ARE WE NOT LIKE TWO VOLUMES OF ONE BOOK? (MARCELINE DESBORDES-VALMORE) TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM / WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2010 ■ 15
Woman offers tips for ‘Running of the Brides’ By Kristen Rapin TOLEDO FREE PRESS SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR krapin@toledofreepress.com
Filene’s Basement Running of the Brides offers a way for a bride-to-be to find her wedding gown and have fun with her friends. “Everyone had a great time,” said Rachel Rocha, a former area bride who ran the Running of the Brides in January. “It was like a little road trip. It’s a great way to get your bridesmaids involved from the beginning. Make them feel involved in your wedding process.” Rocha brought a team of five women with her to the event in Columbus. The group dressed in the bright green T-shirts and woke up early to wait in line at Filene’s Basement. By the time the group got into the store all the dresses were off the racks, but Rocha and her team were eventually able to get some dresses. “There are so many people around you that have stacks of dresses. If they’re nice enough they’ll let you try the ones they grabbed,” she said. “After an hour or so the employees put the dresses back on the racks which is nice too.” Rocha tried on nearly 100 dresses for five hours before finding her wedding gown, she said. Rocha had on a dress she liked but wasn’t in love with and was walking around the store with the dress on, she said. Girls were following her with the hopes of trying on the dress, Rocha said.
One girl would not stop bothering Rocha and her friends, so finally the pair chose to look at each other’s dresses. “I tried on her dress, one she wanted it too and cried my eyes out. I liked this dress, but she said I really want to get it. So I tried on the second one she had that didn’t fit her well, and it was even better than the first one she had,” Rocha said. The girls traded dresses and the second dress, a Mon Cheri strapless sweatheart cut, eventually became Rocha’s wedding gown. Rocha’s advice for the Running: ■ Bring lots of people to help and wear matching identifying clothing. ■ Show your friends pictures of the types of dresses you like beforehand, so they aren’t grabbing dresses you might not like. ■ Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find something when you walk in the door. ■ Try on things that are not even in your size. You’re getting such a great deal on the dress you can afford to get it altered. ■ Be ready to stand your ground. Filene’s Basement Running of the Brides is Aug. 27 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Harvard Park Shopping Center, 4045 Richmond Road Warrensville Heights. The event will feature more than 1,400 gowns priced at $249, $499 and $699. For information, visit www.filenesbasement. com/running-of-the-brides. ✯
Win a $14,000 ‘Running of the Brides’ bridal package
Vincent and Rachel Rocha (she is wearing the dress she found at the Running). PHOTO COURTESY DECISIVE MOMENT PHOTOJOURNALISM
Toledo Free Press Star will give away a bridal prize package estimated at $14,000. The package coincides with Filene’s Basement Running of the Brides in Cleveland on Aug. 27. One winner will receive a stay at the Cleveland Marriot East, across from Filene’s Basement, and a gift certificate to purchase a dress at the Running of the Brides. The winner will also receive breakfast for two at the River City Grille in Cleveland. In addition, the winner will receive free bridal makeup and hair from David Broadway Salon & Spa; a free bridal bouquet from Bumble Floral & Gifts; free bridal consultations from Crowning Celebrations; a free engagement photo session with Decisive Moment Photojournalism; a complimentary $200 cake from Cherry Lane Cakes; and chair covers from Meredith Party Rentals. The Blarney Bullpen will offer a complimentary location for the Bride’s Choice of a rehearsal dinner, couple’s shower, day-after brunch and present opening or a reception based on the wedding party size. To enter, visit www.facebook.com/ toledofreepress and write 100 words about your wedding proposal. ✯
Nothing sets the mood for a picture perfect wedding day like flowers. Leave the arrangements to us, and we’ll help you step down the aisle in style. Call today for a free consultation! (419) 367-0588 Jennifer Cummins Ohio Certified Florist (OCF) Beautifulbloomsbyjen@yahoo.com www.beautifulbloomsbyjen.com
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