BRIDE 2 BEAD is a fabulous, Milton-based company that just about any bride could fall in love with. And they have been, for the past four years... What started out as a fun, highly-addictive hobby for Owner and Designer, Jessie Thomas, has grown into a full time business with products sold both locally and internationally, in stores and online.

With custom designed, sparkly, beaded creations made to not only dress up the bride and her bridesmaids, but the wedding cake and floral bouquets too, there are at least a dozen reasons to browse the galleries of possibilities at BRIDE 2 BEAD.

Jessie's prices are affordable, her talent is simply obvious, and her passion for creating these couture designs for brides has surely made her one of The Ring's favourite finds of 2009! Let us explain...

From bride-to-be to BRIDE 2 BEAD...

When Jessie was planning her own wedding she knew exactly what she wanted. "I wanted a classic style with a modern twist. I wanted something that was affordable and that I could wear again. I wanted simple sparkle, not heavy and chunky rhinestones," says Jessie. But after looking just about everywhere, she realized that the designs she saw so clearly in her mind, just weren't on shelves. And then she realized that they should be. And that, mixed with her love of jewellery making, is how BRIDE 2 BEAD was born.

The business officially started in 2005 when Jessie's "style was more eclectic and a much more casual look," she says. "I started selling some of my work in 2004 at local markets and craft shows and I quickly realized that the market at these shows was much too broad." Then one day, people started asking her if they could design pieces for their bridesmaids and that's when Jessie realized she should put her creativity into weddings. "I loved being a part of weddings (who doesn't?), and that style of jewellery appealed to me."

Jessie has since incorporated floral and cake jewellery, popular in the UK and a hot new trend here, into her repertoire. "All three product lines help to make the simplest dress, bouquet or cake stand out and add a bit of glitz to such a big and beautiful day."

Jessie's official training is in Fashion Marketing and Merchandising from the International Academy of Design in Toronto, which focused on fashion styling, advertising and how to run your own business. Much of her experience in design comes from her own wedding and those of friends and family.

Designing her way to success

With each year that goes by, BRIDE 2 BEAD becomes more popular and Jessie's reputation grows. Florists and cake decorators feature Jessie's creations with their own and her Crystal Garden Cake Topper was featured in the Fall/Winter issue of Wedding Bells magazine in 2007.

Decorator Cindy Coelho of The Wedding Cake Shoppe, recommends Jessie to many of her brides. "Jessie is great! I find her easy to work with... She is very organized and talented."

Helen Shroyer of Marmalade Cake Company in Toronto also likes BRIDE 2 BEAD and refers her brides to Jessie. Helen says she likes Jessie's style. "It's fun, fresh and modern. She tends towards the light-hearted, whimsical décor in what she does." Helen adds that Jessie "brings her own style to her work, but is absolutely approachable with a client's ideas and requests."

Jessie says that she did about forty weddings in the past year, "... not including the sales to boutiques, cake decorators, florists or wedding planners." And things only look to expand further. Yet, after creating so many pieces of jewellery and other beaded creations, Jessie still loves going to work every day. "I love to be a part of the largest event in people's lives. I love seeing brides so happy knowing that they found the perfect final touch in one of my pieces."

The BRIDE 2 BEAD approach

"Unique style, design and ideas" are part of what Jessie says makes brides choose BRIDE 2 BEAD for their wedding day jewellery. "We listen to what the bride wants... Our brides love the feeling of getting exactly what they want and not having to spend a lot of time or money to get it... The bride's opinion and wishes are number one."

Allison de Korte had her wishes fulfilled for her June 14 wedding in 2008. "I had seven bridesmaids and a flower girl and I was having trouble finding matching jewellery from a store for that many people. I was also looking for a specific colour, and was able to find exactly what I needed on the website. Her selections were also trendy... I wanted my bridesmaids to be able to wear the items again."

Helen agrees that Jessie's style is unique as she mentions she has "never seen the beaded cupcake decorations or the crystal ribbon that she offers before."

Style for your day

Since the style of her clients is almost always a balance of traditional with modern twists, Jessie tries to reflect that in each piece. "Our product style is a combination of sparkle and simplicity." She adds that brides want to find value in their purchases, "They like things that are unique but aren't weird or too trendy. They love the idea of a fairytale wedding but don't want to do what's typical or over the top." And perhaps most important, Jessie says, is that brides and bridesmaids alike want to be able to wear the jewellery again.

