Rooted in Love. Built in Ohio.
What started as a husband-and-wife dream in 1989 has grown into the heartbeat of Northeast Ohio weddings. When Jim and Denise Frericks launched Today’s Bride, their goal was simple: connect engaged couples with trusted local wedding professionals and support the small businesses that make those celebrations possible. More than three decades later, that mission remains unchanged.
Every day, newly engaged couples begin searching for answers. They need inspiration, guidance, and trusted professionals they can count on. At the same time, talented local wedding businesses are looking for meaningful ways to connect with the couples who need them most.
That’s where Today’s Bride comes in.
From the moment you say “yes” to the day you say “I Do,” our mission remains the same… to help you plan your perfect day with confidence, creativity, and connection. Whether you’re flipping through the pages of our magazine, meeting experts face-to-face at a Today’s Bride Wedding Show or finding ideas and vendors online, we’re honored to be part of your story.
But we’re more than a wedding resource. We’re a local family business that believes in the power of community. We believe that when local wedding businesses succeed, our entire wedding industry becomes stronger. That’s why we’ve spent more than 35 years helping Northeast Ohio’s wedding professionals grow their businesses, tell their stories, and build lasting relationships with couples.
We’ve celebrated thousands of love stories, watched family businesses grow into household names, and had the privilege of being a small part of some of life’s most meaningful moments. Whether you’re a couple searching for the perfect wedding team or a wedding professional looking to grow your business, welcome to Today’s Bride.
Our Story
Today’s Bride was born from a simple realization. While planning their own wedding in the late 1980s, Jim and Denise Frericks discovered there wasn’t a trusted local resource to help Northeast Ohio couples navigate the wedding planning process. So, in August 1989, they set out to create one.
What began as a small wedding publication quickly grew into a trusted planning resource, connecting engaged couples with local wedding professionals through our magazine, wedding shows, website, and digital platforms.
More than 35 years later, Today’s Bride remains a family-owned business. As founders Jim and Denise begin passing the torch to their daughter, Abby Crowder, we’re proud to continue the mission they started: helping couples plan with confidence while supporting the local businesses that make weddings unforgettable.
Meet Our Staff
Behind every wedding show, magazine issue, website update, social post, and vendor connection is a passionate team dedicated to helping couples and wedding professionals succeed. Get to know the people who work year-round to make Today’s Bride Ohio’s most trusted wedding resource.
Owner & Chief Marketing Officer
Jim Frericks
As co-founder of Today’s Bride, Jim Frericks has spent more than three decades helping connect engaged couples with the local wedding professionals who make their big day possible. What started as an idea around his own kitchen table has grown into one of Ohio’s most trusted wedding resources—and one thing he still enjoys most is seeing the successful connections happen between couples and businesses because of the programs Today’s Bride has built.
When he’s not in the office, you’ll likely find him traveling the world with his wife Denise, spending time with his grandchildren, or trying to squeeze in a round of golf. Fun fact: Jim is one of ten siblings born within a thirteen-year span and believes he would have made a great radio personality—after all, he jokes that he has “a face for radio.”
Jim’s advice for engaged couples is simple: do your homework and meet vendors in person whenever possible. In a world full of online options, building real relationships with trusted local professionals can make all the difference.
And if you’re ever looking for him, follow the trail of Malley’s chocolate-covered raisins… there’s a good chance he has a stash nearby.
Owner & Chief Operating Officer
Denise Frericks
President & Bridal Show Manager
Jennifer Judy
Client Services Manager
Abby Frericks Crowder
Abby Crowder wears a lot of hats at Today’s Bride—and according to her coworkers, probably too many! As the next generation of the family business, she’s passionate about helping local wedding professionals grow while ensuring engaged couples have the resources they need to plan with confidence.
When she’s not juggling websites, marketing campaigns, accounting, and the occasional last-minute project, you’ll likely find her spending time with her husband, daughter, and their dog, grabbing dinner or a glass of wine with friends, taking a walk outdoors, or heading to a workout class. Fun fact: her first name isn’t actually Abby—it’s Taylor!
A self-proclaimed iced coffee enthusiast with a weakness for ice cream, Abby’s favorite part of wedding show weekends is finally getting to see clients face-to-face after months of emails and phone calls.
Her biggest piece of wedding advice? Hire a videographer. “Your wedding video is something you’ll come back to again and again.” And while planning can feel overwhelming at times, she encourages couples to enjoy the process and make it fun—maybe even with a weekly “Wedding Wednesday” date night dedicated to checking one thing off the list together.
Want to join the team?
We’re always looking for talented individuals to join our team. If you’re passionate about weddings and dedicated to helping our team, we’d love to hear from you. Please view our available Job Opportunities.
Today’s Bride also offers a variety of internship opportunities. Our interns are trained as part of the staff and their skills are put to use as they learn about the events, advertising, marketing, and graphic design industries. Interns are considered for part or full-time employment.
Interested candidates should email their resumes and areas of interest to [email protected] or call 330-670-9545.
Today’s Bride Partners
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