Bev Harris from Flower Fairie was one of winners from our Winning Windows competition and last weekend she redeemed her prize in spending time with award winning florist Ian Lloyd! Be sure to check him out here. Bev is one of our participating Use Them or Lose Them florists, which means she can redeem Country Baskets vouchers in our stores that customers redeem in hers. She went to help Ian create one of his masterful wedding displays at Peckforton Castle. When she heard that she had won the prize she said "I was sat on the beach in Corfu when I received the news I had won the CB window competition I was absolutely stunned I was so excited I danced all the way to the bar for a large glass of champagne lol." Here is Bev's diary from the day:

I arrived at the flower shop Saturday afternoon, Ian and his team Jean, Robyn and Jane were so friendly they made me feel immediately welcome even though they were very busy preparing the flowers for a wedding at Peckforton castle the next day.

I made everyone a cup of tea and then began work helping Jane clean and polish the lanterns and vases,we emptied the vans and cleaned them out. Ian then taught me how the large floral centre pieces were constructed, they were massive and absolutely beautiful. Then another bride arrived at the shop for a wedding consultation, Ian asked the bride if I could watch and listen. He made the whole process seem so simple and relaxed it was amazing, he was organising a big wedding, teaching me and booking another wedding with not a single hint of stress on his face he's so professional.

We loaded some equipment into the van and then around 6ish Ian sent me packing to the hotel where we had a lovely meal and I'd like to say a good nights sleep but I was so excited I barely slept! So I was up at 4.30 and back at the shop again for 6 to find Ian and the girls already there and working, finishing last minute flowers and packing the van. We arrived at the castle around 7am and began unloading the van in the pouring rain but no one minded, Ian was singing and we were all having fun!

Ian went to great lengths to involve me in the process explaining every detail and answering my constant stream of questions, he allowed me help with the construction of the arches and even took me with him to meet the bride.

Everything was installed, cleaned up and packed away by 12 o'clock. It was all done perfectly with no hassle or stress I was amazed how Ian and the girls had everything planned to perfection. Ian bought us lunch then after saying goodbye he hurried off to meet two more brides for consultations. Where does he get his energy lol! I had the most amazing and inspiring weekend I couldn't thank Ian and his team enough they were truly amazing and really made me feel part of their lovely team it's an experience I will never forget thank you so much to everyone involved.

Bev x