Rainbow Wedding Network's annual "Same Love, Same Rights" LGBT wedding expo returned to Chicago for the seventh year in a row March 22 and for the first time ever, the Hard Rock Hotel served as the host sponsor and location of the event.
"We love Chicago and are really excited to be here again," said Marianne Puechl, co-founder of Rainbow Wedding Network. "It seems like the LGBT community here has really owned this event. It's really blossomed over the years into something that people look forward to attending. Also, a lot of the vendors who've been with us over the years have returned so it's almost like coming home for us."
The approximately 800 people in attendance perused the vendors wares ahead of remarks by Puechl and Victor Lim, HRC's Chicago chapter membership outreach chair.
Addressing the crowd, Puechl congratulated all of the couples in attendance and encouraged everyone to support the vendors in attendance because they support the LGBT community. She explained that Rainbow Wedding Network began 15 years ago, well before same-sex marriages were legal in any state, as a wedding resource for the LGBT community. Puechl noted that this year they have 25 expos scheduled so far and are hoping to add more locations as the year progresses.
Following Puechl's remarks, Lim spoke about the work that HRC is doing to ensure full LGBT equality as well as the obstacles the LGBT community faces due to anti-LGBT legislation that's been introduced in state legislatures across the country.
Among the 40 vendors participating were the Hard Rock Hotel, HRC, Phil Stefani Signature Events, Tucker Inc. Jewerly, Orchid Weddings & Events, Calihan Catering/Gallery 1028, Carnivale Restaurant, Revel Decor, r3mg creative boutique and Terry's Toffee.
A free raffle drawing took place, with prizes including an overnight stay ( including valet parking and $100 gift certificate for dinner at Chucks ) at the Hard Rock Hotel, a free wedding service courtesy of Rev. Pam Magnuson, four bottles of wine and a reusable tote bag from Calihan Catering/Gallery 1028 and two $200 gift certificates from Gregg Helfer Jewelry.
See www.rainbowweddingnetwork.com for more information.