From growing up together in Brooklyn to a rekindled romance, Brenda and Johnny had an amazing wedding day filled with love.
Knowing each other since childhood, Brenda and Johnny reconnected years later during their regular Tuesday skate night at the iconic Empire Roller Skating Rink in Brooklyn, New York. Sharing an instant connection, who knew their future spouse had been right there all along?
After building upon their friendship and falling passionately in love, Johnny planned an intimate surprise proposal. Disguised as an end-of-summer BBQ, Brenda was overjoyed when Johnny popped the question in front of 60 of their closest friends and family!
Their wedding ceremony at the Christian Cultural Center Church and reception at El Caribe Country Club (both spots in Brooklyn, of course!) was a beautiful tribute to their love and family.
Brenda reveals, “The entire wedding was an ode to my Panamanian mother who passed away; May is her birth month so emeralds and the Lily of the Valley— the color/stone and flower of May— were incorporated into every centerpiece.”
They also infused Caribbean and Central American culture into their food, music, and cake favors. And of course, Brooklyn culture took center stage. Brenda shares, “…It was nonnegotiable to have the ceremony at my church and the venue in our hometown because it’s the place where we ‘spread love, the Brooklyn way!’.”
Keep scrolling for more details on their Brooklyn love story, with beautiful photography by Muna Coterie member Sequoyah Daniel-Robinson.
- Couple: Brenda A. Morgan & Johnny A. Maddox
- Occupations: Brenda: Educator Johnny: Life Insurance Company Manager
- Wedding date: Friday, May 24, 2024
- Wedding location: Church: Christian Cultural Center, Brooklyn, NY | Venue: El Caribe Country Club, Brooklyn NY
Quick Facts:
- What gifts did y0u give to your Bridesmaids gifts (hair, makeup, wedding jewelry, perfume) and Groomsmen gifts (cologne, RFID blocking wallets)
- Gifts for one another: Bride = Diamond Studs | Groom = Gold link chain with a cross
- Ceremony entrance song: “The One He Kept For Me” by Maurette Brown-Clark
- First dance song: “One Hundred Ways” by James Ingram
The bride…
The groom…
How did you meet?
We grew up together in the same neighborhood but reacquainted years later when we ran into each other at our regular Tuesday skate night at the Legendary Empire Roller Skating Rink in Brooklyn, NY.
Tell us about the proposal:
Getting ready for another school year, I had just finished renovations in my backyard. Johnny suggested a long overdue family BBQ as COVID had us all separated for such a long time. What I thought was an end-of-summer BBQ on September 4th, 2023, was a surprise proposal from Johnny in front of 60 of our closest friends and family!
Describe your wedding style and attire:
Our wedding style was timeless and classic elegance. My Pantora dress and Johnny’s classic black tuxedo both perfectly reflected our theme.
What was your wedding shopping experience like?
Shopping at Pantora Bridal was pure joy from the time I walked in the door to the purchase. The attention to detail and professionalism was top tier. I told my attendants what I was looking for and what I liked and they made some suggestions. Four dresses later, I fell in love. I turned around to get approval from my bestie to find her tearing up (confirming what I already knew). I highly recommend Pantora Bridal.
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding?
Throughout the wedding were hints of Caribbean and Central American Culture from the food, and music to cake favors. The entire wedding was an ode to my Panamanian mother who passed away; May is her birth month so emeralds and the Lily of the Valley the color/stone and flower of May were incorporated into every centerpiece. We’re from Brooklyn, it was nonnegotiable to have the ceremony at my church and the venue in our hometown because it’s the place where we “spread love, the Brooklyn way! ” Brooklyn is the culture!
What is your best memory from your wedding?
Walking down the aisle and seeing my husband tearing up at the altar waiting to receive his bride.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
Keep God at the center! Communicate in love with the desire to gain understanding..
Looking for more Brooklyn love stories?
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Vendors:
- Wedding dress designer/wedding dress salon: Pantora Bridal NYC Flagship
- Dress Seamstress: Bridal by FD | FD Fashion House
- Bridesmaids dresses: Memphty
- Hair: L. Harp Hair
- Makeup: Elena George
- Shoes: Jimmy Choo
- Ceremony location: Christian Cultural Center
- Reception location: El Caribe Country Club
- Photography: Sequoyah Daniel Photography
- Videography/DJ: MH Digital Arts
- Wedding Planner: Brenda Morgan (the bride) | Wedding Coordinator: Terry King
- Florist & Event designer: Brenda Morgan | Sweetheart Table: Julia Rivera
- Cake: El Caribe Caterers
- Groom’s & groomsmen attire: Mens Warehouse
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