Each Copious bride has their design journey and I love reminiscing about our time together through my Bridal Blog Series, but MY Copious Bridal Story started with Kaja. It is fitting, that the woman who has captured Copious for years was my first custom gown. We learned a lot through that journey together and I will always cherish the moment I got to see her walk down the aisle in the gown we made together.
 
If you are new to the Copious family, Kaja Tirrul is the photographer behind KajaPhoto and Jack Loves Mary. She was my college roommate and we started our companies at the same time. We have bonded over photoshoots, both being self employed, working odd jobs till our companies were big enough to sustain us and now we share a studio space. Kaja is a talented photographer who has helped me build Copious, and you will see her work throughout my socials and website. When she asked me to make her gown, I was honoured and I couldn’t wait to get started.
 
Like most brides Kaja started sending me pictures of bridal gowns she liked. I set perimeters for her to follow, when she found a gown that interested her, she had to ask herself, ‘do I like the style, the fabric or both?’ The custom design process always starts with scrolling through Pinterest, but brides often end up saving images where they like the fabric more than actual gown. That’s ok, it all helps. I like to give my brides the tools to start off their journey understanding each step of the process, this helps them narrow down what they are ultimately looking for. By asking this question Kaja discovered what style she really wanted and what colour of fabric.
kaja's custom golden wedding gown, designed and sewn by copious
kaja's custom copious wedding gown, bride wearing golden wedding gown
kaja's customs golden wedding gown, designed and sewn by copious
kaja's custom golden wedding gown, designed and sewn by copious

 

In the end Kaja followed her heart and opted for a golden netted and sequin fabric that we lined with gold Peau de Soie. This fabric helped give us the structure we needed to create her fitted mermaid gown. Kaja envisioned both aspects, a gown that was fitted, with geometric details to highlight her waist, but she also wanted ethereal, so we did a flowing chiffon train and gathered skirt to fit her beachside ceremony. 

When it came to her bridesmaids, Kaja pictured a colourful wedding party. With her bridesmaids choosing the colour they wanted, they were able to pick any style and 4 of them asked me make their bridesmaid dresses. 

 

kaja's golden wedding gown and custom made bridesmaid dresses

kaja's golden wedding gown, custom made gown and bridesmaid dresses

custom made wedding gown and bridesmaid dresses

 

Working on this gown was so special. There are three women who helped me grow my company, Kaja, Kay & May and I have had the privilege of making each of their gowns and being with them on their wedding days. I have such a beautiful bond with each of my Copious Bride's, but with Kaja I got to watch the gown go from an idea, to a sample, to her wedding gown, to seeing it walk down the aisle. It is a moment I will cherish and remember vividly. 

 

kaja's custom golden wedding gown, handmade by copious

custom golden wedding gown, designed and made by copious

custom golden wedding gown, designed and made by copious

kaja custom golden wedding gown, designed and sewn by copious

custom golden wedding gown, designed and sewn by copious

 

"From day one I knew I wanted a dress that was truly me. I wanted modern details, however I couldn't figure out how to incorporate them without it getting out of hand. Carissa helped me with all of these aspects. She patiently explained patterns, shapes, cuts and lines, helping me to understand what would work with my body and my vision.  I LOVE my dress, and I thoroughly enjoyed the process of designing it."  

-- Kaja Tirrul

If you have questions about what the Custom Design Process looks like, you can learn more here.

 

Written by Carissa McCaig

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