Mike's story...

Most people know me as Mike, but my family knows me as Manoug Tchakmakjian (named after my wonderful uncle Manoug who has since passed). I was born in Glendale, CA on a Sunday winter night on December 14, 1980. I am the son of Sahag Tchakmakjian, and proud grandson of Yeghia and Arousiag Tchakmakjian. I did not have the honor of meeting my grandfather, as he passed away 3 years before I was born. All I have are the memories of my uncles to keep him alive in my heart. I have never met my biological mother, and my biological father was in the Air Force when I was born, so I never had a normal relationship with him either. Because of these unforeseen circumstances and the Grace of God, I was fortunate to be raised by my grandmother, before she passed, and two people who devoted their entire lives to raising my sister Nasha and me. They are my amazing Uncle Dr. Greg "Koko" Tchakmakjian, and his sister, my aunt, the only mother I ever knew, Hripsime Tchakmakjian.

My uncle Koko took my sister Nasha and I when I was only 3 months old. He was very young (around 18 to 20 years of age at the time). Regardless of his young age, he took on the tremendous and difficult task of raising two children not his own, while caring for his bed ridden mother. I have never met a man who could do what my uncle Koko has done. The task was difficult, not planned, and took away from his own life and plans. The same goes for my only “mother” Hripsime (Azadouhi) Tchakmakjian. She did the best she could, giving her whole life to raise her 8 brothers from Aleppo Syria, to Beirut Lebanon, to the United States. My grandmother was bedridden for the most part, but somehow, she took the time to teach me to cook and pass some secrets to me. I will never forget the smell of roses as she made rose jam, even though she was on an oxygen mask and was very ill. Before she passed away, she made a tape where she is singing to me… I miss you Nene so much!

I was molded by them into the man I am today. God, education, physical health and fitness were the gifts that were instilled in me for as long as I can remember. I did not have a normal upbringing or childhood by any means, and I have had a very rough life, as many already know. My childhood was very difficult for me, as I tried to fit in with all the other children. Much of these years has been blocked from my mind, but certain memories resound clearly. I will never forget my uncle Manoug and his last words to me… He came to our apartment and told me that because I am a Tchakmakjian and have his name I should always be proud of our family and lineage. He asked me to be as “tough” and “strong” as he was. I miss him dearly.

I remember the happiness I would have going to my uncle Jack’s house in the hills and how his son, my cousin Michael, would always make me a new toy animal each time I went over. I would keep those toy figures my whole life. These few memories are what would help me cope with the rest of my life. Although he might not remember, I will never forget those days (and almost drowning in the pool lol).

 However, all the dark ordeals I have faced over the years lead me toward a light in my path. As the light took form, it was clear to me that this light would make me a better person and give meaning to my existence. The light took the shape of my amazing wife to be Talin Dernderian. Words like "blessed, and lucky" pale in comparison to how I feel about my life and those that surround me. 

On July 4, 2014, I was invited to my friend Berge Tateossian's house for a 4th of July BBQ party. Little did I know or expect this to be the day my life would change for the better. I met Talin this day, and my first impulse was to "act hard." I approached her, and began to show off a little. Of course, this completely backfired, and I made a fool of myself... I left that night feeling defeated and angry that I did not even ask for her name. My opportunity was lost. A week later, however, I received another call from Vigen (Berge's brother) saying they are having another party. This was my second chance and the only thing I asked was "Is that blonde girl going to be there?" Of course, she was and of course I made a better impression. On July 13, 2014, I began my life with Talin and it has been the greatest years of my life. 

I thank God, every single day for bringing Talin into my life. A wise man once said behind every man there is a great woman, and I have found the greatest one of all. Over the course of the last few years I would attain not only a partner in life, but also a new family. I want to take a moment to say, "Thank you, and I love you" to my new family—the Dernderian's along with all the others who comprise of this amazing circle (the list is so long!). I want to take a moment to thank the people who have impacted my life and allowed me to find a true love and bond with Talin: Berge, Vigen and Talin Tateossian, without whom neither of us would be in this position today. Lastly with the greatest humility, love, and respect for my brother and sister Sam and Susi Dovlatian along with Razmik and Anny Yacoubian. Wealth and fortune trifle in comparison to having you all in my life. 

Now a new chapter begins...Join me in celebration of my marriage to Talin Mary Dernderian!

Talin's story...

It was October 18th, 1983, just after midnight that I decided to enter this world to Sarkis and Anayis Dernderian in Glendale, CA. My brother Shant, who was 7 years older than me, loved to protect and take care of me. As the baby of the family, everyone doted upon and showered me with love and kisses. Growing up, I remember, while my mother and father worked excessive hours beyond full time to provide us with a roof over our heads and lack nothing, we were fortunate enough to have my father’s parents, Artin and Koharik Dernderian live in the same home and help raise us. Unfortunately, I lost my tall, stern, and worldly grandfather Artin when I was very young, but was lucky to have my determined and indefatigable grandmother Koharik raise me like her own daughter. I’ll never forget how she always cooked the most amazing authentic and delicious meals for us no matter what time it was. She did not know the meaning of the word “no” for Shant and me, and did everything and anything we ever asked. In return, because of her strong faith and devotion, she always made sure that we said our prayers every night, reminded us of our Armenian culture, and taught us the importance of family. These values we witnessed during the countless family gatherings and barbeques that were hosted at our home for friends, family and neighbors.

