If I could describe Judy Copley, the designer and owner of Judy Copley Bridal, in just a few words, I would say this: Sunshine in human form.
Jenny and I met Judy Copley one day at her kitchen table. Over a cup of tea we discussed her goals and aspirations and asked approximately one million questions about her process as a bridal gown designer.
You see, we were surrounded by her creations – some complete, some part way through. Lace, sequins, and fabrics of all kinds filled every surface. She told us about specific pieces of lace she had lovingly selected in Melbourne, or ordered from Italy, and it was clear to us then that her whole heart was in this business of creating couture designs for brides.
We ventured into her then home studio and found even more beauties – you should have seen us! Wide-eyed like a couple of kids in a candy store! Judy has long moved from her home studio, but is still very much a local gal, despite the calling of New York fashion entities who have fallen in love with her always surprising and innovative, hand-crafted couture bridal designs as much as we did all those years ago.
Judy works with her daughter, Amber, who takes care of the business side so Judy can still design, cut, sew, and bead each and every gown herself. No two Judy Copley bridal gowns are alike, they are created with passion and every step of the process from consultation and design to completed garment is done by one person – Judy herself in her Caloundra studio.
Here Judy has ever-so-kindly has shared some insight into what it’s like to be a couture bridal designer.
What does a day in your work life at Judy Copley Bridal look like?
First up coffee, read emails, go over my to-do list for the day, attend to my consultations, source fabrics and supplies then getting on with the process of creating the garment. This could include cutting, sewing, beading or hand-sewing details. Sometimes I may attend shoots, be setting up instillations and displays of my work, or packaging garments for interstate or international projects that I am part of.
What do your clients say about working with you?
“Thank you” in the most beautiful ways. They say they loved the process, my personal touch, my patience with them and effort given, and often they say that they will miss coming to the studio.
Tell me about your history in your business and in the wedding industry.
You have a completely free day to hang out on the Sunshine Coast. Get out and about! Where are you going, what are you doing and who are you with?
Share something that’s interesting about you, or something a lot of people don’t realise.
Images by Karen Buckle, supplied by Judy Copley Bridal.
LEARN MORE ABOUT JUDY COPLEY BRIDAL AND HOW YOU CAN ARRANGE A CONSULTATION WITH JUDY HERSELF HERE.
