My experience with Elena's Models

[treddie]

Hello everyone,

I'd like to try and share some of my experience, so far.

After not having luck meeting the right person in my area, I decided to try broadening my search. I tried some online dating sites and eventually landed on Elena's Models (EM). That one seemed good, for me. When reading about Russian culture, I also appreciated the idea of a strong focus on family. I've dated women from other countries (and in other countries), so I had some idea of the difficulties that creates. I did some reading here and tried to keep in mind the good advice and tips from this site.

I found a girl on EM that I thought seemed like a really good match. It took me a little time but I got my Russian visa and went to see her. We had fun together and it was a great experience but something never clicked between us. Later, she explained that she thought I was "just visiting" and not there to date her. That was disappointing but it was a good learning experience and helped me to consider how to be better in my communication. After talking with her, I felt that she wasn't really ready for the serious relationship I was looking for and decided to move on.

I persisted and pursued. I had some ups and downs. It was frustrating at times but I also met some really nice women. Then I met the one that I believe is right for me. We talked, did video chats and finally met. Everything felt right, so after having my EM account for about 18 months, I removed it. We've spent time together in her city and last time I visited, we went and stayed with her parents, as well. She's visited me in the US and all our time together has been wonderful.

In my mind, the next step is pretty clear. I would like us to be together, every day.

[Davo]

Hello,
I’m interested in knowing the steps you took for a successful tourist visa for her to visit you. It seems it’s virtually impossible for most FSU women to visit countries like the US and Australia on a tourist visa, without being engaged or married. I’ve already had one rejected attempt. Has she visited the US before she come to meet you?

[Faux Pas]

Excellent news! Congratulations!

[Faux Pas]

Hello,
I’m interested in knowing the steps you took for a successful tourist visa for her to visit you. It seems it’s virtually impossible for most FSU women to visit countries like the US and Australia on a tourist visa, without being engaged or married. I’ve already had one rejected attempt. Has she visited the US before she come to meet you?

I understand it's tightened up recently in the last few years but, it's still a lot more lax than it use to be. We've had 2 visitors at separate times in the last couple of years that applied for a 3 year visitors and was granted on the first try. Neither had been to the US before. Both single females

[Gator]

Then I met the one that I believe is right for me. We talked, did video chats and finally met. Everything felt right, so after having my EM account for about 18 months, I removed it. We've spent time together in her city and last time I visited, we went and stayed with her parents, as well. She's visited me in the US and all our time together has been wonderful.

In my mind, the next step is pretty clear. I would like us to be together, every day.

Congratulations!  RW are wonderful! 

[2tallbill]

In my mind, the next step is pretty clear. I would like us to be together, every day.

That's great, congratulations!

Now the hard part starts. It's still fun (most of the time). 
You have about a thousand things to do. I could make a
partial list if you want one.

Udachi!

Bill

[2tallbill]

Hello,
I’m interested in knowing the steps you took for a successful tourist visa for her to visit you. It seems it’s virtually impossible for most FSU women to visit countries like the US and Australia on a tourist visa, without being engaged or married. I’ve already had one rejected attempt. Has she visited the US before she come to meet you?

I've done it. I had to deposit a goodly sum on money in Angel Eyes account and
I got her and her daughter Smileygirl a Schengen visa first. Then Angel Eyes and
Smiley Girl traveled to Spain and returned to Russia. They got valuable stamps in
their passports showing that they could be trusted to go back home.

Then I deposited a goodly sum into her account and she applied for a US Tourist
visa with a travel agency that did this all the time. NOTE: she left her daughter at
home for the first US visa. She traveled to see me and we had more fun and love
and excitement than you can imagine and she went back home. 

Now we applied for a multi entry tourist visa for Angel Eyes and Smiley girl. It
went through like a charm. I have zero experience with Australia and they have
their own rules as I'm sure you know, but I imagine they would look at it in a
similar way, with the visa's, the return stamps and travel history.

Udachi!

Bill

[treddie]

Hello,
I’m interested in knowing the steps you took for a successful tourist visa for her to visit you. It seems it’s virtually impossible for most FSU women to visit countries like the US and Australia on a tourist visa, without being engaged or married. I’ve already had one rejected attempt. Has she visited the US before she come to meet you?

Yes, she has a friend here who is married to a US citizen. As I recall, they helped her get the visa. Lucky for me, I didn't have to do anything.

