been a Chef all over the world. Jorge loves to travel to different places and try some amazing foods! He moved back to the U.S. specifically to Napa/Sonoma and beautiful wine country after which he opened the CityPlace Marriott at Springwoods Village in Houston, TX. A few years later, he moved to the high energy city of Dallas as the Executive Chef for the Westin Dallas Park Central.
Jorge’s expertise in menu-creation and implementing new trends, coupled with his Peruvian background, has made long-lasting impacts to culinary experiences throughout the hotels and resorts where he has worked.