This Photoshoot Has Been in the Works for a Year
(Well, inside of my brain at least.) For my very first day as a Walt Disney World Cast Member, I had this dress made by my friend, Jess. It was a dream dress, down to the most specific details. I love the vintage feel the fabric has and I love that it showcases the boss, Mickey Mouse! It has movie posters, which I am a sucker for- plus the tiny cutout might be my favorite hidden Mickey of all time. After my first day of work, the dress sat in my closet for months. In my mind, I had a perfect little photoshoot planned but really had no way to make it happen. When Spring Dapper Day came about, I decided I would finally wear the dress to spend a special day with my friend, Ashelydawn, little did I know how special this day would become.
Sometimes Serendipity is on Your Side
A few nights before Dapper Day, I met Chyane & Jeremy totally by coincidence. We were all at Brett’s last night behind the castle, and standing there in front of the castle we got to talking. It was minutes until midnight when it would officially be Chyane’s birthday so it was pretty magical! It was a great night and I loved chatting with these new friends, who I assumed I would never see again, even after they offered to meet up with me later in the weekend to take some photos together- people just aren’t that nice! (Spoiler: they actually are).
To my surprise, a few days later, on Dapper Day, Jeremy & Chyane met up with me in Epcot. We had a blast and we met so many wonderful people from the Disney community. It was incredible to see so many gorgeous & creative outfits. Dapper Day is something special, walking around the park, you automatically know who is Disney obsessed. This means you get to chat with tons of new people about their adorable clothes.
Long Story Short. . .
I told Jeremy & Chyane about my dream photoshoot idea in the Magic Kingdom, and they were somehow just as excited as I was!
The train station has SO much sentimental value to me for so many reasons:
- The train station is where you enter The Magic Kingdom! It transports you to The Most Magical Place on Earth, plus it’s BEAUTIFUL! If you stop to really check it out, the details are impeccable. Also, I love the history the train station has in connection to Walt Disney himself. As a huge Walt Disney fan, I think of the train station as such a win for the little boy Walt was, with no money to ride the trains so as a successful man, he built his own! Talk about inspiration!
- My brother and I shared a really magical moment in the train station. It was a beautiful moment to remember and honor our mom, so I will treasure it and that space forever.
To add to the sentiment of the shoot, my mom had gotten the dress made for me, she was so proud I would be working at Walt Disney World!
More than a Photoshoot
While I think the pictures are amazing, the friends I made while taking them are even better. We had a blast making these memories together and learned so much about one another. Sometimes, life gives you a magical day, where your heart is happy, your tummy is full and you meet people who you just automatically really like, and they really like you back! It’s a wonderful feeling and I will always be grateful for this day!
Friends are so important to me, it’s not always easy to find people to open up to when you’re in a new place. Walt Disney World & Orlando are HUGE, and while Instagram makes it seem smaller, sometimes it’s difficult to find genuine connections, so when I do, I am always thankful. Friends really do make the world a better place.
I hope you all enjoyed seeing my favorite shots from this photoshoot and learning more about the spontaneous and serendipitous moments that led up to it!
Until the next adventure,
Josie
D E T A I L S
Photography: U & Co. Photography
Dress: Handmade by Ena’s Bazaar
Shoes: Jessica Simpson, honestly one of the greatest pairs of shoes I have ever owned!
Necklace: Tiffany & Co.
Suitcase: Vintage! Borrowed last-minute from Ashleydawn- the perfect touch for the train station.
Lashes: Ardell, CVS
Lips: Rad by Kylie Cosmetics