I understand it's tightened up recently in the last few years but, it's still a lot more lax than it use to be. We've had 2 visitors at separate times in the last couple of years that applied for a 3 year visitors and was granted on the first try. Neither had been to the US before. Both single females

I will mention that this was also the impression I got when I applied for my visa. They advised me to get a three-year visa because both countries are trying to make that the standard and make it reasonably straightforward for someone on either side to get.

[treddie]

Excellent news! Congratulations!

Congratulations!  RW are wonderful! 

That's great, congratulations!

Now the hard part starts. It's still fun (most of the time). 
You have about a thousand things to do. I could make a
partial list if you want one.

Udachi!

Bill

Thanks, everyone!

I'd be happy to have your list, Bill. I have my own ideas but advice is welcome

[JayH]

Hello everyone,

I'd like to try and share some of my experience, so far.

 She's visited me in the US and all our time together has been wonderful.

In my mind, the next step is pretty clear. I would like us to be together, every day.

 

And Congratulations and good luck to you

[2tallbill]

Thanks, everyone!

I'd be happy to have your list, Bill. I have my own ideas but advice is welcome

Get her Diploma translated and apostilled
Get her driving lessons
English classes if needed
Buy a new mattress, leave it in the box until AFTER she arrives.
She probably need a phone with your carrier
If she has a child they will need English lessons and their report
cards translated.
Buy a new hard drive for your computer, because there is a chance
that you have photos from a previous women on your old hard drive.
Unless a woman is your sister, daughter, mother or older than 80 then
you shouldn't gave a photo of her.

Find your local community college and get the next semesters offering
for English and other classes.

I advise putting her in charge of buying your wedding rings in the FSU.
Locate any and all your paperwork. Divorce decree, official birth certificate

Angel Eyes just arrived and has something for me to do. I will come back
later. . . . . . 

[ML]

Best wishes to the two of you.

[Omega82]

Get her Diploma translated and apostilled
Get her driving lessons
English classes if needed
Buy a new mattress, leave it in the box until AFTER she arrives.
She probably need a phone with your carrier
If she has a child they will need English lessons and their report
cards translated.
Buy a new hard drive for your computer, because there is a chance
that you have photos from a previous women on your old hard drive.
Unless a woman is your sister, daughter, mother or older than 80 then
you shouldn't gave a photo of her.

Find your local community college and get the next semesters offering
for English and other classes.

I advise putting her in charge of buying your wedding rings in the FSU.
Locate any and all your paperwork. Divorce decree, official birth certificate

Angel Eyes just arrived and has something for me to do. I will come back
later. . . . . .

Come on Bill, no harm in having photos of a nice looking 70 year old.  Would she be jealous of Christy Brinkley? 

[rwd123]

Get her Diploma translated and apostilled
Get her driving lessons
English classes if needed
Buy a new mattress, leave it in the box until AFTER she arrives.
She probably need a phone with your carrier
If she has a child they will need English lessons and their report
cards translated.
Buy a new hard drive for your computer, because there is a chance
that you have photos from a previous women on your old hard drive.
Unless a woman is your sister, daughter, mother or older than 80 then
you shouldn't gave a photo of her.

Find your local community college and get the next semesters offering
for English and other classes.

I advise putting her in charge of buying your wedding rings in the FSU.
Locate any and all your paperwork. Divorce decree, official birth certificate

Angel Eyes just arrived and has something for me to do. I will come back
later. . . . . .

Assuming she is moving to USA and you are not moving to Russia:

As per Davo's story - if she has kids you better have things sorted out with the ex or it will either turn into a series of headaches or brick wall. Any documentation advice is essentially same for kids.

