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BTL produces first same-sex wedding expo May 1

LIVONIA – Between The Lines Newspaper and Detroit Marriott Livonia will co-host To Have and to Hold: A wedding expo for same-sex couples on Sunday, May 1, from 3 to 8 p.m.
"Michigan may not let same-sex couples legalize their relationships but we will still celebrate them," said Between The Lines Publisher Jan Stevenson.
Guests can tour exhibits with up to 40 vendors, including caterers, jewelers, salons, photographers, officiants, churches, florists, gift registries, clothiers, printers, travel agents and entertainers.
The hotel initiated the event partnership with Between The Lines newspaper after it received two inquiries in a month from same-sex couples who had lost confirmed bookings when venue managers discovered their orientation.
"They asked if we host commitment ceremonies and we said, 'You mean there are places that don't?'" said Danielle Bastianelli, the hotel's director of sales and marketing. The hotel is endorsed by TAG, which bases its approval on pro-LGBT business practices including non-discrimination in hiring, treating heterosexual and same-sex partners equally and diversity training for staff.
"The average American wedding costs $20,000," Stevenson said. "If 1,000 metro Detroit same-sex couples got married this year, they could generate $20 million in additional sales for the businesses smart enough to market to them. You don't have to be a gay business owner to take advantage of that buying power. You just have to respect your customers – and that's good business for anybody."
This is the first locally-produced event in Michigan. Other cities that have hosted expos include Atlanta, New York, Minneapolis, Chicago, Denver, Austin and Las Vegas.
Admission is $10, with a $2 discount for those who register in advance online. It includes hors d'oeuvres, drinks, gift bags and raffle entries. Those who register in advance also are eligible in a drawing for a honeymoon.
Anyone interested in being an expo vendor can contact Jan Stevenson at 732-293-7200 ext. 22 or email [email protected].

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