Florist, Vildana Glisic, is an amazing woman whose life story is often told in words, colours, and flowers. Without even trying, she draws you in with her ability to adopt brides as if they were her own daughters. She shares her story as you share yours, simultaneously arranging flowers (of only the best quality and freshness) as you talk, putting together various design options and colour palettes to fit the dream wedding you just finished describing.

At Belmont Flowers, every bouquet is designed by Vildana personally with your photos in mind. Vildana is very dedicated to making sure that each bride loves her flowers as much as she loves her new husband. It's not uncommon for Vildana to hug and share tears with a bride on her wedding day because as far as she is concerned, "For every bride, her wedding day is the only day that matters... And that’s the way I treat every one of my brides' weddings." This personal touch doesn't go unnoticed as Belmont Flowers constantly gets referrals from past clients for flowers for every occasion. The Ring sat down with Vildana to find out how it was that one person could make such a splash in our K-W wedding community...

Personally speaking...

For Vildana, a lifetime with flowers has been a dream since childhood. She went to University to become a journalist, due in large part to her parents' belief in the importance of a University education, and in smaller part to the fact that journalism still fed into her inner artist. While working towards her degree, Vildana managed to stay in touch with floral design by working in a flower shop to help put her through school.

Once Vildana and her husband Ned fell in love with Canada and made it their home, Vildana never returned to journalism. She worked in local flower shops while raising her daughter, and eight years ago purchased Belmont Flowers.

Vildana takes on about forty to fifty weddings each year. She intentionally sticks to these numbers so she can ensure that she can always give each wedding the personal attention it deserves.

The biggest compliment you can pay Vildana is a thank you card, which she loves receiving –knowing that you found her time and advice valuable is what keeps her going. And the praise doesn't seem to be lacking for Vildana as she finds that many of her brides come from recommendations and referrals from past brides.

Vildana also continually gives back to the community that supports her. Last Spring she made the floral arrangements for the Wilfrid Laurier Graduation stage. And she also gave away free wedding flowers to a lucky Guelph bride in February 2008 to celebrate her birthday and fifth anniversary of her business. "She was thrilled," Vildana told us.

In-person and face-to-face...

When you walk into Belmont Flowers, you don't see endless shelves of giftware and accessories, but what you do see, is a lot of flowers. The entire right side of her store is her flower room. This allows her to show her clients what their options are, in person and in colour.

This was one thing that Kathleen Parker loved about Belmont Flowers – the amount of flowers that Vildana had right there to show her. Once Kathleen visited Belmont Flowers for her June 2008 wedding, she didn't look anywhere else. "I had a good reference from my friend; Vildana was so warm and welcoming that I knew she would do a perfect job; and the quote was within my budget," she says of the reasons she picked Belmont Flowers for her bride and bridesmaids bouquets.

Vildana admits that she isn't much for email. "I love to speak with people on the phone and meet them in person. The personal interaction, people's response to the design I'm putting together or showing them, eye contact and making a relationship with each person - that's what I love most about this business." Tying into this is the fact that Vildana believes in the importance of first impressions. "I think that first impressions are everything. You can't work with a florist that you don't get along with. You have to completely trust in them, and I think that by doing so many in-person meetings, I'm able to show brides that I care about their wedding as much as they do." Which she clearly does. She told us that flowers are very personal for her. "I want you to love your flowers as much as your husband... and be thrilled with the final product."

When Tamara and Ryan Niesen visited Belmont Flower Market to pick out flowers for their July 2008 wedding, their first impression of Vildana was certainly a good one. "Vildana talked me through some ideas and asked if her ideas were on track with mine – no other florist did this," says Tamara. "Vildana took the time to understand my ideas, get to know me and even educate me on flower types… Most importantly, Vildana was able to piece together my vague descriptions and come up with a perfect combination of colours and flowers.

Top quality flowers...