• Buy a new folder to store all important documents
• Get her birth certificate translated and apostilled (and other important documents like military service, academic transcripts, etc.)
• Get certified/notarized copies of her passport information page and any notable visas (i.e. previous US visas)
• Do the same for her parents
• I'd extend the last point by saying that any documentation her parents would require for migration, have at minimum a copy of all necessary documents (notarised/apostilled copies probably not necessary at this point); this can be statements of military service, property ownership, marriage certificates, registration, academic qualifications, etc.
• Double-check that transliteration of her name on documents are always the same (authorities can screw this up!)
• Have all your original documents filed with certified copies (same with her)
• Get her to sort out her pension account as it may be transferable to the USA
• Sort out banking in Russia - things like account fees, when non-active accounts are closed, etc.
• Sort out SIM card in Russia - keep her number so it doesn't expire, so know how to buy credit/extend use; it can be linked to online banking so a real pain if it expires
• If appropriate, get her to provide power of attorney to her parent(s) in Russia
• If engaged, agree to location for legal ceremony for marriage; you can host receptions in both countries but want one legal marriage certificate
• Make sure comms with her parents are seamless - buy them phones or a computer in Russia if necessary
• If she owns real estate in Russia, sort out arrangements for management or sale
• Confirm exit requirements for Russian citizens (do they need to register as a foreign resident? I don't know)
• Work out what personal property she wants to bring to USA and look at relocation experts
• Buy a bunch of Russian DVDs on your next trip to bring back (yes you can stream/download but get her favourite movies so she can watch any time; even better if with English sub-titles)
• Sames goes for books if she likes reading
• Know her clothing size (dress size, shoe size, bra size, etc.) and taste in fashion; make sure you don't mix up US and European sizes
• Determine if she needs dental work done, and decide on whether to do in Russia or in USA (as a side note, if you are planning pregnancy it is advisable to ensure she has no oral infections before conception)
• Start identifying Russian expat communities in your area, or people she can network with
  
• If her English is of an excellent standard, identify opportunities for formal certification as a translator and/or interpretor
• Work out low season/best time of year for flights between your city and her city, and the best carriers
• Obtain a multi-entry Russian visa, probably a 1 year business visa to begin with (so you can return to Russia at short notice if necessary)
• Start putting money aside specifically for a) weddings, b) relocation, c) parental expenses (medical, visits to USA, renovations, etc.), and d) contingency for unplanned expenses. When you marry a Russian woman the family comes "for free" but they're not cheap!
• Either before or after engagement, put together a list of topics such as banking, mortgages, family planning, household responsibilities, etc. so that you have common understanding and agreement on family decisions.
• Consider formal or informal legal advice on how to protect yourself if things go sour - yes, this may be a life-long love but it's not always the case, and it may be due diligence just to know how to make a "clean exit" if necessary, particularly if you own/run a business (I don't advise prenups)
• Remember to have fun and don't over-burden yourself - sufficient time and energy for the two of you
• Clean your bathroom :-)
• Ask Bill to finish his list.

And as always - learn some Russian!


Edit: one other thing to buy on your next trip to bring back - local delicacies. Even though local chocolates/candies may not be of high quality she may like the taste... other things like tinned caviar, jams, and so forth that you can't get locally and have a decent shelf life. The trip before last to Kyiv I bought several pounds of sirok (творожный сырок) as it's hard to buy local and there isn't the same range to pick from.

It's probably worth knowing the stuff she likes to eat and knowing what is available locally - simple stuff like buckwheat, tvorok, pelmeni, etc.

[msmob]

Great points..rwd123

re 15:

On achieving residency in another country or a second citizenship, RU citizens must report this within (60?) days of entering Russia to the FMS on the next visit .. risking a fine ..for non compliance..

"On 4 August 2014 Federal Law No. 142-FZ “On Amendments to Articles 6 and 30 of the Federal Law ‘On Russian Citizenship’ and Separate Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation” (hereinafter, “the Law”) entered into force.

The Law requires all Russian citizens who are also citizens of a foreign country or have a permanent residence permit of a foreign country (or other valid document confirming their right to permanently reside in a foreign country) – hereinafter, “Holders” – to provide such notification to the Russian immigration authorities, with the exception of the following categories:

Holders residing outside Russia on a permanent basis;
Cases covered by relevant international agreements (for example, agreements on the resolution of issues of dual nationality).
Information Requirements of the Notification Form and the Submission Process
The Notification forms can be found at: 

http://www.fms.gov.ru/russian_national/inoe_grazhdanstvo/; and/or
at local offices of the Russian immigration authority; and/or
at Russian post offices.
The form requires the disclosure of the Holder’s personal data and details about the foreign citizenship/foreign residence permit.  The Notification should be submitted together with documents that substantiate the reported information, in other words, a copy of the individual’s Russian civil passport and a copy of a foreign passport/permanent residence permit (legal replacement).

A separate Notification should be submitted for each additional citizenship/residence permit.     

