This past weekend, I had a rare “wedding free” Saturday and instead spent the day an hour outside Washington, DC attending the 2015 Virginia Gold Cup with some of our friends! My absolute favorite part, however, isn’t the race — it’s the people watching! I mean… big hats, pretty dresses, and colorful bow ties? What’s not to love!? I even found my dress twin, which was pretty crazy and hilarious all at the same time. So enjoy some of my favorites from the day — we had most beautiful sunny day anyone could’ve ever asked for! 

This is the most random group of people but we all had so much fun! The sweet couple in the middle, Katie and Jeremy, organized this entire event. Below are a mix of their siblings, friends, and co-workers from all over — some even as far as upstate NY! It’s pretty amazing how many people they were able to bring together and that we all had such a blast with one another. 

Rob’s outfit is like an homage to JMU with the purple and gold! I found my hat first and then planned the rest of the outfit around that. One older gentleman asked me if I wanted to be in a hat contest because he said mine was his favorite that he had seen all day! 

You might recognize this good looking couple as the model from my Downton Abbey Styled Shoot last fall! 

Ribs… I had ribs for lunch. 

Some people go all out decorating their little area for the Gold Cup! It’s pretty incredible to see what each one comes up with!

‘Merica.

I found my dress twin — too funny!! I asked her if she also got hers from Rent The Runway, but she had no idea what I was talking about!

And they’re off! So much of this event is not about the actual race, but it was really fun to watch once it got started! We truly had the most perfect day and I’m certainly hoping to go back next year if my wedding schedule permits!