Brenda and Mike’s love story began with a chance encounter in the bustling streets of NYC. They crossed paths on a night out celebrating a friend’s birthday, thinking it was a one-time meet. Fate, however, had other plans. The very next day, a forgotten credit card led Brenda back to the same spot, where she bumped into Mike once again.
Mike sealed the deal with a proposal in Dumbo, Brooklyn—candles, flower petals, and the iconic Brooklyn Bridge creating the perfect backdrop. Brooklyn held a special place in their hearts, where their love story flourished during the pandemic, exploring streets, restaurants, and savoring moments.
Their wedding was a grand affair with 325 guests, alive with the beats of traditional Middle Eastern music and a non-stop DJ, keeping the energy sky-high all night long. To keep the fun going all night, they even set up an outdoor bar in the garden, turning the evening into a vibrant, non-stop party. And let’s not forget the after-party with hookahs and finger foods, a sweet finale to the celebration.
The wedding reception was held at The Estate at Florentine Gardens. Its tall glass windows, a view of the outdoor garden, and elegant interior with marble floors and golden accents stole Brenda’s heart instantly.
Brenda adored the “romantic and airy” vibe, meticulously crafting an enchanting ambiance with her florist. Picture tall candelabras, delicate clouds of baby’s breath, and cascading white orchids—creating a dreamy, fairy-tale setting. Every detail, from invites to dinner menus, even personalized “his & hers’ signature cocktail drinks, flowed seamlessly with this enchanting theme, making everything a piece of her envisioned wonderland.
Brenda chose The Galia Lahav ‘Lady G’ gown—a divine creation that embodied her favorite bridal aesthetic: elegant, clean-cut, with vintage vibes. The ivory silk fabric, the long sleeves, and the corset top was pure perfection. It took several visits and tweaks to make it uniquely hers, with added boning and a petticoat for that ball gown silhouette.
Culture played a significant role in their wedding. Brenda, with Aramean/Syriac Orthodox heritage, infused her family traditions into the day. The festivities began early at home, with drinks, food, and traditional music, honoring her roots. Live traditional music and a grand entrance escorted by drummers were also incorporated into the reception, which made the night come alive.
Leading up to the big day, Brenda cherished the morning, staying calm and present in the moment. And the wedding? Their first dance to “Biblical” by Calum Scott, surrounded by the melody of a live violinist, etched in her memory forever. This is when she felt the most present with her husband that night.
Brenda’s advice for future brides is to take it slow, savor the moments as a fiancée, and tackle tasks at your pace. Brenda tackled wedding planning in smaller portions, making it all less stressful and balancing her life beautifully.
Bride: @BrendaaVolk @SpilltheSpeech
Groom: @MikeVolk15
Both dresses: @galialahav
Venue: @florentinegardensnj
Photographer: @jaymojaymes
Videography: @vengofilms
Stationary & signage: @creationari
Floral Design: @fleurc0uture
Rentals: @classeventrentals
Headpiece: @bridalstylesboutique
Makeup: @anjali_artistry
Hair: @senadakxo
Day-of wedding coordinator: @welldressedevents
DJ entertainment: @djelii
House food catering: @lamilaevents
Violinist: @stellar_strings_nyc
READ MORE: A DREAMY WEDDING AT CIRAGAN PALACE IN ISTANBUL, TURKEY
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