I was born in Ukraine, April 14, 1994. I grew up in an orphanage until my sister and I were adopted by my parents when I was 13. I was very lucky to be adopted with my sister. When we got here, it was very hard to learn the language and the culture... I am still learning. But it was exciting. I had a lot to learn, but I had great family and friends around me to help. One of my first memories in america was golden coral.... It was very new and I had never seen or experienced anything like that. It blew my mind! :) Through high school I played soccer, and when I was 20 I had the chance to go to Brazil for a missions trip. It was an eye opening trip. It really shows you how people live outside the united states. It was sad but I was happy to be there to help and share the word with them. We spent 10 days on the river in a boat sleeping in hammocks, traveling from village to village and telling them about the Bible and Jesus. I have lived here for 10 years, and believe it or not Mik and Khaleb were some of the very first people I met when I got here. I went through hard and good times. But I wouldn't do anything to change them. God gave me a great family for me and my sister. I have had great life opportunities with work, and with friends. I have had people who changed me into the man I am today. I would never forget that. In these ten years of my journey, I couldn't ask for better friends, family, and girl friend (now fiancé). I owe everything to them and can't wait to spend my life with the love of my life.

Hey there. I was born here in Colorado Springs on December 3, 1993 and although I've moved probably 13 times, I have lived here my whole life. I am the oldest of 5 kids. Growing up, I had all sorts of cousins and family around constantly. I started participating in church events when I was 8 years old that have been instrumental in making me who I am today, VBS worship at church was something I looked forward to every summer. In high school I played volleyball, was stage manager for our school musical, and participated in art and math contests. My siblings and I are all each others best friends; we did everything together. Sports, prom, youth programs and retreats, our families bounce house business, Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners at the fire station where we goofed off on the gym equipment, we even worked at the halloween store my mom managed every year. The youngest brother didn't come until 2 years ago, and he's a genius. =) Life goal of mine: write and publish a book. Even if it's just one copy for myself, I want to write a book. =) I also really enjoy art, particularly charcoal drawing, and going to the movie theater. This is always a good date choice for us. I love the excitement of a new movie and the smell of popcorn!! One year ago, my life was completely different. It never ceases to amaze me how everything in your life builds on everything before it to prepare you for something completely unseen in the future. And if you would have asked me a year ago, I would be engaged to marry the man of my dreams, I would have laughed. But thank goodness... I don't make the plans.

It's really amazing that we have only been dating since February of 2017 because we actually met soon after Vlad moved here. I remember Vlad getting introduced to me... he was wearing a yellow t-shirt. And if you consider our houses in falcon were only 2 minutes apart, we went to schools right across the street from each other, and he and my brother, Khaleb are best friends, then this should have happened long before now. It wasn't until we started working together, seeing each other more, and Khaleb's intervention that things for us really got moving. Vlad and I quickly found out that we both love movies, and that we often see movies by ourselves. So we made a pact: whenever either of us went to see a movie by ourselves, we would let the other know, and if they wanted to come they could. And that's how it started; two movie tickets and a large popcorn.

November 11- So the man had me fooled! And he planned it so well! The Adams' were doing family pictures that day and he had conspired with his sister and my mom it seems to go have my nails done "for family photos" and because "you said you wanted to hang out with Nastia". So first thing in the morning while he was "hanging out" with Khaleb while he was in town, I ran some errands for Shots. I had to go pick up their pastry order and deliver it to the shop. Then I went home and just did some house chores before Khaleb and Vlad got home. We were all hanging out, just talking when my dad sends out a group text that says the Broadmoor is doing a special for Fire Fighters and their families tonight, but Mom and I can't go. Khaleb was going to see a movie with Joe, and Marina wasn't feeling great so we decided to take it. (We had planned on going to dinner anyways). So I quick ran downstairs to pick out an outfit, then met Nastia for some much needed girl time. (She was definitely in on it- telling me she was going home to a nap ;) Afterwards I met the family for some cute family pictures... Jace just wanted to touch the water! And then from there we raced home to change into Broadmoor worthy attire. Now if you don't know Vlad.. he doesn't keep to a schedule... ever.... and he was so worried that if we weren't there right at 6 they wouldn't keep the reservation for us. I should have known right then and there. So he took me to the Broadmoor... we ate at La Taverne, he poured out his heart and told me he loved me and... didn't ask me to marry him. To be continued...

...After dinner we walked across the lake to the other building and looked at all the pictures on the wall of all the famous people who had been there... he didn't really want to look, he just kept walking past them ;) Then as we were walking back to the main building he pulled me aside to "look at the water". I however was looking at the building- trying to figure out what they used a specific room for and he had to call my name to get me to turn around. And when I did, he was down on a knee, with the ring in a lit up box, told me he loved me and asked me to be his wife! ;) After we got done hugging and getting the ring on my finger- he told me we needed to go say hi to some friends. Khaleb, Marina, Jake, Nastia, and Kendall were all there to see it and help take photos; I was so glad to see all of them. And for the Finale.... we went to his parents where BOTH of our families were waiting to celebrate with us. And so begins Happily Ever After.