Running of the Brides

Charlottean Rebecca Stamilio (center) was one of thousands of brides-to-be who took part in the "Running of the Brides" at Filene’s Basement Feb. 29 in New York City. Stamilio, 27, a teacher at Edgecomb Community College in Tarboro, bought the dress she’s pictured in, a James Clifford Collection gown, for $250. The retail price was $1,600. She and fellow bride-to-be and best friend Erin Robertson (third from left) tried on at least 100 dresses each, Stamilio said. "We grabbed as many dresses as we could, the pile (of dresses) came up to our chests." Stamilio and fiancé Jeremy Ehret, 25, of Statesville were engaged on Feb. 14, and plan to marry in May or June of 2009.