Vildana orders 85% of her flowers from a long-time supplier in Holland. "Holland, for me, is the top in the world for flowers. I still get any type of flower I need, but it will be the best... I've been using this supplier for over eight years now. I've established a trusting relationship with him. I always expect top quality and he knows that." She can also get off season flowers for. With flowers from Europe and coming from there herself, Vildana says she brings a European and French flair to her designs.

Kathleen describes Vildana's style as modern and elegant, but that she is "also willing to adapt to the bride's style." Tamara agrees and told us that she thinks Vildana is able to create floral arrangements for "any personality and style. Belmont Flower Market has a full spectrum of creativity."

More locally, Vildana says she also has great relationships with local florists, telling us that they can work together if needed, use one other as resources or recommend each other if they’re booked for your day.

Your wedding @ Belmont...

While there are other designers at Belmont Flowers, Vildana does all of the wedding flowers herself - from bouquets and boutonnières to flowers to top off the wedding cake. She most often schedules consultations on Thursdays and Fridays so that when you come in, the cooler is at its fullest with gorgeous samples of what you can have in your bouquet. You won’t just be looking at pictures, Vildana takes a hands-on approach while working with her brides. While the two of you talk, Vildana will be arranging samples of your bouquets. This gives you the chance to see what the different flowers and colour combinations would look like - instantly, and in-person. The personal touches are important to Vildana, "I need to meet the couple in order to do the best possible job on their flowers. I need to see the groom to determine which flowers should go in his boutonnière. I need to find flowers that suit his size and his personality. I need to talk with the bride about what flowers may have special meaning for her. By the time we are done talking, I want to feel like they are part of my family."

"Vildana takes the time to understand your wedding venue, you and your future spouse, what your preferences are and takes it to the next level by piecing together flowers you may not have even thought of or seen before," Tamara told us of Vildana's personal touch. She adds that "Vildana is passionate and genuine in wanting to help make your wedding perfect… I could go in and ask questions and show new ideas at any given time."

Vildana says she won't stop until she's completely satisfied with your bouquets and arrangements. "It’s about the size of the flowers, the look of the bouquet," says Vildana. Which is why she just keeps adding and working on the bouquet until it’s perfect. This way, she ensures that no flowers ever leave her store that she, and the bride, isn’t 100% satisfied with. "Brides usually come in the day before the wedding to check out the flowers to see how they look… If there’s anything that the bride is unhappy with, I will fix it until she is happy," says Vildana. Though she adds that she hasn't had to fix or change anything yet.

Vildana sets out with each wedding she designs for keeping your photos in mind. "Your wedding bouquet should be one of your most important accessories," she says. "You should pay particular attention to your bouquet. It’s going to be in almost all of your photos and you’re stuck with your photos forever. You don’t want to be looking back in years and not love your bouquet." This is also why Vildana urges brides to know what they love and make sure they get just that. “Don’t let anyone change your mind," she says. "You’re the princess for the day. It’s your day. Everyone else is an accessory. Have your way!”

Recently, Vildana says she's noticed a trend towards big arrangements for the church that can be moved to the hall for added décor. Sometimes these arrangements are so large that Vildana creates them onsite, which could make them difficult to transport so they would be perfect for an all-in-one ceremony/reception location.

Creating a bond

Vildana sees her own daughter in each bride that comes into her shop. Tears came to her eyes when she explained. "I put myself in the shoes of their parents. I think of how wonderful it will be to see my own daughter marry... How important that day will be for her. I make each bouquet with that in mind." This not only inspires great care in every detail of your flowers, it also helps build a relationship between you and your floral designer. "I always call my bride to come and check their flowers the night before so that I know for sure they are going to love them. If anything needs to change, it's done way ahead of time." The last thing Vildana says to each bride is, "I'm giving you my blessing." Accompanied by a hug, many cry!

"Everyone at the wedding commented on how beautiful the flowers were," says Tamara. "But it was the personal and caring touch I received from Vildana that made Belmont Flower Market memorable. Working with her was a pleasure, easy and rewarding and I have referred Belmont Flower Market to many people since."

"I am truly so proud of my brides. I can't wait to get their photos and see what they looked like in their gown and their groom in the tux...," Vildana told us. "Most of my brides know I'm like this and they'll stop in after the wedding to show me their photos."