The Notification should be submitted to the local office of the Federal Migration Service (FMS) according to the individual’s permanent residence address, or temporary residence address, or the address of temporary stay in Russia.  Alternatively, the Notification may be submitted by Russian mail/post to the relevant local office address of the FMS.  Both options require the Holder’s presence in Russia for the submission process.  (This means that the Holder should physically go to his or her local FMS office or the Russian post office and deliver the Notification.  The Holder cannot send the Notification while outside of Russia, or rely on a power of attorney.)

The Notification should be submitted within 60 days of the emergence of the obligation – in other words, as soon as the person learns that he or she is a Russian citizen who is also a citizen or permanent resident of a foreign country.  In respect of existing individual Holders as at 4 August 2014, this 60-day period should be counted from this date.  In respect of Russian citizens, who obtain foreign citizenship or a foreign residence permit after 4 August 2014, the 60-day period starts from the date when the individual actually obtains his or her foreign citizenship/residence permit in the other country.

In the case of Crimea, these requirements will apply from 1 January 2016 to Russian citizens who acquire Russian citizenship following Crimea’s accession to the Russian Federation.

Penalties for Violations of the Notification Rules
Failure to provide notification could result in criminal liability in the form of a penalty (up to RUB 200,000 or annual salary (other income) of the convicted individual) or compulsory community service for up to 400 hours.

Failure to duly comply with the Notification procedure could trigger administrative liability in the form of a penalty (RUB 500-1,000)."

I have heard of a community service obligation being imposed for non compliance ..which might delay returning from Russia.

[Gator]

This thread reminds me of the good ol' days.  You know, experienced members helping newbies.  No bickering; everyone instead proudly helping someone else reach the state of  "living the dream."

This should be designated as  another sticky for information. 

[2tallbill]

Come on Bill, no harm in having photos of a nice looking 70 year old.  Would she be jealous of Christy Brinkley?

I would prefer not to have the conversation, "Beel, why did you keep her photo?"
Remember, innocence is not a viable excuse. 

[2tallbill]

Ask Bill to finish his list.

And as always - learn some Russian!

I wrote lists in the past but can't find any of them.

Assemble a small Russian pharmacy, with antibiotics and activated charcoal
pills and other stuff she takes for all the maladies she has in a typical year.
Angel Eyes resisted this and there were at least 10 times she didn't have
XYZ when she wanted it.

Bring an empty suitcase on your next trip and have her pick some things to
send ahead with you. Have her box up some things and have them shipped
to you. Having a few extra familiar things when she arrives will help.

Angel Eyes had these bullet proof pantyhose/stockings that kept her thin
legs warm while she walked all over the Russian streets and avenues. I
sent her money to buy 10 extra pairs. I lived in North Dakota then and I
could see the value of those things. Of course she only bought 2 extra
pairs and then didn't have any a year later. But that falls under the
category of having married a woman who knows everything already.

Put in one of those hand held shower head attachments for your shower.
Buy a nice one the cheaper versions leak and don't last long.

[Davo]

This thread reminds me of the good ol' days.  You know, experienced members helping newbies.  No bickering; everyone instead proudly helping someone else reach the state of  "living the dream."

This should be designated as  another sticky for information.

As a newbie this has been a big problem.....not myself personally, but if you look at the new members introductions since I’ve been a member, lots have been driven away within a few days because of bickering and making them feel like they are not welcome. Sure some have the wrong attitude, but that would have changed with constructive criticism.

I know of guys right at this minute who are in the early stages of correspondence and are too scared to sign up and introduce themselves, because of the reception they might get.

Maybe a welcoming committee made up of a few less aggressive members is needed for new members?

[2tallbill]

Maybe a welcoming committee made up of a few less aggressive members is needed
for new members?

It's been suggested for well over a decade. Some of the guys can't help
themselves. It's even worse when a girl is silly enough to wander over
in here. They will treat her like garbage.

[ML]

Angel Eyes had these bullet proof pantyhose/stockings that kept her thin
legs warm while she walked all over the Russian streets and avenues.

Wife also complains how pantyhose here in USA not a good as that available in Ukraine.
But somehow, she always forgets to bring some back from Ukraine.

[ML]

Put in one of those hand held shower head attachments for your shower.
Buy a nice one; the cheaper versions leak and don't last long.

