A sales and events manager at a venue in Rochdale has been awarded a top industry award for her work with weddings.
Chelsea Buckley, from Rochdale, joined the team at The Royal Toby wedding, hotel and restaurant venue at just 16 when working in the front of house before working her way up to the sales and events team, where she found her niche in weddings.
She has now been voted Wedding Co-ordinator of the Year at North West Wedding Awards by brides and grooms.
Chelsea said: "I love building relationships with the couples that get married at The Royal Toby. It’s so fulfilling to see them have a happy and memorable day. I’m thrilled to have been recognised for my work."
Chelsea has overseen almost 300 weddings since she started in The Royal Toby’s sales and events department, including a Halloween-themed wedding featuring a grim reaper.
She added: “Every wedding is different and each one is special. Some weddings have taken several years to plan, but we’ve also organised one in under three months.
"We’ve had couples as young as 19 getting married at The Royal Toby through to people in their 70s.
"We’ve had a bridal party of 28 walk down the aisle in front of the bride- there have been dogs as ring bearers and celebrities as guests. We’ve seen it all.
“I’m there through the whole planning process, from the first meeting when I show couples around our beautiful Rhyddings Suite to going over details such as photographer, menus, entertainment and colour schemes.
"On the morning of the wedding, I’ll meet suppliers dropping off cake and flowers and then I’ll be there to help calm the nerves.
"Watching people enjoy their special day gives me so much job satisfaction."
The Royal Toby recently unveiled a £1m renovation, with a full refurbishment of all of the rooms at the hotel.
Also included in the new look, is the Rhyddings Suite, where the weddings Chelsea co-ordinates will be held.
Clare Poole, deputy manager at The Royal Toby said: “We’re very proud of what Chelsea has achieved since she started with us 13 years ago.
"It’s been amazing to watch her career progression and see her recognised for the important part she’s played in so many weddings.”
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