This week has been pretty exciting for me since I was featured on Reese Witherspoon’s Draper James! Draper James was founded by Reese as a way to honor her southern heritage. The name itself came from her grandparents, Dorothea Draper and William James Witherspoon, who taught her everything she knows about gracious southern living. Her brand is based on the southern sentiment that you can never be too kind, too gracious or too well dressed. She combines classic southern style with contemporary elements to create the perfect wardrobe that’s both elegant and sophisticated.

To celebrate this feature, I’m showcasing the perfect Draper James outfit that could be worn on Easter or any spring day. I immediately fell in love with the soft pattern of the Margaret Printed Skirt since it is both flattering and timeless. I paired that with the white Cloister Dot Top to balance out the bold pattern in the skirt. The Croc Pinewood Envelope Clutch provided the perfect finishing touch to this outfit.

This shoot took place on Jekyll Island, where I enjoyed a gorgeous Sunday afternoon strolling around the grounds of the Jekyll Island Club Hotel. Their landscaping is stunning and I particularly love the walkway by the waterfront, the giant oak trees and the beautiful azealas that were in bloom. All of this, combined with the historical feel, creates a peaceful and calm setting. Jekyll Island was purchased in 1886 and designed to be a winter destination for America’s most elite families. The Jekyll Island Club served as a second home to wealthy families, such as the Rockefellers, Morgans and Pulitzers. Today, you can experience the islands at the Jekyll Club Hotel, which blends its rich history with modern luxury.

These photos were centered around the Crane Cottage, which was built in 1917 and designed by Chicago architects, Adler and Dangler. The inspiration for the cottage came from an Italian Renaissance village that the original owner, Richard T. Crane Jr., loved. Today, you can observe the Italian influences in the architecture, oak and tile floors, cypress ceilings, and massive fireplaces. The Crane Cottage was eventually transformed into a Bed and Breakfast, which is part of the Jekyll Island Club Hotel. The Cottage is home to a restaurant, the Courtyard at Crane, which offers an a la carte lunch menu and features a more extensive dinner menu that includes seafood, steaks, pasta and more. Best of all, you can dine al fresco while taking in the breathtaking views of perfectly manicured gardens, jasmine, rose bushes, citrus trees, magnolias and beautiful bubbling fountains!

The Jekyll Island Club Hotel is the perfect place for a weekend escape given it’s serenity, which is partially due to the fact that Jekyll Island is relatively undeveloped. This stunning southern institution is a fabulous place to host a family gathering, or even enjoy a romantic weekend getaway.

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Kelli Boyd Photography