I saw a movie called “The Rookie” a Disney movie with Randy Quaid, (based on a true story), about a kid growing up with a dream, a dream to be a major league baseball pitcher. Anyway to make a long story short he missed his opportunity early in his life but later realized his dream and pitched in the majors. So what am I getting at, Fate. That's what I am getting at.. During this movie his wife gave him a medallion , (with a chain to wear around his neck). The medallion was St. Rita, and as it was explained , she was patron saint of “hopeless dreams” and “lost causes”. In August of last year I found, and purchased this medallion online, because I thought that was, what I was.. (A hopeless cause.). Never to meet my true love. So I wore this $5.00 token necklace everyday and prayed . So what in the world does this have to do with anything?, please read on, it gets better.       

I just turned 40 last year. Five months ago, I was in a very bad mood. I was completely fed up with dating in California. It seemed like everyone I dated was just interested in what kind of car you drive or the size of your wallet. I felt as though Id never meet my soul mate. About that same time, I went on the internet and stumbled across this website, ”Marianna's.” I was writing a few different people through different agencies, but over time I felt I wasn't getting anywhere, wasting time and money writing letters to people I didn't even know if they were real. I later spoke to cecil on the phone, had a pleasant  talk with him and decided to take the plunge. Sure you hear stories about how people are taken, and they go to meet someone and they are nothing like their photo. I took a chance. I just returned from Ukraine and I have to say, it was the best time I’ve ever had in my life! .Nice people ,GREAT food  too.  From the time I arrived in Ukraine. Marianna’s staff took care of me, (my  personally). This was a trip for “me” and  not a group of people. They scheduled interviews with me to meet a few different girls (,but only one of which), when she walked in the room I just knew some thing was right. The first time we went out, sure it was a little awkward and  speaking through a translator was a different experience, but Sergey was great, offered his opinions , and helped me throughout my trip. Vadim, Yana, the whole staff with Marianna's made sure I was comfortable. Yana even set up a Christmas tree for me!. Sveta (manager) took the time to really talk to me, get to know me, and asked me what I would like from them. I especially like the fact that she cared. Cared  enough  to put you with someone that she  felt you would be  compatible with (being that she interviews all the girls personally); and give her input as well. I must admit at times I had my doubts, and sometimes I  wondered ,does this lady (Ekaterina)  really like me? Is she really sincere about all this? Let me just say that things for me did start off a little slow. I realized later she was probably thinking the same , Is he sincere? Some helpful advice; LISTEN TO THEM.!! (staff @ Marianna’s)... They have   done this before. Everyone assured me that all was ok, give it time, be yourself ,and everything will eventually fall in to place. And in time all did, and I knew in my heart it was the right thing to do. So one well planned evening  by my translator, (Sergey), I and my lady opened a bottle of wine, I got down on one knee, proposed, and put the ring on her finger. I then sat down opposite her across our table. Not one minute went by, when she pointed at my neck ,my necklace was broken and the medallion fell down my shirt.  Coincidence? Right??? I wore the thing for 5 months ,it  never broke before.. I believe in fate now more than ever. I think  it was “a sign” that I  did the right thing. The next day my fiancée and I threw the chain and medallion into the river, as I no longer needed it.
  Now waiting is the hardest  part, but I realize its part of the process. I’ve waited 20 years for a woman like this, I can handle a few more  months.. This experience changed my life. I came home with a total smile on my face. I met someone whom I really care about. The most lady-like, well mannered, biggest heart of any woman I’ve ever met in my life .And I owe my new found  happiness to a wonderful group of people at Marianna's, not just business acquaintances, but my new friends...Thanks again , Cecil, Marianna, Vadim ,Sveta, Sergey and Yana, from my heart..... Rich

Wedding Photos.