Wedding expo looks to provide a one-stop shop for same sex couples

Couples have to choose the flowers, catering, dress, music, transportation and the list goes on.

But what if those services weren't available to you?

It's a reality for some couples, but WDBJ 7 is learning about a new group looking to change that.

Weddings for Equality is set to take place on February 22.

The expo will feature local businesses willing to work with same sex couples.

Most people are well aware by now that same sex marriage became legal in Virginia in October, but just because the Commonwealth is giving the okay to these marriages doesn't mean business owners are too.

Organizer Sarah Pendleton said she can’t wait to turn a conference room into a wedding wonderland.

“You see a lot of bridal shows that are bride groom and so we aim to nix that whole assumption,” said Pendleton.

Dozens of wedding vendors from southwest Virginia will attend this year’s Weddings for Equality at the Hilton Garden Inn at South Peak.

Pendleton, a wedding caterer herself, is creating a one-stop shop for same-sex couples looking to wed.

“I got the sense that a lot of vendors were not necessarily not willing to work with same sex couples, but were perhaps more scared with the backlash they might have got from the community.”

The wedding show will be the first of its kind not only in Roanoke, but in Virginia as well.

When George’s Flowers heard about it, he said it was an opportunity that he just couldn’t turn down.

“We’ve been a fairly visible gay owned business for 33 years, and so for us to not be a part of it would seem counterintuitive,” said manager Doug Lindamood.

Weddings make up less than 10% of business at George’s Flowers, but Lindamood said that number could grow now that same-sex marriage is legal in the Commonwealth.

“I don’t have a crystal ball,” he said. “It’s hard to guess. I really don’t know how to anticipate what the reaction will be or what the need will be, but that’s why I am anxious for this first one to kick off to see what the response is going to be.”

The event is from 1-5 pm and is free to the general public.