Rochdale’s Chelsea wins top wedding industry award

Rochdale’s Chelsea wins top wedding industry award

A sales and events manager who works at The Royal Toby wedding, hotel and restaurant venue, was named ‘wedding coordinator of the year’ at County Brides’ North West Wedding Awards.

Chelsea Buckley joined The Royal Toby in Castleton at just 16, starting at front-of-house before finding her niche in weddings.

North West Wedding Awards are voted for by brides and grooms who had outstanding experiences, in which Chelsea came out on top.

She 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.”

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.”