ALEX & VIKTORIA VOW EXCHANGE | WASHINGTON OAKS STATE PARK, PALM COAST, FLORIDA | WALLS OF JERICO PHOTOGRAPHY
Alex' & Viktoria's story is quite different, to say the least.
Alex's mom came to visit America (from Ukraine) without knowing she was pregnant. Once her visiting visa was up, she was granted an extension because she was too far along to travel such distance. Thus, Alex was born in America, making him an American citizen. At just a few weeks old, Alex & his mom traveled back to Ukraine where he spent his entire childhood.
The area where Alex & his family are living, Donetskaya oblast, is currently in crisis. From the beginning of March 2014, protests by pro-Russian and anti-government groups took place in the Donetsk. Without getting into the gruesome details of the war zone that is left, Alex realized this was not where he wanted to see himself in the future. He knew there were bigger & better opportunities out there for him.
In 2016, at the ripe age of 21, Alex did a lot of research & ended up purchasing a plane ticket to America. Without knowing much English, he only knew what was taught to him in school (which is the equivalence to the Spanish we learn in school), he made the move, leaving behind his entire life, everything he knew, his parents & even his fiancé, Viktoria.
Within his first year in America, Alex found a job, picked up on English (even slang), found a roommate, became familiar with our banking system, bought a car, got a driver's license and filled out all the necessary paperwork to get his fiancé to come visit him! I am so impressed by this young man. He knew exactly what he wanted & didn't let anything get in his way. Absolutely inspiring, right?!
After months and months of paperwork being mailed back and forth, Viktoria was finally approved to visit. Alex & Viktoria gave up on the idea of a wedding, what's a wedding without your family & friends? But that didn't stop them, they knew they wanted to get married, so they chose to have an intimate vow exchange.
Alex came to me asking where they could take pictures to make his fiancé have her very own fairytale story since she wouldn't have her friends and family surrounding her to make her dream wedding come true. Washington Oaks State Park immediately came to mind. A fairytale "wedding" is exactly what Alex & Viktoriya felt as we drove into the park. They never imagined, in their wildest dreams, that they would get married in America, by the Atlantic Ocean!
Although they are very young, they have persevered through serious hardships & separation. Their love is so pure and very much admirable. Alex & Viktoria, I wish you two a lifetime of happiness together and I pray that you two get to celebrate your marriage with your family and friends one day very soon!! I am so happy for you two and cant wait to see you two grow together.
