14. Chinese Puzzle Ball
Goodness Gracious Florals
Lisa Ann Ruf, EMC
2025 installation - French Drawing Room
The Inspiration
Made in the nineteenth century, this carved ivory puzzle ball consists of at least nine concentric spheres, one within another. The spheres are topped by a seated figure of Kuan Yin, the Buddhist goddess of compassion.
The Flowers
Florist’s inspiration: The Chinese puzzle ball is an example of a skilled artist taking one piece of organic material and turning it into a complex piece that looks as if it is carved of many pieces. The floral piece I designed is an example of just the opposite. Floral design is the sum of many pieces (flowers and blooms) having more interest when combined. I tried to create depth and interest within my shape, using the complexity of the puzzle ball as my guide.
Recipe: Hyacinth blooms, orchids, and various ferns and grasses
THE DESIGNER
Lisa Ann Ruf, EMC
Goodness Gracious Florals
Lisa Ruf is a native Washingtonian who views floral design as her encore career. After a successful stint in foreign military sales,and IT, she started her floral business as a creative outlet while raising her twin boys. In 2003, Lisa shared her passion for flowers by designing weddings and parties for friends and work colleagues, which grew into a successful boutique floral studio. She values collaboration above competition and also freelances for colleagues throughout the country and abroad. A life-long learner, Lisa has studied under Christian Tortu, Gregor Lersch, Holly Chapple, Françoise Weeks, and other notables. Most recently she studied under Tomas De Bruyne in Brugge, Belguim, where Lisa received her European Masters Certification. Her international experience is a strong influence in her floral designs. Lisa continues to learn, grow, and perfect her craft, designing for both Washington's old guard and avant-garde. Her tagline, "Goodness Gracious Gorgeous" reflects her attention to detail and commitment to creating one-of-a-kind experiences for her clients.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY
Aimee Custis Photography
Aimee Custis & Katie Lingan
Aimee Custis Photography documents weddings, portraits, and events in a rich, luminous, and emotive style. Their inclusive, client-centric approach to wedding photography is informed heavily by Aimee’s background in hospitality, non-profit event planning, and college summers as a camp counselor. Their wedding work has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, and Washingtonian Weddings.
Aimee (she/they) lives in a rowhouse in Washington DC’s U Street corridor with her husband Greg and golden retriever Whiskey. Aimee is also the web designer behind the Art in Bloom website.
Aimee’s Associate Photographer Katie Lingan is rare cancer survivor with an entrepreneurial spirit. Katie joined the wedding industry in 2012 and has documented hundreds of weddings. Katie believes life is too short not to celebrate happiness.