Yes, agree you must have the hand held shower in at least one of your bathrooms.
However, the one that Big Bill pictured is far from the correct one.

What is required is one with adjustment for concentrating the water flow into a single center stream.
This type will provide near instant orgasms for your Gal.

WaterPic (not surprisingly) is one of the providers of this type of shower head.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Waterpik-HairWand-Spa-System-12-Spray-Dual-Showerhead-and-Handheld-Showerhead-with-Wand-and-PowerPulse-Massage-in-Chrome-YBW-933E-SBW-383ME/307569346

And no . . . it's not for her back.

[jone]

Yes, agree you must have the hand held shower in at least one of your bathrooms.
However, the one that Big Bill pictured is far from the correct one.

What is required is one with adjustment for concentrating the water flow into a single center stream.
This type will provide near instant orgasms for your Gal.

WaterPic (not surprisingly) is one of the providers of this type of shower head.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Waterpik-HairWand-Spa-System-12-Spray-Dual-Showerhead-and-Handheld-Showerhead-with-Wand-and-PowerPulse-Massage-in-Chrome-YBW-933E-SBW-383ME/307569346

And no . . . it's not for her back.

ML,

Can you give a better description of the use and intended results of said showerhead?

[ML]

ML,

Can you give a better description of the use and intended results of said shower head?

I already did, in the posting you quoted.

And, I am just now working on preparing some real estate deeds, and such are required to use the word 'said' many times !!  I dislike the extra and unnecessary words that most lawyers use (to impress the masses), so avoid when possible; but this one is useful.

[treddie]

Thanks for all the advice, ideas and tips! There are obviously a lot of things to consider. I know all about having a clean bathroom and a good shower head. That much is taken care of.

• Start putting money aside specifically for a) weddings, b) relocation, c) parental expenses (medical, visits to USA, renovations, etc.), and d) contingency for unplanned expenses. When you marry a Russian woman the family comes "for free" but they're not cheap!

This is a good point. If you're going to ask someone to move to another country for you, then you should be prepared to handle some things, financially. I started putting money aside before we met. I should be able to cover the essentials.

Assemble a small Russian pharmacy, with antibiotics and activated charcoal pills and other stuff she takes for all the maladies she has in a typical year.

  I think a "small Russian pharmacy" will be indispensable.

There will be a lot of things to do and it's good to have the items here as a reference.

Does it matter which country we get married in? I don't mean a ceremony - we can have that in both - but I mean the legal document?

[jone]

Yes.  It does matter. 

It is easiest to get married in the United States.  Because you can get a fiancee visa, bring her over here and marry her.   They are quite easy (in relationship to other visas).   However, many of the women will want to be married in front of their families, etc.  Do not get married in a third country.   That will create headaches from both sides.

[IvanM07]

Does it matter which country we get married in? I don't mean a ceremony - we can have that in both - but I mean the legal document?

Getting the K-1 Visa for you to marry legally in the U.S. seems to be the fastest, I think right now It's 3-8 Months. If you get married there and file a CR-1 I seem to recall the time being something like 18-24 Months or so.

You can check here http://www.visajourney.com/times/k1-fiance-visa-historical/ that shows the historical timeline for processing.

I submitted the K-1 Paperwork recently, She wanted to have her family and friends with her when we were married so I suggested just having a JP sign the Legal Document in the US and then planing having the actual Wedding Ceremony over there with her friends and family, as well as close friends and family of mine. She seemed to love that Idea, Apparently planning a wedding takes 12-18 months according to her parents.

[jone]

Getting the K-1 Visa for you to marry legally in the U.S. seems to be the fastest, I think right now It's 3-8 Months. If you get married there and file a CR-1 I seem to recall the time being something like 18-24 Months or so.

You can check here http://www.visajourney.com/times/k1-fiance-visa-historical/ that shows the historical timeline for processing.

I submitted the K-1 Paperwork recently, She wanted to have her family and friends with her when we were married so I suggested just having a JP sign the Legal Document in the US and then planing having the actual Wedding Ceremony over there with her friends and family, as well as close friends and family of mine. She seemed to love that Idea, Apparently planning a wedding takes 12-18 months according to her parents.

I hope her name isn't Rachel.

[treddie]

Yes.  It does matter. 

It is easiest to get married in the United States.