As Shant and I got older, life presented itself with many trials and tribulations, challenges and changes, and bumps and bangs, which my family members are all aware of, causing us to grow apart. Needless to say, and most of you know, I did not have it easy growing up.

A few years later my grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, which rapidly deteriorated her speech, movement, and overall health. Because of this, my incredible mother Anayis had to make a huge sacrifice and close her business in order to take care of her mother-in-law to prevent her from being put into an elderly home. Attending to my grandmother’s well-being became my mother’s new full-time job. After my grandmother passed away in 2012, everything seemed to go dark within our family. That spark of light, laughter, and happiness had diminished in our home. My father Sarkis was an only child so for him this was especially painful. Although I have been fortunate to have a very large extended family, my mother’s siblings—Berta, Iskouhi, Silva and Harout Eurdekian—are all in Lebanon.

On July 4th, 2014, my life changed… I was invited to Berge Tateossian’s house for one of his famous barbeque parties. Everyone there knew one other since we were kids and had grown up to become like family. Half way through the night, Sako Panoyan (Mike’s cousin) comes in with this tall, dark, and buff Persian looking guy that I had never seen before. This guy that I had never met, stood away looking like he’s better than the rest of us while we all mingled and had a good time. At some point during the night he comes over to where I was standing and tries to start a conversation. This conversation immediately goes nowhere due to the fact that he starts questioning how I knew everyone and that everyone was his family and friends. To those who know me, I do not tolerate these “types” of guys. The night continues and of course he starts another conversation with me, now being a little less cocky. This is when I find out he is not Persian, he is Lebanese Armenian and is really cousins with all my friends that I have grown up with. So, at this point I put my guard down and we start having an amazing conversation. Thoughts in my mind, “Wow, this guy is such a sweetheart, smart and handsome. Why isn’t he married?” The night comes to an end, and Mike leaves without asking my name or number. Hmm, a little weird I thought to myself, but I guess he’s just a nice guy that has a girlfriend. The next weekend Berge, Vigen and Talin (his wife) asked me to come over to another barbeque. Since this is a norm at Berge’s house I did not think anything of it and went. When I got there, they started talking about what an amazing guy Mike is and how well he was brought up. For Berge to say those words it must be true. Berge has been like an older brother growing up so he was always very protective of me and did not approve of everyone. Little did I know that Vigen had already contacted Mike to also come over. When Mike got there the first thing he said was that he messed up by not getting my name, number and asking me on a date. Since that day Mike and I have been inseparable. I have truly found my best friend, soulmate, and love of my life. I am one lucky girl to have a long-life partner who not only treats me with such respect, but treats my family and friends like his own blood.

Before meeting Mike, however, I had given up on finding Mr. Right. I had accepted the fact that I might be single for the rest of my life. But God had a different plan for me, he brought this amazing sweet soul that could never say no to me into my life. Mike was a Godsend not only for me but for my parents as well.  

On April 12th, 2015, I lost my one and only handsome brother. Shant’s sudden death took a huge toll on our family, especially my father. People always say parents should never outlive their children. This statement is true. I watched my father fall apart as the days, months and year went by. During this difficult time, Mike stepped in and tried to fill the void in our family. Not only did he stand by my side and help me cope, he always would call my parents to make sure they were doing okay and to see if they needed anything. At this point, my parents fell in love with Mike and they started telling everyone “we lost our own son but gained an incredible son-in-law.” In this darkness, the only thing that would make my father happy was when he saw Mike and me. Let’s be honest, it was more Mike than me (lol). He would wake up every morning counting down the days for our wedding day. He would ask God “please give me strength to walk my daughter down the aisle.” Unfortunately, his heart and soul were not able to handle the pain of losing his son any longer.

On February 24th, 2017, my father had a heart attack and God decided it was time for him to stop suffering. After my father’s death, I found out from my mother that he had been collecting single dollar bills every day to “make it rain” on our wedding day. Every time the thought of this comes in my mind it breaks my heart. However, I know that my father, my brother Shant, and my grandparents along with the rest of our family and friends who have passed away will be there in spirit celebrating with us.

Today and forever I can not imagine my life without Mike. I have always believed in destiny and it was destiny that brought us together. People that know us will tell you, that we balance each other out. Anytime I am having a bad day, he goes out of his way to make sure he puts a smile on my face. Some days he makes me feel like a kid again and others a princess with her knight. No matter what, he always supports me even when we do not see eye to eye. As his number one fan, I love all of his crazy ideas and will always be by his side. He has changed my life and I am one lucky lady to be marrying my best friend who is such an amazing man! I can’t wait to start a life and family with my better half… Mike Tchakmakjian.

Please join us September 29th, 2017, in celebrating our love.

The Proposal