OUR FRIENDS | Lu Diamond Flowers
You had us at Lucy! Introducing Lucy Houghton, founder and owner of Lu Diamond Flowers. This New Plymouth Based florist, through her infectious creativity and unique modern style, has created a loyal floral following New Zealand wide. Inspired by sculpture, light and space that make the perfect yet unusual composition of floral design, Lu Diamond’s floral work spans across custom flower arrangements including, weddings & events to seasonal bouquets.
Bridal bouquets shot in LDF Studio
WHERE DID THE DREAM BEGIN FOR LU DIAMOND FLOWERS? WHERE DID IT ALL START?
It actually started in my Grey Lynn flat back in my mid twenties. I've always had a passion for photography and found myself taking more and more still-life imagery using flowers as the subject...it didn't take long until I become completely obsessed with the flowers and wanted to learn more and more about them.
I eventually quit my job and threw myself into the florist world - very green and unexperienced! I feel like I have lived so many different lives within the florist industry, working on massive corporate pack ins to photoshoots, weddings while creating a bespoke gifting service. There's no end to how creative you can be with flowers so I feel really lucky to have experienced so much.
Micah + Bridesmaids - shot by Two set Visuals
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART ABOUT THE WEDDING & EVENT INDUSTRY?
The people for sure. So many incredible friendships have been made over the years. I've worked along some incredible vendors not to mention all the amazing florists in our industry. From the Brides and Grooms to all the amazing brokers and growers. It definitely feels like a close knit family.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FUTURE GOALS FOR YOUR BUSINESS.
That's a great question, I'm the kind of person who has 101 ideas but has trouble actually writing them all done and actioning them into goals! So maybe that could be one? Ha
I feel like I have come full circle and am really enjoying using my camera again. Getting behind the lense more and exploring this skill is a high priority. So dear I say it out loud but I would love to create a book or have another exhibition.
Shot by Brijana Cato
ANY ADVICE YOU HAVE FOR BRIDES WHEN CHOOSING AN ARRANGEMENT WITH YOU?
ANYTHING TRENDING RIGHT NOW IN THIS SPACE THAT YOU LOVE?
I am sure it's been said a lot but I think choose a style that suits and reflects YOU!. Lead by what you are wearing along with the setting of the venue - these are good starting points. The first question I ask Brides is what mood do you want to create? If I were to choose a style that I am loving right now it would be grasses - lots and lots of lush grasses & greenery.
ASIDE FROM NEW PLYMOUTH, WHERE ELSE CAN OUR BRIDES REQUEST TO BOOK YOU?
I am always happy to pop back to my hometown - Auckland for a pack in : ) or anywhere for that matter. There are sooo many talented florists across the country now so the need to bring in florists from other regions is not really that necessary. You could literally book a wedding anywhere in the country tomorrow and I grantee there would be a florist creating beautiful work in that area.
Bar Arrangements shot by Two Set Visuals