Getting the K-1 Visa for you to marry legally in the U.S. seems to be the fastest, I think right now It's 3-8 Months. If you get married there and file a CR-1 I seem to recall the time being something like 18-24 Months or so.

Thanks! I'll plan to do the legal stuff in the US and we'll work out the rest of it.

[IvanM07]

I hope her name isn't Rachel.

Rachel? Don't understand the reference

Hey they can take 5 years if they want

[jone]

Rachel? Don't understand the reference

Hey they can take 5 years if they want

LOL.  As in Leah and Rachel. 

[GQBlues]

...I submitted the K-1 Paperwork recently, She wanted to have her family and friends with her when we were married so I suggested just having a JP sign the Legal Document in the US and then planing having the actual Wedding Ceremony over there with her friends and family, as well as close friends and family of mine. She seemed to love that Idea, Apparently planning a wedding takes 12-18 months according to her parents.

I remember being in the exact same state as you not too long ago. Once my petition was approved, I deliberated how to make our 'wedding', along with her first arrival in the US, be that much more memorable. Not only for the two of us, but for everyone in her life. I came up with 3 options, spoke with her about it, concerned of the financial impact, she relented and bought into what I wanted to do.

So I had about a month or so for the preparation. Within that time, with her assistance, I asked her family in Russia to apply for their tourist visas. Her mother adamantly refused to go because of what the financial impact it dictates. Said 'we' can use the money for better causes. Eventually, she too relented. I, in turn, sent a copy of the letter on invitation given to her family to the Moscow's US embassy, accompanied with all my pertinent personal information, our case number, assumption of all responsibility for their care while here, and the assurances of their return back to Russia. Saying we'd really like for her family to be with us for our wedding. In the event it mattered. I then wired all necessary expense required for the trip to-from Novosibirsk-Moscow to her folks.

100% approval.

While that was happening, two consecutive weekends, I flew to Toronto and Dusseldorf to personally introduce myself and invite her two sisters and their family living in both those areas to attend their sister's wedding. They accepted.

I thought that instead of getting married either in a church, or even at nearby Ritz-Carlton with all our friends and family attending, it would be far more sensible to have the ceremony in a more private affair with only her family and few of my friends (which included two RWG members) separately, then hold a reception for everyone else at a later time. The reason being a) language challenges, b) it would've been much too intense for her folks with an overwhelming amount of people that are still strangers to her and her family. I didn't want anyone getting the feeling of 'isolation' during our wedding.

We will marry in Hawaii. Here is a sample.

The prep work not only included the necessary document follow-up but arranged every single appointments and interviews for the wedding, her arrival, travel appointments and reservation, etc.

In addition, her family's travel arrangements to LA, their accomodations while here, travel arrangement to-from LA-Hawaii, San Francisco, San Diego, Vegas, etc.

I was living a bachelor's life in Marina Del Rey at the time and was living in an apartment by the beach. Really nice complex. So I signed up 2 short-term leased furnished units for her family's accomodations.

I did all these on my own in that month or so period.

a) I scheduled all the necessary appointment for her to choose her bridal/wedding dress, post-ceremony reception dress & fitting,
b) Our (non-denomination) minister, video/photographer, make-up/stylist (hers and sisters. Schedule to come to our hotel), limousine service, hotel and airline tickets.
c) Picked and scheduled the venue. (the package includes your choice of flowers/color theme, even pigeon-release - No doves in Hawaii, Hahah!. And of course, the beachside Luau)

Worked to an almost perfection. Our reception was coincided with 4 other Luaus. There's this sea of people along the shore of Hawaii for the luau and they place our entire party in an elevated stage, facing the main stage where dancers were to perform that night, and we actually had servers where everyone else were on a buffet setup. So it looked like everyone was there for 'our' wedding as they announced a congratulatory welcome with everyone applauding for us.

I couldn't even begin to describe the happiness on my wife's face that day.

We stayed in Hawaii for an entire week. Had them experience the Hawaiian lore, took them to places in Oahu and Maui not too many tourist know or ever get to see or do. Even taught Papa how to surf.

Of course, while here, they also went to see not only L.A. and it's entertainment venues, but San Francisco, Monterey, San Diego, Santa Barbara and of course Las Vegas.

There was about a week before her family came that I threw out a barbeque party for the opportunity for my fiancée to meet my friends and colleagues. She was well received by everyone. My female friends made her feel welcomed and loved. My male friends and brother wanted to kidnap her away from me. Post-wedding, the reception at Ritz for everyone to get together....

