With Women of the South
It’s not every day that you get to spend time with beautiful, like minded Southern women that you meet on Instagram. I had the opportunity recently to do just that with Lauren Cermak of Going For Grace, and Emily Wilkinson of Life With Emily, while enjoying an afternoon on the front porch at the historic McAlister-Leftwich home, and everything about it was just a true delight. The day left me feeling super grateful for the new friendships forming over sweet treats, laughs and drinks at the dinner table. Let’s not forget every dainty, darling detail and the gorgeous Draper James Summer collection dresses we each wore. Just right for a Southern affair.
Y’all ask me often, what is it that inspired me to start a blog and what I love most about doing this. Besides my serious love of feminine fashion and all things colorful (especially pink!), this day photographed right here is one of the major things I love. It’s about getting to form connections through this incredible digital space with so many women of all different backgrounds, places and paths. It’s learning from them, becoming real life supportive friends (#womenempoweringwomen) , and inspiring each and every woman I meet to fearlessly go after their dreams and feel confident dressing the part in all the roles we play as modern women today! My face seriously lights up when I get to share in these moments with you, and if only you could see me smiling even as I type this out on my laptop, you would so get it.
This day was truly such a joy and unlike any other in many ways. No fine detail was left out of this Southern Summer Garden Party, from the blue and white dinnerware to the fresh pink peonies, strawberry cake and Lauren’s homemade sweet lemony tarts (recipe found on post here).
Tips to Re-Create The Party Look
You can easily recreate the look by picking a color palette, theme, and combining elements of style you love with the people you love. If this look speaks to you, try picking up some similar dinnerware at your local department store or I’ve even gotten lucky at Homegoods for traditional looking blue and white dinnerware. Add in colorful glassware or whatever speaks to your personality and then cut some fresh peonies from your garden or pick them up from your local florist and walaa. You’ve got a classic, Southern tablescape perfect for entertaining outdoors this Summer. Don’t you just love how it all tied into the vintage powder blue chairs (insert heart eye emojis here please)?!
To think this all simply started with a vision that turned into a daydream and then a desire to bring that vision to life, followed by a phone call and the beginning of new friendships, is super fulfilling for me. I think often times in today’s society because women wear so many different hats, we sometimes can easily loose sight of our passions, our identity and what makes us feel fulfilled outside of marriage or a relationship. Or we let fear hold us back. To me it’s always been important to feed my soul with the creative energy, connections and community it so greatly desires. Here’s a good reason why. If we aren’t doing what we love and feel like we were meant to be here to do, then we are robbing others of the joy our passion, our work, whatever it is - can bring to their life. Does that make sense? I’m so glad we acted on getting this Summer Garden Party together, as with all good things in life, it takes work, but is usually so worth it in the long run.
Out of all the beautifully charming details we envisioned, planned and put together for this garden party, I’d have to say though that nothing compares to the joy and simplicity of the company we found together at the table. I’ll toast to that any day!
For more cheeky stories and insight from Emily, Jessica and Lauren on their garden party, head over to the Draper James, Love Reese Blog.
To hear more entertaining tips from Emily, click here!
Get more of the insider essentials from Lauren, here!
*A sincere and special thanks to Draper James for sponsoring today’s post.
Shop The Ladies Looks
Left to right: Emily’s Floral Maxi Shirt Dress // Jessica’s Embroidered Gingham Dress // Lauren’s Stripe Midi Dress //
Credits and Thank You’s:
Lauren Cermak - going for grace
Emily Wilkinson - life with emily
Photography - Megan Travis
Location- McAlister-Leftwich House, Greensboro NC
Flowers- Flora by Andraya
Table, Blue chairs, Tabletop- The Prettiest Pieces
Wooden Chairs- Party Makers Event Rental
Cake- Artsy Cakesy
Until Next Time…
“Leave Inspired”
Or…get social with me!
