Embracing neurodivergence while tying the knot

Weddings are evolving, and so is the understanding that no two love stories, or the people celebrating them, are the same. Globally, up to 20 per cent of the population is neurodivergent, including individuals with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other neurodevelopmental differences. This new era of wedding culture celebrates inclusivity, flexibility, and empathy as essentials rather than merely options.

That’s where Thistle & Thorne stands out. The Canada-wide wedding planning firm is redefining what meaningful and inclusive celebrations can be. Modern weddings, under their guidance, become spaces where neurodivergent clients and collaborators feel truly seen, supported, and celebrated.

A UNIQUELY HUMAN-FIRST PHILOSOPHY

At Thistle & Thorne, neurodiversity isn’t seen as a challenge. It’s an opportunity to make weddings
more uniquely suited to individual needs and preferences. The team’s planning philosophy is about flexibility, empathy, and personalized support. The goal is to ensure every couple can create a celebration that feels authentic, comfortable, and joyfully their own.

For neurodivergent clients, human-first planning might mean adapting timelines to suit different
concentration and time management styles. It might include structured planning tools or sensory-friendly environments that reduce stress and overstimulation. Social anxiety and information processing differences are also handled with compassion and respect, so that every couple feels valued and fully included.

"OUR WORK IS ABOUT MORE THAN DESIGN; IT’S ABOUT CONNECTION" says Jodie Garneau, founder and lead planner of Thistle & Thorne. “We understand that planning a wedding can be overwhelming for anyone. For neurodivergent clients and collaborators, it can feel even more intense. That’s why our approach is always human-first: listening, adapting, and making space for every person’s experience.

INCLUSIVITY EXTENDS TO VENDOR COLLABORATION

Thistle & Thorne’s commitment to neurodiversity doesn’t stop with couples. It extends to the vendors
and creative professionals who bring weddings to life. By providing clear communication, structured workflows, and understanding around sensory or social considerations, the team ensures every contributor can thrive creatively and professionally.
Through tailored planning, collaborative design and intentional storytelling, Thistle & Thorne stands
firm in the belief that every wedding should be beautiful, memorable, and thoughtfully inclusive.

About Thistle & Thorne: Founded in Vancouver, Thistle & Thorne is a boutique, family-run wedding planning firm serving clients across Canada. With over 15 years of experience in hospitality
and more than 400 weddings flawlessly executed, founder and lead planner Jodie Garneau brings heart, creativity, and professionalism to every celebration.
Her close-knit team specializes in retreatstyle weddings and immersive multi-day experiences, celebrated for their warmth, dependability, and thoughtful attention to detail. At Thistle & Thorne, people always come first; everything else is a beautiful by product.