I never thought I would ever get married before because I was totally and insanely happy being a bachelor. But I also knew myself well enough that if I were ever going to be someone's husband, I swore to be the very best I can ever manage to be for my wife. It's a once in a lifetime moment, why not make as many special people in your life happy as you possibly can, right?

How I was able to get all these things in order, I don't know. Even thinking back to it, I still don't know how I managed it.

[2tallbill]

Come on Bill, no harm in having photos of a nice looking 70 year old. 
Would she be jealous of Christy Brinkley?

Does the Pope sh!t in the woods? YES!!
Absolutely positively yes.

Yes, she would be jealous of Christy Brinkley
and never forget innocence is NO excuse. 

[2tallbill]

LOL.  As in Leah and Rachel.

From Genesis? or is this some pop culture thing?

[jone]

From Genesis? or is this some pop culture thing?

Geez.

I was beginning to wonder if I was the only one who read biblical stories.

[treddie]

For anyone interested, despite all the craziness going on, we got all the information compiled and a K-1 visa application submitted. She still has a visa to the US, so we might try and use that if it's possible to get a flight. In any case, we can start planning the wedding while we wait for the K-1 approval.

[msmob]

A Russsian is not allowed out unless they have residency in the third nation...

Aug 1st May see a chance.

[treddie]

A Russsian is not allowed out unless they have residency in the third nation...

Aug 1st May see a chance.

It wouldn't be before August, anyway. Let's hope it's possible, then!

[Trenchcoat]

Lots of wishful thinking happening on this thread.

[msmob]

Unlike you, Trench, others wish for, plan and DO meet FSU W more than once and marry..

They don't take them on holidays and wonder where it went wrong, blame them and then follow their dating site exploits ..

[treddie]

Lots of wishful thinking happening on this thread.

Lots? What is the wishful thinking you are referring to?

Mostly, this thread seems to have some good advice, some questions and personal stories.

[treddie]

Once my petition was approved, I deliberated how to make our 'wedding', along with her first arrival in the US, be that much more memorable. Not only for the two of us, but for everyone in her life. I came up with 3 options, spoke with her about it, concerned of the financial impact, she relented and bought into what I wanted to do.

So I had about a month or so for the preparation. [...]

Great story! Thanks for sharing GQBlues.

[Trenchcoat]

Lots? What is the wishful thinking you are referring to?

Mostly, this thread seems to have some good advice, some questions and personal stories.

I'm afraid you're in much the same boat as our poor Mobers. Mobe is already married but chose not to use the conventional route to bring a spouse to the UK thus cannot use the residency route to bring her out of Russia. Unfortunately it looks like it may be a long while if ever for Russia allowing easy travel in and out. It's looking almost like a new Iron curtain is descending there. Putin has recently all but been made dictator for life by being able to extend his Presidential term significantly. Meanwhile the US is in the grip of a second big Coronavirus wave so even if restrictions were raised a bit more I can't see Russia allowing any US travel.

[treddie]

For anyone interested, despite all the craziness going on, we got all the information compiled and a K-1 visa application submitted. She still has a visa to the US, so we might try and use that if it's possible to get a flight. In any case, we can start planning the wedding while we wait for the K-1 approval.

Whoops! I skipped over the important part in between. I had a great trip to Russia back in February. I was there for about three weeks and it was a wonderful time with my fiancée. It included my proposing to her, so it was very eventful.

I talked with her family before the visit and let them know I wanted to marry her. They were very happy for us and even more so, once I actually asked the question and she said "yes"!

I arrived back in the US in March... just in time to be told to stay at home and isolate because of some new virus ;p When things had settled down a little, I began the much-less-fun process of K-1 paperwork.

[treddie]

I'm afraid you're in much the same boat as our poor Mobers. Mobe is already married but chose not to use the conventional route to bring a spouse to the UK thus cannot use the residency route to bring her out of Russia. Unfortunately it looks like it may be a long while if ever for Russia allowing easy travel in and out. It's looking almost like a new Iron curtain is descending there. Putin has recently all but been made dictator for life by being able to extend his Presidential term significantly. Meanwhile the US is in the grip of a second big Coronavirus wave so even if restrictions were raised a bit more I can't see Russia allowing any US travel.

