Wedding planner in line for award (From Swindon Advertiser)

Wedding planner in line for award

7:40pm Tuesday 15th November 2011 in Local By Emma Dunn

Natalie Lovett has helped dozens of brides head down the aisle, and now is hoping for another happy ending after being shortlisted for a regional award.

The wedding planner, who started Love To Plan four years ago, has been shortlisted in the 2012 Wedding Industry Awards for the south west category.

The 30-year-old mother-of-one, of Peatmoor, was working as a sales administrator when she was inspired to start planning weddings after tying the knot with her husband Adam.

“I have always loved organising events and generally being the organiser,” she said.

“Doing my own wedding made me decide this is really what I want to do and it went from there.

“I got married in the floods of 2007, the whole of Swindon was just flooded. It was a nightmare. Touch wood, all the brides I have helped to date have had sunshine on their day, I had all the bad luck on my day.”

Natalie started running the business out of her car during her lunchbreak in August 2007 and after having her son, Lucas, just over two years ago she went full time.

“This year has been my busiest. It is really starting to grow,” she said.

“I am so thrilled to actually be shortlisted. Although I have been going for four years that’s early days for a company. I was nominated and I don’t know who nominated me, I think they let you know afterwards.”

Natalie said the role she takes on for a wedding can vary according to the couple.

“I could have someone say ‘I want you to do absolutely everything’, through to being there on the day or picking up the pieces because they ran out of time or are not sure how to carry on.

“It is a really bespoke service. It is very individual and every couple has their own ideas.”

Natalie has organised nearly 30 weddings and said her favourite part is seeing the couple at the ceremony.

“I know it seems corny but my favourite part is the wedding ceremony itself because that is when they both start to relax and enjoy themselves,” she said.

Natalie is one of five wedding planners nominated for the south west category. If she is successful she will go through to the national awards.

“It would be marvellous to win but to be honest just being shortlisted is quite something,” she said. For information email natalie@lovetoplan.co.uk or visit www.lovetoplan.co.uk.