Our Planning Blog

Join our Founder and CEO Val Mattinson for news, event and wedding planning advice, design and styling inspiration.


This September, my husband and I will have been married 29 years. I don’t need much of an excuse to talk about our wedding day. It was truly wonderful, and I've asked my husband many times if we can do it all over again! Today, I thought I’d share some of the details and a few things I’ve learned about marriage since that memorable day…

Memories of Our Wedding and 3 Things I’d Tell My Engaged Self

This September, my husband and I will have been married 29 years. I don’t need much of an excuse to talk about our wedding day. It was truly wonderful, and I've asked my husband many times if we can do it all over again! Today, I thought I’d share some of the details and a few things I’ve learned about marriage since that memorable day…

Jul 13 2023


Last month I had the pleasure of attending a familiarisation trip to the beautiful Caribbean island of Saint Lucia. The perfect destination wedding planning fact finding experience.

Destination Saint Lucia - Beautiful Beaches, Breathtaking Mountains and So Much More

Last month I had the pleasure of attending a familiarisation trip to the beautiful Caribbean island of Saint Lucia. The perfect destination wedding planning fact finding experience.

Dec 18 2017


Absolutely thrilled and excited to let you know we're through to the regional finals of The Wedding Industry Awards for the 4th year running.

The Wedding Industry Awards 2018

Absolutely thrilled and excited to let you know we're through to the regional finals of The Wedding Industry Awards for the 4th year running.

Nov 02 2017


Join us at Stancliffe Hall for this year's evening social event for wedding industry professionals across the Midlands.

UKAWP Midlands Mix and Mingle 2017

Join us at Stancliffe Hall for this year's evening social event for wedding industry professionals across the Midlands.

Sep 05 2017


A few factoids about me as we celebrate our 6th Birthday.

Meet the Planner

A few factoids about me as we celebrate our 6th Birthday.

Aug 03 2017


This week Benessamy turns 6 and we're celebrating with a few treats for you!

This Week It's Our 6th Birthday

This week Benessamy turns 6 and we're celebrating with a few treats for you!

Jul 31 2017


Introducing our new branding and website PLUS a very special offer!

A Fresh New Look for Benessamy Wedding and Event Planning

Introducing our new branding and website PLUS a very special offer!

Mar 13 2017


A fabulous wedding planning resource for couples, planners and suppliers.

The UK Alliance of Wedding Planners

A fabulous wedding planning resource for couples, planners and suppliers.

Dec 12 2016


We're part of a new mini advice series over on the fabulous Love My Dress!

Wedding Advice From Experts: The Week and Day Before Your Wedding

We're part of a new mini advice series over on the fabulous Love My Dress!

Dec 04 2016


Best Wedding Planner in the East Midlands for the 3rd year running!

The Wedding Industry Awards 2017 - Our Awards Hat Trick

Best Wedding Planner in the East Midlands for the 3rd year running!

Nov 18 2016