We’re a multi-award-winning wedding and party planning company based in the UK. Travel and adventure are central to our ethos and we plan luxurious events in beautiful locations all over the UK and overseas weddings, predominantly in the Caribbean.
Having originally qualified as a solicitor and spending many years working in corporate affairs (which included organising corporate events, ministerial and royal visits), I decided to use my event planning experience and organisational skills to do something I adore. Having trained with the UK Alliance of Wedding Planners (UKAWP), I launched Benessamy in 2011, was appointed as a Regional Ambassador for the UKAWP and then an Elite Member.
With over 15 years experience of planning events, I enjoy planning fun filled joyful celebrations and incredible parties! To say that I absolutely love what I do would be a huge understatement! The most important thing for me is that our clients are made to feel completely looked after and can see that going the extra mile is the way we do business here at Benessamy.
At the beginning of the Benessamy story and at its heart, is my family. When my brother and sister-in-law got married on the beautiful island of Barbados, a few things didn't quite go to plan for them so I stepped in and assisted with the coordination of their day - I loved every second! You could say I have them to thank for lighting the spark that fuelled the fire. Benessamy is a blending of the names of my two children, Ben and Jessamy: so the whole venture really is rooted in love!
Alongside planning client events, I also provide business coaching and consultancy and have been appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant supporting the Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire.
When I’m not working, I’m happiest spending time with my family, visiting new places and listening to music (my music taste is pretty eclectic and I love a good playlist!) I enjoy yoga and taking long walks in beautiful locations, especially beside a stretch of water or near the sea. Relaxing at a spa is one of my favourite ways to completely unwind. I love to travel, and my passport is always ready for whatever adventure you have in mind!
I was lucky enough to train as a member of Team Benessamy back in 2021 before making the jump into the industry full time shortly after. Like Val, my background is in legal, but I left my legal life behind to follow my true passion of wedding planning. Truth is, I just adore all things weddings! From the organisation and spreadsheets to seeing the happy couple on their big day soaking up everything you've helped them to pull off seamlessly, there is no better feeling. Alongside my passion for weddings, I have 5 cats and also own and run a registered cat rescue charity. I'm a true crazy cat lady!
Being a part of Team Benessamy is such a joy; I love witnessing the roomfuls of love and working in fabulous venues in the UK and overseas with Val. When I’m not helping bring together gorgeous events, I love to travel. You can often find me within sight of the ocean with sandy toes (and a frozen margarita never goes amiss!). Combining my two passions and jetting off to deliver beautiful destination weddings is my favourite way to spend a summer.
With over 15 years experience of planning events, we leave no detail untouched. We work hard to ensure your entire planning experience is enjoyable and exciting – exactly as it should be! We have exceeded client expectations, going above and beyond in every way. Everything we do is completely tailored to meet your specific requirements.
We plan events with creativity, dedication and care, combining meticulous organisation with unrivalled detail and an incredible guest experience.
We're passionate about collaborating with the best venues and suppliers around the world. You can trust Benessamy with your celebration. You will be free to enjoy the best parts of planning while we take care of everything else. Throughout the process, we’ll be on hand ready to listen, advise, and support. Our clients are free of stress and overwhelm and filled with joy, excitement and incredible memories.
In 2015, we were Highly Commended at the national finals of The Wedding Industry Awards and named Best Wedding Planner in the East Midlands, an award we won again in 2016 and 2017. This is considered the gold standard for wedding excellence in the UK and it’s an achievement we're deeply proud of. Val is now a Judge for The Wedding Industry Awards.
''We were recommended Val at Benessamy by one of our friends to assist us with our wedding planning as we were looking for someone who was really experienced as we live overseas in Dubai and might need that little bit of extra help with a few things.
We were so glad we took that recommendation, as Val and her lovely daughter Jess were both absolutely fabulous!
Right from our initial meeting Val was great and in constant contact over our year of planning. Val was extremely thorough and in the schedule for our wedding we felt really happy and secure that she had everything covered. She contacted all of our suppliers and worked with our venue ensuring that everything was in place for our special day.
On the morning of the wedding we could really relax and look forward to the day as everything was being dealt with which took away all of our nerves. Val and Jess were constantly updating us both on the deliveries and vendors etc. Our friends and family commented how lovely Val was and she blended in almost as a guest chatting with them and making sure everything was just great. She also worked so well almost as part of a team with our photographer, videographer, harpist and band making sure they had all they needed too.
When we saw the setup for our wedding breakfast it really blew us away how Val had worked in such a short space of time with the venue to make all our visions a reality with no detail spared. When we did have a little glitch....it was Val who calmed us down and sorted things out. We would recommend Val and her team at Benessamy without hesitation. We had a truly magical wedding day and we just couldn’t imagine the day being so amazing without her.'- Julie & Grant
"The sheer scale of the events and the wonderful surprises that just kept on coming were a master class in planning and attention to detail. And the icing on the cake, Val is a warm and lovely person who genuinely did everything she could to make my birthday one I will never forget. Thanks so much Val!" - Sally