First of all I would like to say that if you had told me 2 years ago that I would have been searching for a Russian (Ukrainian) wife, I would have told you that you were crazy. However, I do have a few friends that are married to Russians, and they seem to be very happy. About a year ago a good friend of mine started bringing me articles about Russian women and some of these various “agencies.” I read them, but then I told him that I wasn’t interested; that I had plenty of women to date here (when I had the time), that I did not need to go this route. However, I could not get the idea out of my mind. So then over a period of a few weeks, I visited the websites of some of the “larger” agencies that have these parties, etc., and take groups of men on tour. It just didn’t seem like anything I wanted to do. I then started exploring some other agencies on the internet. There seemed to be something wrong with all of them: the girls would appear air brushed, they would be scattered all over Russia, the procedures for contact were cumbersome, etc. Then one Sunday about 5 months ago—when I couldn’t play golf because it was raining, I decided to fool around on the internet. I went to Google and typed in Ukraine for some reason. All of these various topics came up, including a couple of other marriage agencies, but something still didn’t seem right. Finally on the third page I saw a listing for Marianna’s Marriage Agency, and I clicked it. First I was impressed by all of the various types of women shown, most of whom I considered very attractive and interesting. Next I thought that these looked like real women—not someone made up and put out for sale. I read about Marianna’s process, and after some thought, decided to give it a shot. 

I started off by writing a half dozen women as Marianna suggested, but in my heart there was already one who attracted me. Her name was Zoya. Quite frankly, I thought that I would never have a chance with her, but her response to my initial letter was very positive. We started corresponding over the next 2 1/2 -3 months, and the letters got deeper and deeper and more involved than I would have ever imagined. She asked me more questions about myself and my family and my values than any American woman had ever done. I was not only impressed, but I found my feelings growing for her. We then had some 3 way telephone conversations with Marianna being the translator. The first one was a little awkward for both of us—we were both shy. But after another letter a few days later followed by the 2^nd telephone call, things began to happen. She sounded so happy when we talked (even though I couldn’t understand a word she was saying) that I could feel her emotions coming through the telephone lines. Well, the letters and the telephone calls continued, and things got more and more serious. I finally decided that I had to go to Ukraine and see for myself. I made arrangements with Cecil and Marianna to go over there in April. They suggested that I interview several women to which I agreed. Vadim and Vito met me at the airport , and they were so very friendly and nice, that I immediately felt comfortable being there. We made the drive to Chernivtsi, and the next morning (Sunday), the process was to begin. I had requested that Zoya be first. The moment she walked into the room, I knew that it was all over. She was the one I wanted, no matter what, and if I couldn’t attract her, then I was ready to go home. However, from her eyes (and blushing), I thought that I saw the same feelings in her. We talked feverously for the next 45 minutes. I had already asked her out that evening, and she said, “Yes.” Sveta then talked to her after the meeting, and she said she was interested—not that I did not know that already. I then had Sveta cancel the rest of the interviews. The rest of the week was a whirlwind. Sveta, Vito (my translator and driver), and the rest of the staff guided me the rest of the way. They told me what to do, when, and how. You have to remember that these are nice women that Marianna and Cecil have found, and things are expected to be done certain ways according to local and Ukrainian customs. Things were going wonderful with Zoya, and I indeed wondered how I could have been so fortunate to find her. The day came for me to ask her to marry me, and that night when she said, “yes,” as Vito filmed it was the happiest of my life. I then extended my trip for another 4 days so that we could have more time together.

That was the end of April. Since then we have been writing and talking—usually once a week with Marianna’s help, and then shorter conversations almost daily on our cell phones. Zoya has been taking the private English lessons that the Agency arranged, and she is making excellent progress. The translators and instructors are fabulous. They, as well as the rest of Marianna’s staff, really seem to have the guy’s best interests in mind (while Sveta is like the mother to the girls), and they do everything to make you feel comfortable and wanted.

I will be traveling back to Chernivtsi the end of June to see my sweetheart and bride to be. Cecil has been very helpful in helping me with my hotel reservations and arranging for transportation. Zoya and I are in the middle of making the arrangements for our wedding in the U.S. this fall when she finally arrives. Both of us are so excited, and we are just counting the days until we are finally together permanently.

In closing I would like to say that this entire experience has been the greatest and most exciting episode of my entire life so far. Marianna and Cecil did everything that they promised me and more. While I certainly realize that some people may think that this is a strange way to meet your future wife, it seems no different to me than meeting someone on Yahoo or some other dating site. In fact, it is much better because of all the personal guidance that Marianna and Cecil give you. They have given me the greatest gift anyone ever has—my fiancée, my future and my happiness.

John

Wedding Photos.