BTL staff
LIVONIA –
Pride Source Media Group and Detroit Marriott Livonia will once again co-host "Celebrate the Power of Love: A Wedding Expo for Same-Sex Couples on Sunday, April 29, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. This year the Expo welcomes onboard corporate sponsor, Comerica Bank. Pride Source Media Group publishes Between The Lines.
Building on the success of last year's inaugural event, which over 300 people attended, producers are excited to return once more to the hospitality, great entertainment and food offered by the Detroit Marriot Livonia and all the participating vendors. This year's Expo will offer 30-minute workshops, film shorts, and a special appearance by the actoring troupe from The Ringwald Theatre.
"Michigan may not let same-sex couples legalize their relationships but we will continue to celebrate and honor them," said BTL co-publisher Jan Stevenson.
Guests will shop with up to 40 vendors, including caterers, jewelers, salons, photographers, officiants, churches, florists, gift registries, clothiers, printers, travel agents and entertainers. So no matter what event you have coming up in the near future, these vendors can help with planning and providing the welcoming services attendees deserve.
"We are very excited about our amazing array of vendors this year, including Zingerman's Bakery and The Pastry Palace, Miner's Den Jewelry, AG Chocolates, Schroeter's Flowers and Satisfaction Limousine is bringing back the pink Hummer limo," said Stevenson. "Rawlinson Photography is a new vendor this year, as is Affairs to Remember, Wake's Travel, Perfect Day Celebrations and The Produce Station Catering. Every aspect of wedding ceremonies and receptions will be covered at the Expo."
The hotel initiated the event partnership with Pride Source after it received two inquiries in a month from same-sex couples that had lost confirmed bookings when venue managers discovered their orientation.
"Our reason for initially having this event was because we were surprised to learn that other local vendors would not host a same sex wedding which in this day and age was alarming," said Danielle Bastianelli, director of sales and marketing, Detroit Marriott Livonia/Crescent Hotels and Resorts. "When we initially discussed our idea of showing support by providing a wedding tradeshow for the LGBT community we knew it was important to reach out to the LGBT community. Working with our partners from Between The Lines was essential in keeping it relevant, purposeful and positive."
"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."
"People came to the event last year not only to meet with vendors but also to socialize with other attendees. The atmosphere was fun and social and everyone stayed right until the end," said Julie Emerson, catering sales manager at the Detroit Marriott Livonia.
This is a locally produced event in Michigan. Admission is $10 at the door, and discount coupons and a limited number of free passes are available at https://www.pridesource.com.
