running of the brides®

If you've never heard of The Running of the Brides® at Filene's Basement, you are seriously missing out. I attended this event in D.C. with my sister about this time last year, and I don't know if it was the 278 cups of coffee or the pure adrenaline that kept me so excited about the day.

{Team UVA geared up to rush the store.}

Eight different Filene's Basement locations host The Running of the Brides® only once a year. Famous designer gowns are marked down $249.00 to $699.00, that can normally cost up to $9000! Union Square, NY is happening this Friday. Check the official website for dates and locations of all eight events!

{photo by Gary Higgins and Robb Cohen}

I'll give you a fair warning though. HAVE LOTS OF SUSTAINABLE ENERGY. It was exhausting. Check out my recap of last years event here.

eco-beautiful launch recap

As reality smacks me in the face coming home from my wonderful trip to NYC and the few cabin fever-filled snow days, I wanted to share some 'net love I found from the eco-beautiful weddings launch party!

First check out the very urban, amazing venue, 632 Below.

Get a feel for the launch party from this video by Wedded Luxe on Eco-Beautiful's Daily Blog.

Always a Blogsmaid, the planner behind the launch, came up with this great idea to surprise the never surprised wedding professionals.

And a run-down, with pictures, from The Good Life.

Keep checking eco-beautiful weddings blog for more updates and photos as Katie continues to post!

engaged: blair + marshall

The always talented Meghan McSweeney sent over these gorgeous images of Blair and Marshall's Spring engagement session in Richmond, Virginia's historic Church Hill district.





The urban view is just breathtaking. Thank you to Meghan for sending over these stunning photos. Check out more of her work here!

vase alternatives

I love unusual, unexpected vases. Think about it. When you sit at a wedding reception table, how often do you notice what the beautiful flowers are held in? Scour the thrift stores and supermarkets for adorable, alternative vases for your flowers.

{Jennifer Hughes Photography, Duet Weddings, last two Martha Stewart}

pie in a jar

I know the heavy baking season has come and gone, but I couldn't resist sharing with you these adorable pie in a jar gift ideas. Love your grandma's apple pie? Treat your wedding guests to individual pies like these instead of traditional wedding cake. Or send them home as wedding favors!

{Recipes at Our Best Bites; found via Elizabeth Anne Designs}

i love long tables

I am loving long rectangular tables for an easy way to dramatize a reception room. If you're on a tight budget for decor, instead of 60'' round tables that only seat 8 comfortably, opt to line 6' or 8' tables together and spread out low, simple centerpieces. So dramatic, without the expense!

{from top to bottom: Veranda Magazine, the Knot, Karen Bussen, last two from Perfect Palette}

What table arrangements are you opting for? Symmetrical rounds? A mix of rounds and rectangles? Or the dramatic, lined rectangular tables?

whites + ivories

In honor of this frigid cold weather and the possible snow fall tomorrow in Richmond, here is a wintry inspiration board filled with whites, creams and ivories.

{escort cards via bridal inquirer, heels via the knot, pom pom display via martha stewart, dessert bar via project wedding, wedding in the snow via green wedding shoes, knit dress via nibs blog, bouquet via martha stewart, table setting via country living, potted flowers via martha stewart, cake via real simple}