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Local Voices

Multicultural Bridal Exposition a Celebration of Diversity

With his multicultural bridal exposition, Runway Bridal Detroit, Danny Preston is bringing new meaning to the term “everything bridal.” His Sunday, March 2 bridal extravaganza from 1 to 5 p.m. at The Garden Theater in Midtown will showcase exhibitors catering to the cultural, racial and religious diversities of couples throughout the city.

Bridal fashion from boutiques offering Arab, Middle-Eastern, Brazilian, Indian and African designers will be on display along with traditional and modern American couture. Vendors with the standard wedding event accouterments expected at any bridal expo will be represented, along with the added benefit of a cultural twist.

“A lot of people are marrying interculturally and we also want to provide ideas and solutions that will be helpful to them as they merge traditions to create their special and unique celebration representative of their own personalities,” said Preston.

Celebrating cultural diversity comes naturally for Preston who organized his first event in 2010 while a sophomore at Wayne State University. It was there he started throwing charity events merging historically African American with historically white fraternities and sororities. The event planner knew he was on to something significant when 1,200 students showed up to his first icebreaker. “I was trying to use events to show people we can celebrate together, have fun and still be safe,” said Preston.

A technical writer at a Fortune 10 by day, Preston conceived of the idea for Runway Bridal Detroit two years ago, but needed guidance and business expertise to realize his ambition. “I saw the Blackstone LaunchPad office in the corner of Wayne State’s library and decided to just walk in,” explained Preston. It was there he met Aubrey Agee, Wayne State University senior program administrator. “Aubrey started helping me plan immediately. He made me take myself seriously and helped me network, budget and organize my concept into an actual event. Aubrey also instructed me on the importance of solid financial planning and taxes.”

As Preston gets ready to assist an anticipated 600 with their wedding plans, he has his own impending nuptials to look forward to. His will be a marriage celebrating rich traditions of Polish and African American. “We are trying to integrate each other’s culture into our wedding,” he announced, explaining that polka lessons are in his immediate future.

Those wishing to attend Runway Bridal Detroit should register at www.RunwayBridalShow.com. Admission is free for those registering prior to the event.

About Walsh College and Wayne State University Blackstone LaunchPad

Funded by the Blackstone Charitable Foundation, and in partnership with New Economy Initiative, a program of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan; Automation Alley, University of Miami, Walsh College and Wayne State University - this program helps aspiring entrepreneurs develop and launch their businesses. As the first of its kind in Michigan, it offers fully enrolled Walsh students and degreed Walsh alumni; and Wayne State University students the opportunity to assess the feasibility of their ideas for starting and growing for-profit and non-profit ventures.

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