I have to thank Marianna’s Marriage Agency for opening my heart to love again and finding my soul mate. I had many unsuccessful adventures with video dating clubs, social dances, internet personals. It just seemed that the American women want to spend their time with careers and making money instead of finding true love and having a family. Last winter 2003, I decided I have had enough of searching in the States and started viewing website on Russian/ Ukrainian Brides. I found many websites, but the website that caught my most attention was Marianna’s Marriage Agency. The other agency’s had group tours with several men visiting a large number of women at one time. Well I knew that wouldn’t be for me because of my shyness. But seeing that Marianna’s dealt with the woman one on one I felt I had a far better chance of finding a future wife.

    After some emails with Cecil, I decided to make the jump and picked out several ladies from the website. With Marianna & Cecil’s help they help me narrow my list down to 6 ladies. In May I started writing to the 6 ladies. Within 8-10 days I received letters back from all the ladies. I was excited to learn about their interests, work and life in the Ukraine.

   After writing a couple letters to each of the ladies I decided to see when I could schedule a visit to the Ukraine. So I called Marianna, who is so nice to talk to on the phone. The date of July 5th-12th was open, so I booked my trip by using the travel agent suggested by Marianna’s.

    After several more letters, videos and photos with the ladies I picked to go visit the time came for my adventure to begin. Departing from Chicago via Polish Lot Airlines , I arrived in Warsaw Poland and made a connecting flight to Lviv Ukraine. All of the reports and stories you might read or see on the internet was totally not the case. The people at passport and custom controls at Lviv Airport was friendly and I had no hassles. Making through the customs I was met by Marianna's staff of Vadym and my translator Vitaliy. I become friends  right away with Vitaliy. 

    The four hour ride from Lviv to Chernovtsy was interesting as much of the scenery reminded me of home back in the Midwest. They saw that I was setup in the very nice apartment furnished with everything after arriving in Chernovtsy. Chernovtsy is such a beautiful city and there was much to see and learn while I was there.

    Sunday was set for interviews with each of the ladies. I had bought roses and had gifts for each lady. Each lady was so beautiful in person, and the interviews with them went well. After each interview Sveta one of the managers with Marianna’s would talk to the lady and see if there is any common bond or like. During one of the interviews I found my future wife to be. We had hit it off right from the moment we saw each other. I asked her to have dinner and she agreed. Our first date was at a nice German restaurant where you have a room to yourself which is very nice. I am so fortunate that Elena spoke basic English and at times we didn’t need to use the services of Vitaliy and he would leave us to ourselves.

     The following days that followed we both feel in love with each other. I never knew my heart could ever love again and Elena opened my heart and I have such a deep, strong love for her.

    A gentleman named Gene and his future wife Olga who also met through Marianna’s was having a Ukrainian wedding. Elena and I attended their beautiful wedding and the party that evening. Many Ukrainian foods were offered and dancing. During a moment alone with Elena I told her that she is the one that I want to fall in love with .

    Marianna had told me that its is a honor to propose to your future wife in front of her parents. Tuesday evening  was the big night. I met her parents and they prepared a very good dinner. When everything was quite I turned to Elena and asked her in Ukrainian “ Elena, would you marry me” she said Dah Dah Dah( Yes yes yes). The parents was so happy for us and Elena was shocked, but it was the most special moment in my life. I will never forget Elena’s face when I asked her to marry me.

    We spent the rest of our week visiting with her parents, sightseeing the beautiful sites in Chernovtsy. There is a beautiful park , were we stopped and played a few games of pool. Elena had never played pool before and she beat me 2 games.

    Friday was a day for gathering photos, and signing paperwork for the fiancée visa. And we spent our last day together enjoying visiting and talking about our future life that will start after she comes to America. I knew Saturday was going to be sad and it was. As I had to leave my fiancée behind as I made my journey back home. Elena rode with to the airport where we said our “ See ya’s” no good-byes as good-byes are forever. The journey home was filled with happy memories of our week together.

    The staff at Marianna’s was the best. Vadym and Sveta are truly the best managers any agency could ask for. Vitaliy turned into my best friend for the week. I was treated with a 4 star care and attention. I trusted Marianna’s Marriage Agency and I will wait the time for my Elena in these months to come with excitement and prepare of our home for our new life.

You will not find a better agency that Marianna’s they are truly the best in this field.

Again thank you for helping me find my future wife and soul mate.

John

Wedding Photos.

Their First Baby.