Meet The Expert: Lu Diamond Flowers

First and foremost a lover of flowers, Lucy Houghton's beautiful floral arrangements were born out of a simple love of mother nature, her fresh, self taught style appealing to those searching for something a little less rigid for their wedding day. As the woman behind Lu Diamond Flowers, Lucy is fuelled by a never ending rainbow of inspiration outside the floral realm. People, places, objects, music, fashion and design all contribute to her off beat aesthetic, her creativity capable of dressing everything from reception tables to the bouquet itself. We sit down with Lucy to find out a little more about Lu Diamond, and manage to skim some wedding tips along the way:

1. What inspired you to become a florist?
Flowers fascinate me so it seemed obvious to make it a full-time job. I guess I loved the idea of a vocation that was influenced by the changing of seasons and its natural beauty. I'm so easily inspired by what surrounds me and it's such a humbling job working with flowers.

2. How would you describe your aesthetic?
My aesthetic depends hugely on my mood. I love playing with colour and finding pretty details in texture. In a nutshell, I would say my style is 'thoughtfully thrown together'.

3. Do you have a favourite flower?
An old fashioned garden rose for its soft petal layers and amazing smell.

4. When it comes to creating wedding flowers, what are three essentials a couple should bear in mind when deciding on blooms?
Firstly, choose a florist whose style you adore. Secondly, let the mood of your location inspire your flowers. When possible, I love visiting the venue with my clients so we can go through what we both visualise for their special day. It's also important to work with the season and what's available to you. If you're really set on a particular look, make sure it's achievable by checking with your florist right from the outset. If you are dreaming of big and bright bouquets then make this clear. But most importantly, do what feels right for you, it's your day!

5. What would your dream wedding bouquet look like?
My dream wedding bouquet would be romantic and fragrant, something magical that I wanted to hold onto all day and night. At the moment I'm loving cream tones in wedding bouquets, so maybe something with full white peonies and roses with lots of rich greenery.