DETROIT — It's the celebration of a lifetime. Now that same-sex marriage is legal nationwide, the Ultimate LGBT Wedding & Anniversary Expo on March 20, 2016, is going to be bigger, better and more meaningful than ever.
The event, being hosted for the sixth year by Between The Lines, has been expanded from an LGBT wedding expo into a wedding and anniversary expo. This expansion recognizes the many occasions being celebrated by LGBT couples and their families following the U.S. Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage in June 2015.
The expo will continue to be Detroit's only LGBT-specific destination for couples planning their wedding to meet with inclusive vendors. But it will also be a place where couples and families can meet with LGBT-friendly vendors that can help them celebrate all the special occasions in their lives: anniversaries, vow renewals, graduations, bar and bat mitzvahs, adoptions, baby showers, and more.
"So many couples have been together for decades, which makes the Supreme Court decision an acknowledgement of the commitment they've already made as couples and families," said Susan Horowitz, editor and co-publisher of BTL and co-producer of the event with her co-publisher and wife, Jan Stevenson.
The Ultimate LGBT Wedding & Anniversary Expo is moving to a fabulous new location this year: MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit. This elegant setting will be a perfect complement to the historic celebration, which will feature about 125 vendors, a fashion show, live entertainment, prizes, special guests and plenty of surprises, all in MotorCity's state-of-the-art ballroom and Sound Board Theater.
The Expo will include a fashion show with gowns provided by B. Ella Bridal in Plymouth and tuxedos from The Tux Shop on Woodward in Birmingham. Plans are also in the works for a Honeymoon Attire fashion show featuring provocative lingerie and other clothing suitable for the bedroom.
The entire event will be emceed by professional actor and entertainer Jason Bowen. From Chicago originally, Bowen will keep the action going with all the shows, demonstrations, prize giveaways and more. One of the many event sponsors, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, is providing the mixings for a complimentary signature event cocktail.
The Sound Board Theatre will be the place to see live entertainment going all afternoon by a variety of bands, DJ's and other performers. Each of these professional performers have extensive wedding and event experience, and will provide an upbeat atmosphere adding to the fun of the whole event.
Because the event is more meaningful than ever, record attendance is expected.
"The ruling is a major step forward in lived equality — the goal that someday, LGBT people will have full equality in every aspect of their lives — so we're excited to celebrate that with our most ambitious expo yet," said Stevenson.
The Ultimate LGBT Wedding & Anniversary Expo will be noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 20 at the MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit. Tickets are $10 each. Learn more or order tickets online at http://www.btlweddingexpo.com. For updates, follow http://www.facebook.com/UltimateLGBTExpo on Facebook, @BTLexpo on Twitter and @BTLEXPO on Instagram.
2016 Michigan's Ultimate LGBT Wedding and Anniversary Expo Celebrates Marriage Equality
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