Bringing Your Story to Life

This floral journey began in 1999 when Marilyn Ruyter and her sister opened Flowers & Sense. For 12 wonderful years they operated a beautiful retail location. Creating everyday flowers was fun, but they soon realized Marilyn’s passion was for weddings, event and everything party was being held back by the reality of an everyday shop.  We decided to close the retail side of our business and open-up a private studio. 

For the next 15 years Marilyn at Nineteen Melrose Flower Studio grew the wedding and party business, bringing in collaborators for larger events.  In 2017 Tanya Sitalo came along expressing an interest in working with flowers.  We instantly became friends.  Passionate about flowers and with an elegant European aesthetic, Tanya wanted to know everything about flowers, designs and helping clients realize their dreams.

In the summer of 2024, Tanya’s dream came true, and she is now the owner of the new rebranded, Melrose Flower Lab.  Tanya’s elegant, fashion forward style is reflected in her ability to take these ideas and create fresh, timeless designs. 

At Melrose Flower Lab, we blend passion and precision to create stunning floral designs that reflect your unique story. With a meticulous eye for detail and a dedication to perfection, we ensure every event is memorable. Inspired daily by the world around us, we continuously learn and innovate, delivering beautiful, bespoke arrangements that bring your vision to life. Let us help you make your special day unforgettable.

She’s always been passionate about creativity and fun, a trait I inherited from her artistic mother who kept their large family of nine entertained and inspired with her diverse talents. Her journey into floristry began with her sister Marie, co-founding Flowers & Sense in 1999. After twelve fulfilling years, they yearned for more time with family and clients, prompting them to transition to Nineteen Melrose Flower Studio. With the support of Marilyn’s husband and four daughters, she built a studio next to their home, where she now spends her days exploring new ideas and designs for weddings and events.

Marilyn said: ‘After 25 years in the floral industry, I’ve come to a point where I’m ready to entrust the business to someone who shares my passion and commitment. And that someone is Tanya.

As Marilyn begins the transition, Tanya emerges as the natural successor, embodying the same love for flowers and dedication to quality. With Marilyn’s mentorship, Tanya is set to carry on our legacy, infusing beauty and happiness into people’s lives.

Tanya Sitalo made the great journey to relocate from Ukraine to Canada in (2015) with her husband Alex and parents in law.  Learning everything about a new country and language was difficult, but this is where they wanted to start their family.  Tanya’s education in veterinary medicine took a back seat to her growing love of flowers. 

Searching for something more, she met Marilyn, and life changed for both in such a good way.  Learning a new language and new flower skills over many hours and much laughter just reinforced her conviction of her calling to be a floral designer.  Tanya is looking forward to expanding her knowledge with collaborations in the floral industry in the years to come.