In fact, Vildana admits that the flowers rarely end when the wedding day does. "More and more newlyweds come back for other occasions that call for flowers, such as anniversaries, the birth of a new baby..." This lifetime relationship created by floral design is another reason Vildana finds her job so rewarding.

This is true for Kathleen, who told us that Vildana has her as a customer for life. She adds that her favourite memory of working with Belmont Flowers was when she introduced herself to Vildana and told her she was planning a wedding. "I could see just how excited she was for me - someone she just met!" says Kathleen. "She treats every bride as if they are her own daughter and would move heaven and earth just to make their flowers perfect."

Breaking it down

Vildana told us that budget is essential, which is why she likes to know what your budget is and says she can work with any budget. "If you want the WOW factor, you need to be prepared to pay for it," says Vildana. That being said, she can also offer advice on how to have that wow factor within your budget. "Sometimes it's better to have a few larger arrangements than to have a bunch of small arrangements," she adds.

The average bride spends about $1500 (including bouquets, boutonnières, and some centerpieces) at Belmont Flowers. But Vildana has worked with brides with budgets as low as $500 and as high as $10,000.

After all of that, if you're still not convinced, we think that Kathleen summed up Belmont Flowers nicely by telling us that they fulfill five things that every bride is looking for when it comes to weddings: "They produce a quality product; the people are fantastic (i.e. Vildana); they are very customer service oriented by taking the time to discuss details with the bride and adapting to every bride's unique style; the price is reasonable; and they are very professional, which allows brides to feel more at ease knowing that their flowers are in good hands and will be ready on time and look fantastic!"

A few fabulous wedding trends and ideas by Belmont Flowers...

• Lots of texture in bouquets and arrangements – it gives depth and interest.
• Chocolate brown is still hot, especially when combined with turquoise blue, lavender or pink.
• Brides are choosing to carry more creamy white flowers & greenery in their bouquets.
• Long banquet tables, instead of rounds.

Details, details, details

• Vildana recommends booking your date with her at least 6 to 12 months ahead of time; May, June, September and October are the biggest wedding months for her, so if you have your heart set on these month, book early.
• At Belmont Flowers, there is never more than a non-refundable $100 deposit no matter how much the wedding is. "If they put a deposit down, they are booked for that day," Vildana told us.
• Your balance is due the day before the wedding when you come in to approve your flowers.
• Last year, Vildana did two destination weddings in Vancouver and Chicago. She treats the opportunity as a vacation for her and Ned. She purchases flowers retail onsite (and doesn't mark up the cost) and does the design and assembly there, proving that virtually anything is possible.

In other words...

"Vildana, Thank-you so much for the wonderful flower arrangements and bouquets. The flowers were incredibly beautiful and we know how much time and effort it took to put them together in such a beautiful way. Thank-you again, you helped to make our day truly special!" – Kathleen & Brad

"Thank you so much for doing such a beautiful job on the flowers. They looked amazing! Steve and I are so happy that we chose you to do them for us, we knew you would do an excellent job! Thanks for your hard work, you helped make the day perfect." - Steve & Jennifer

"We want to thank you so very much for the care and hard work that you put into the flowers for our wedding in April. Especially for the genuine desire that you had for making the flowers for my mom's memorial very special. Something to truly honour her. Your work is absolutely lovely, we got so many positive comments. My maid of honour/bridesmaids loved what you chose for their bouquets and as for me, I hardly wanted to let go of my bouquet at the end of the day, it was so pretty!! Thank you again - we will be back to Belmont Flowers!!" - Jen & Lou

Contact Belmont Flowers...

To visit the Belmont Flowers shop in person, you can find them in Belmont Village at 722 Belmont Avenue West in Kitchener. Feel free to stop by or make an appointment by calling Vildana Glisic and her staff at 519-570-1490. You can also reach them by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , but Vildana always prefers to speak with her brides on the phone and especially in person, to provide that personal touch. Check them out online at www.belmontflowers.ca.