A woman who helped build one of the most exclusive wedding events company in the country says she was delighted to have been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Tarla Somaiya Founder of Payal Events started off in business opening a corner shop in 1979.

The ‘Amazing Card shops’ and Post offices soon expanded to a mini chain of three post offices. The company soon began supplying Manchester hotels with helium balloons and then secured contracts to supply wedding flowers.

By 1993 Payal Function Organisers was contracted to hotels in Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester.

In 2005 Payal Catering and Events focussed on providing a range of services to small to large weddings across the country.

For many years she was the only wedding planner catering for the Asian community. Now, the company she helped to set-up hosts a variety of multi-cultural weddings.

Payal opened their London offices in 2009.

Last week at the annual Asian Wedding Awards as well as honouring Tarla Somaiya, Payal Events won two more awards on the night - Caterer of the Year and Wedding Planner of the Year.

Tarla said, “I am truly honoured to have been presented with the judges Lifetime Achievement Award.

“It has been a fascinating journey myself and the company and one which has seen us make so many people’s special day that extra special.

“I am really happy to have seen our dreams come to fruition. Since 1979 we have helped to plan or cater for over 5000 weddings and I was so happy making each one exclusive.

“I can remember being the only wedding planner back then when things were a little different. But the smiles on people’s faces when we produce something special never changes.

“And that is something that keeps me going.”

Son Raj said, “It was very touching to receive this award. My mum has been an inspiration to not only this company but others in the industry.

“She is a true perfectionist and we all learnt from the best.”