Thank you SO much to the Draper James team and Montage Palmetto Bluff for this experience of a lifetime!
Thank you to The awesome Draper James team – Lydia, and Emma!
Photographer: Lindsey Grace Whiddon
Creative Direction: And Delight Reigned
Hair: Clay Neilson
Make up: Caitlin Wooters
This past April I traveled down to Jamaica with Draper James to shoot their Spring collection. I never in a million years thought there was an opportunity to be invited back, but when that email rolled in, I was beyond excited! Had to temper just how many !!! exclamation points !!! to use to say YES! I still wasn’t sure it was going to happen because they’d have to fly me to Palmetto Bluff from San Sebastian Spain. They made it work though, and I was just left pinching myself. Annnnnd seriously, is this real life?! JB held down the Spanish fort while I had a whirlwind trip stateside. I handled the jet lag well, and the plane ride! When you aren’t flying with children, even the plane ride feels like a vacation!
I decided to break up this post into two posts because it was getting lengthy! So today I’ll share ALL about the latest lovely Draper James collection, and tomorrow I’ll share all about the amazing Montage Palmetto Bluff. The backdrop of “The Bluff” as I heard many people call it, was the perfect spot to shoot Draper James Fall collection. It is so beautiful there – and I can’t wait to share more!
I love the ethos behind Draper James. It is more than just beautiful clothing but a community of strong, smart, supportive, and collaborative women. DJ just radiates joy to me, and so does the team that is behind the scenes!
Myself and three other bloggers- Abby, Nazira, and Shay all met down in South Carolina. Someone asked Shay and I “how long have you guys known each other?!” because it seemed like we were old friends and we both responded with “since yesterday!”. Hah! They are each such kind, inspiring, and talented women. I loved spending time, laughing, and chatting with each of them. I truly felt like I left with a bunch more girlfriends than when I arrived. If you aren’t following them – get on it (:
It was an incredible experience seeing and being a part of what goes on behind the scenes of shoots like these. Colson of And Delight Reigned is a master at what she does and watching her work is mesmerizing. She styled Reese’s book, styles Reese for Draper James, and also oversees the stores visual aesthetic. Location scouting, prop styling, and tons of creative direction go into every shot. To have Clay using a portable leaf blower so my hair would get a windblown look just cracked me up, and also made me feel 10000 times more fancy than I am. 
I know there was a ton of hard work put into all of this, but from my perspective I was 100% of the time having a ball. Getting my hair and make up done, and smiling in a gorgeous location – sign me up! (: anytime!
{dress // earrings are Lisi Lerch // shoes }
How gorgeous is this dress, this boat, that lipstick color? I felt like a QUEEN (: This was my last shoot of the collection, and one of my favorites. I love the lightweight material but the long sleeves with the fun swiss dots. Perfect transitional piece.
{magnolia dress // backpack purse // earrings are Vivian Drew // Shoes are Great}
This magnolia dress is so pretty but also comfortable. I love that you can dress it down with tennies or up with some heels. Magnolias are my favorite flower, so of course, I’m a fan of this print!
{dress}
Out of all the gorgeous pieces in this DJ August launch, I think this one is my favorite! and not just because the backdrop is my dream kitchen. This dress is so soft, comfortable, yet fitted. Another dress that looks great dressed up or down. A day dress or out for a date night. 
How cute is this fun combo?! Booties + bright dress + big hair + fun jacket. Looks like I’m headed to a Luke Bryan concert or the rodeo.
Seersucker, ruffles, and a shift. Perfect Southern summertime dress!
Go check out all of the other pretty dresses and outfits that have dropped just in time for Fall shopping! And be sure to come back tomorrow when I share all the details of the stunning Montage Palmetto Bluff
