For months, organizers have been planning the largest LGBT wedding expo in Central Florida, and following last week’s attack on the community, they are more determined than ever to make it succeed.

  • Giorgio Severi co-founded Pride and Groom magazine
  • He and his husband are organizing large LGBT wedding expo
  • Wedding expo is endorsed by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer

“We’ve had a big blow, and I think it’s really important that we stand up, carry on in the wake of the Pulse shootings," Giorgio Severi said. “Love is love, and love will always win.”

Last year, Severi and his business partner-husband, Jeff Crockett, launched Pride and Groom, a wedding magazine for the LGBT community. The bimonthly magazine is distributed around Florida.

“It’s an inspirational magazine," Severi said. "It collects stories from people who want to be married. It gives tips and tricks about when you want to get married."

But, after hearing the negative experiences of some Central Florida couples trying to plan their weddings — meeting with wedding coordinators or cake shops, for example, who didn’t seem on board with support — Severi had a grander notion: He began courting vendors who would showcase everything, from cakes to florals, for a wedding expo.

“I think it’s really important that they can have somewhere where they can come and feel happy, safe and know that the people who are at the show are in support of gay marriage," he said. “I really like to help people and be able to provide services to people to make their lives happier.”

The show, dubbed 'A Truly Gay Affair,' will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at B Resort and Spa in Lake Buena Vista on August 27.

“On arrival, there will be a glass of champagne for everyone to come in, a wedding show, done by Minerva's Bridal," Severi said.

And although the Pulse nightclub shooting rattled the LBGT community, Severi said, it did not shake their resolve to showcase love.

“A lot of people were frightened by it, and I think right now is the time to show we’re not frightened," he said. "And we should carry on and be proud of who we are, and proud of what we’re doing, and marriage should be a celebration.”

The wedding expo was recently endorsed by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. Tickets are $10 at the door, or $7 online, in advance.