Which is why BRIDE 2 BEAD's product style is not your typical bridal jewellery. "Our look is light and delicate, not chunky or heavy," says Jessie. "We don't rely on trends - rather, we look to what complements and enhances modern wedding dresses, bouquets or cakes."

Options & prices

BRIDE 2 BEAD offers bridal jewellery, bouquet or flower jewellery and cake jewellery to complement the style and colours of each bride's wedding day attire and décor. "Our bridal jewellery consists of necklaces, earrings, bracelets, headpieces and hair pins. It can be made for the bride, bridesmaids, flower girls or mothers of the bride," says Jessie.

The flower jewellery consists of pearl and crystal stems in a wide range of colours and sizes, as well as beaded leaves and crystal ribbon that can be used to wrap bouquet handles.

Jessie also creates cake toppers of crystal and sterling silver wire in a wide range of styles. "Our custom Swarovski crystal ribbon makes a beautiful sparkling touch around wedding cake tiers."

All items are made to order and handcrafted by Jessie herself... nothing is made in bulk or bought from other vendors, which is why custom colours and designs are never a problem!

Prices for each piece vary, as they are custom made. You can expect to pay anywhere between $20 and $70 per piece for necklaces, bracelets, earrings and tiaras, and $70 to $150 for cake toppers (offered both with or without flowers). Depending on whether you'd like fully covered or partially covered crystal ribbon, it is $1.50 or $5 per inch. Bouquet jewellery ranges from $1.50 to $4 each stem (long or short), and cupcake accessories are under $4 each. Jessie says her brides spend an average of $100 with her.

Free alterations are offered on all pieces if necessary and products can be shipped anywhere in the world. "Canadian brides especially love us because with us they don't have to worry about exchange rates, duty, or high shipping costs."

Allison is one such bride and says, "Jessie was extremely helpful, especially since I needed a large order in only three weeks. She also saved me a tonne of time by gift wrapping each jewellery set and shipping it directly to me."

Filomena Feltmate, who had BRIDE 2 BEAD create necklaces and earrings for her bridesmaids to wear on her August 2008 wedding day says that the "prices were fair, fell within my budget, and matched the value I received."

Jessie's process

Jessie offers free consultations for brides to discuss the look and style of the brides or bridesmaid dresses, colours, budgets and designs. "I encourage brides to bring pictures of what kind of accessories appeal to them along with any colour or fabric samples," suggests Jessie. "This way when we're coming up with a custom style, or ordering from an existing style, we can ensure that it matches perfectly.

Jessie is the only one you'll consult with and she says she makes sure you feel comfortable and are able to communicate every small detail with her. "Even if we are not able to meet in person, communicating an order through email or over the phone is much easier when you get to talk to the designer," she adds.

"Jessie was great to work with during my wedding planning," says Filomena. "She is friendly, professional, welcoming and talented! I felt comfortable during my buying experience and I have recommended Jessie to all of my friends for their upcoming weddings."

After Jessie has worked out all the design details with her brides, a design sheet and accompanying quote is signed. This helps both parties know exactly what the final piece will look like. With custom orders (such as the crystal ribbon and the flower jewellery because there are so many options), a 50% deposit is required, or if you purchase online you pay the entire cost upfront. All of Jessie's prices include tax.

While Jessie says most orders take a total of three to six weeks from the time of order until you receive the finished product, she will confirm the timeline for your particular order when the design details are finalized. "It is often dependent on the size of order and time of year (summer vs. winter orders)," Jessie told us. That's why she recommends leaving two months of time before the pieces are needed, if possible.

Details, details, details

• Jessie recommends ordering 2 months or more before your wedding day (or before the day they are needed) to make sure your pieces will be ready in time.
• For custom orders there is a 50% deposit.
• Online purchases require full payment upfront.
• Payments are usually made with cheque or PAYPAL.
• Orders generally take 3 to 6 weeks to be created and shipped.
• BRIDE 2 BEAD's prices include tax.

To find out more...

For great photos of BRIDE 2 BEAD'S fabulous designs, check out Jessie Thomas' website at www.bride2bead.com. You can also phone her at 416-908-5377 or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information or to book an appointment today!