10/15/2026
Ten years ago, I thought I knew exactly what ThistleBEA would become.
In some ways, I was right. In a lot of the ways that matter, I was very, very wrong.
I am still completely obsessed with weddings. But now that hyperfixation comes with the respect of my tenure. After hundreds of weddings, I have a much better understanding of what couples actually need, and I still fundamentally believe that they deserve to be taken care of on their wedding day.
I am still blown away that people choose us for such an important day. But now, one of the greatest honours is being recommended by our couples to their friends and family. Getting to do your sibling's wedding because we did yours? That will never stop being cool.
But ThistleBEA has never really been just about me.
Winnie is where this team started. When I told her I was thinking about starting ThistleBEA, she elbowed her way in without me even asking. Without her, ThistleBEA would be me, myself, and I.
Ashley joined us in 2022, when I didn't yet realize just how underwater I was trying to run a business and raise two young kids. Her "10 hours a week, max" role somehow became me employing a mom almost full-time, and she is so often mistaken for my boss that I have to admit I'm usually the one making that mistake.
Rosalie took over Hello, Goodbye in 2023 and turned a side project into a self-sufficient division that is now a huge part of what we offer.
Sonaiya's love of florals started our floral division and opened up so many opportunities that I never could have imagined.
And then there is Adrienne, Jen, Jane, Julia, Camilla, Karen, Lisa, Kim, Annie, Amber, and everyone who has been part of this team along the way. You have carried chairs, solved problems, wrangled timelines, made flowers, loaded vans, calmed people down, and helped make ThistleBEA what it is.
And Jim. Literally none of this exists without him.
His encouragement, support, blind trust, penchant for buying domain names, and kindness gave ThistleBEA the chance to become anything at all.
Ten years later, I still don't know exactly what ThistleBEA will become.
But I know I am incredibly greatful for every person who has touched ThistleBEA along the way.
