Valentine’s Weekend 2011 marks the return of the Twin Cities Gay & Lesbian Wedding Expo! Proudly produced for the past seven years by the Park Plaza Hotel in Bloomington, this year’s event promises to be more lively than ever, with guest appearances by two reality-tv celebrities: Christopher Straub (Project Runway) and Paris Bennett (American Idol) and co-produced this year by the national wedding resource, RainbowWeddingNetwork. The upcoming Gay & Lesbian Wedding Expo is scheduled for Sunday February 13, 2011 from 12-4pm. Admission is $10 per person, with all proceeds being donated to District 202, a local nonprofit dedicated to LGBT youth and anti-bullying awareness.
Asheville, NC – As the conversation continues in Minnesota regarding marriage and family rights for its LGBT citizens, the upcoming Gay & Lesbian Wedding Expo at the Park Plaza Hotel in Bloomington uniquely serves same-gender couples as they plan their ceremonies, honeymoons and committed lives together. Now in its seventh year, this festive annual event will feature a stunning fashion show, live musical performances, samples, giveaways and over 30 gay-friendly exhibitors eager to work with the LGBT minority.
Christopher Straub, fashion designer from Season 5 of Project Runway, will participate at the event, and his latest Spring and Summer Line will kick off the 2011 Fashion Show. Other highlights of the Expo will include live performances by American Idol contestant Paris Bennett, raffles for phenomenal prizes including a 4-night stay in Aruba and signature luggage by Mr. Straub. Discounted Valentine’s Weekend Getaway Packages are also being offered by the hotel. The upcoming Gay & Lesbian Wedding Expo will be held on Sunday February 13, 2011 from 12-4pm. Admission is $10 per person, with all proceeds being donated to District 202, a local nonprofit dedicated to LGBT youth and anti-bullying awareness. LGBT couples, advocates and allies throughout the area are invited to attend.
“We’re thrilled to be hosting this one-of-a-kind event once again in 2011,” comments Director of Sales Amy Shahin of the Park Plaza Hotel. “The Gay & Lesbian community in the Twin Cities deserves this kind of resource; we are proud to offer the Expo and look forward to making this year’s event even more memorable than ever.”
Attendees of the Wedding Expo will receive a complimentary Giveaway Bag brimming with valuable contacts for planning their own Special Day, mingle with dozens of gay-friendly exhibitors from the wedding, travel, home and gift industries, and have the opportunity to meet Christopher Straub, Paris Bennett as well as the founders of RainbowWeddingNetwork (RWN), who are collaborating on the event for the first time since 2003.
“This type of Expo helps legitimize the issues of gay and lesbian equality,” states RWN co-founder Cindy Sproul, who will speak at the February 13th event. “For the couples themselves, for the business professionals who wish to support our community, as well as for the general public. We applaud the Park Plaza Hotel for continuing to present this important and historic annual event for the past seven years, and our team at RainbowWeddingNetwork is honored and excited to be a part once again in 2011.”
For more information and to RSVP or buy advance tickets, visit www.SameLoveSameRights.com.