Today we introduce Val of Benessamy Events – an active UKAWP member in Nottingham

How did it all start?

I launched Benessamy Events in 2011 after a career in the public sector in legal and corporate affairs.

I guess I got “the bug” for organising events when I worked in Chief Executive’s Office at Nottingham City Council and then became the Head of External Affairs. In this role I was responsible for the planning and co-ordination of ministerial, royal and other special visits to Nottingham. I stayed in that role for three years before taking up the position of Director of Corporate and External Affairs at New College Nottingham where my responsibilities included PR, communications and marketing.

I have enjoyed organising many special occasion events over the years but I think that the one which helped me to realise that it was time to put my energy, passion, organisation (and list making!) skills into business was my brother and sister in law’s wedding in Barbados a few years ago. My initial curiosity and interest in the detail of their plans turned into the need to literally roll my sleeves up (or kicking off my rather stylish flip-flops!) and assisting in the on the day co-ordination to ensure that their dream wedding ran smoothly and in accordance with their plans. I loved every minute of it!

In 2010 decided to leave the world of corporate affairs to set up Benessamy Events – The name ‘Benessamy’ is a combination of the names of my two children and daily inspiration, Ben and Jessamy.

Do you have a favourite venue?

It’s very difficult to single out one venue as a favourite but what I love are venues that have a surprising wow factor. Something about them that you just wouldn’t expect. It could be fabulous ornate ceilings (like those inside some of the banqueting rooms in Lincolnshire’s Stoke Rochford Hall), a fabulous wine cellar visible through a perspex floor (like the one in the entrance foyer of Nottingham’s Woodborough Hall) or beautiful contemporary plasterwork and paneling found inside a building rich with history (like the Pavilion at Nottinghamshire’s Hodsock Priory).

How would clients describe you?

Vivacious yet calm, organised and fun!

Wedding planner you admire?

For their absolute professionalism, knowledge and commitment to the wedding planning industry and for their sense of fun and work life balance, UKAWP Directors Sandy Moretta, Bernadette Chapman and Kelly Chandler.

Ahh thanks Val we love you too 🙂

How do you unwind?

I’m definitely a Spa girl and enjoy aromatherapy facials and massage. Unfortunately I don’t manage to get to a spa as often as I would like (boo!) and find that spending time with my husband and children laughing and generally having fun is a great way to unwind!

What themes are you working on for 2012/13?

Winter white and mink and Strawberry Fields Forever. I’m also enjoying creating a series of new inspiration boards and will be adding a new section for these on my website.

What trends are you seeing?

More wedding dresses with sleeves!

What is your signature dish?

Mexican Chili Chicken Bake – a recent favourite in the Mattinson household!

Whose celebrity wedding (dead or alive) would you love to design?

That’s a tough one but it would either have to be Audrey Hepburn or Coldplay’s Chris Martin.

Is the job as glamorous as you thought?

I never thought it would be glamorous but I absolutely love it!

What is your vice?

Definitely chocolate!