Well, the US is still in the grip of the original coronavirus wave. It's not really a second wave, as the numbers have been going up steadily since it started. If we get it under control, then the concern is another wave in winter. But first, we have to get it under control.

It's certainly possible that travel becomes a bigger issue but the "wishful thinking" you refer to was simply stating a hope - that travel becomes possible soon. It was actually not wishful thinking and no more speculative than your estimation that it will be a "long while, if ever" that Russia allows "easy travel" or "any US travel".

Travel between the US and Russia was not exactly "easy", in the first place. It's possible that things won't return to a more normal state until 2021. Who knows? It could be longer. We just have to see what happens.

Still, tourism and travel are big business everywhere, including Russia. It contributes trillions to their economy and employs millions of people in Russia. Russians also like to travel. Those are pretty good reasons to work towards re-opening.

[Trenchcoat]

Well, the US is still in the grip of the original coronavirus wave. It's not really a second wave, as the numbers have been going up steadily since it started. If we get it under control, then the concern is another wave in winter. But first, we have to get it under control.

It's certainly possible that travel becomes a bigger issue but the "wishful thinking" you refer to was simply stating a hope - that travel becomes possible soon. It was actually not wishful thinking and no more speculative than your estimation that it will be a "long while, if ever" that Russia allows "easy travel" or "any US travel".

Travel between the US and Russia was not exactly "easy", in the first place. It's possible that things won't return to a more normal state until 2021. Who knows? It could be longer. We just have to see what happens.

Still, tourism and travel are big business everywhere, including Russia. It contributes trillions to their economy and employs millions of people in Russia. Russians also like to travel. Those are pretty good reasons to work towards re-opening.

Nothing is certain off course but Russia is lagging behind places like Ukraine and most of Europe in terms of allowing tourist type of travel. At present they don't seem to be budging on this.

Your right though in terms of the virus in the States, just looked at the curve and in the past couple of weeks it's gone sky high, far more than what I had thought. Unless things rapidly improve there it's likely most countries won't allow travel from the US. A curve like that will probably take some time to decline meaning travel before winter is probably unlikely. Then winter itself could apparently bring its own issues.

[msmob]

I'm afraid you're in much the same boat as our poor Mobers. Mobe is already married but chose not to use the conventional route to bring a spouse to the UK thus cannot use the residency route to bring her out of Russia.

You'll have to excuse our Trenchie, he's not the brightest bulb ..!

I'm not UK resident ... 

Unfortunately it looks like it may be a long while if ever for Russia allowing easy travel in and out. It's looking almost like a new Iron curtain is descending there. Putin has recently all but been made dictator for life by being able to extend his Presidential term significantly. Meanwhile the US is in the grip of a second big Coronavirus wave so even if restrictions were raised a bit more I can't see Russia allowing any US travel.

1/ SC can meet me in Cyprus ..as we are resident there.. but I'm not going to put my elderly Ma through such a journey and ( hopefully ) my siblings can take over

2/ Once we are in CY we can apply to go to RU together (and the UK) 

3/ SC ( I haven't checked) says Turkey is open for tourist biz for many nations ( including Russia and the UK ..US was on the list )

Tip: Don't rely on Trench for facts ..

[SteveInBoston]

Whoops! I skipped over the important part in between. I had a great trip to Russia back in February. I was there for about three weeks and it was a wonderful time with my fiancée. It included my proposing to her, so it was very eventful.

I talked with her family before the visit and let them know I wanted to marry her. They were very happy for us and even more so, once I actually asked the question and she said "yes"!

I arrived back in the US in March... just in time to be told to stay at home and isolate because of some new virus ;p When things had settled down a little, I began the much-less-fun process of K-1 paperwork.

Hello.  Congratulations!

You have a long road ahead, and it helps to keep in touch regularly with each other.  Also, if you have not done so already, go to VisaJourney and sign up.  They have forums dedicated to K-1 process and tracking, and even have a Russia sub forum. 

The last I checked, I believe Aeroflot is scheduling flights to US in August.  They have some dedicated flights, but are sporadic.

Unfortunately, I am not sure if either one of you can bypass the travel ban because you aren't married yet.  I have read that some married couples have been able to visit with their paperwork in order prior to travel (marriage cert, valid visa, etc.). 

Hopefully by the time your petition is approved the embassy will open for interviews.