RaptureSongbird

Thank you...we finally came to an agreement, I was waiting for him to open a new store with his mom so he could pay for his part of the visa...but with everything going so fast and him agreeing to come the end of dec...dec 28th hopefully....I decided I will just pay for everything and get the one day medical and the interview can be scheduled asap ...its Croatia they are not busy...he can get an interview in a matter of days... so thats our plan get medical this week..interview next then I will immediately purchase the end of dec ticket....its so nice to finally have a plan...and to be ok...now its just time to do the medical get a few documents nothing big and do the interview...we are almost there...I will have a big sigh of relief once a  ticket is bought....then nothing will matter. 

Not a wedding picture yet...just a picture of me and my fiance. I'm geeking over the mosaics in Cherchell...

We are MARRIED!! I still can't believe it! Waking up next to him every day is like the most wonderful dream that I don't have to wake up from. We are so grateful for all the support and encouragement from our fellow VJers. Best wishes to everyone!

Thanks!  So Happy for you two too!!!  :-)
 
Successful POE in Chicago yesterday although it was a bit odd.  They were making all US Citizens, and those who had been to the states before, go through the APC lines.  When I asked if I could go through the first time line with my fiance, I was told only if I filled out the long form landing card.  So, I just pulled out the Mobile Passport App and went through that line quickly while my fiance stood in line.  By the time I finished, he was finally called to the window.  He said the guy asked him for his passport, then asked for the envelope from the embassy, took his photo and fingerprints, and didn't say another word to him while he was processing the paperwork, not even to ask any questions.  For a bit, I was standing off to the side watching this happen while I waited but then someone from security told me that I couldn't wait near where he was and I had to back up to the baggage claim area since I had already been processed.  After waiting and watching there for another few minutes, the CBP officer got up from his station and led my fiance to secondary screening.  At this point I was starting to freak out a bit but did my best to remain calm.  I decided to go ahead and get our bags and wait.  And then I waited some more.  Finally after waiting about 20 minutes, my fiance came out at which point he decided to play what he thought was a funny, but cruel too, joke.  His first words to me were "I have to go back to England".  I was utterly dumbfounded and I screamed "WHAT?!?" and he said "Not all the paperwork was in the envelope, some type of police certification was missing"  and I said "You have got to be kidding me!  What is going on?  Who can I speak to?".  At this point he could tell I was about to burst into tears and he said "Just kidding, let's go home" at which point I wanted to strangle him so badly for the poor joke but was also relived that he was just joking.  After I calmed down a bit we made our way outside and I asked what happened in secondary inspection.  He said that they told him to sit down, he waited and waited, they called his name, gave him back his stamped landing card and passport and then said "Have a nice day".  So no questions from either the first CBP agent or in secondary screening, just a lot of waiting.
 
After a 3 hour drive from Chicago (screw rush hour traffic!), we finally made it home, relaxed a bit, and then crashed from a long day of travel.  Today we've been relaxing a bit but also getting some things done to start his life here (got him signed up for a gym, got his bus pass, did some shopping), so day 1 of living together for the rest of our lives is almost over and has been great!

I think he just want thinking that wed go from approval...(officially by mail on oct 15th) to the embassy on the 1st of nov... Its like he was caught off guard...and was thrown into a pit of fear....we had a long talk...then he spoke with with brother..who told him hes overthinking things and overwhelming himself. So I'm hoping he'll get started on the embassy requirements on his own...he already has all the proof and affidavit...so its just up to him...I'm just pulling back a bit so ge can feel the disconnection and really thinkn about what he can lose....its time to fish or cut bait....I have so much angsty energy and this hesitation is the last thing I want to hear after all my hard work to get him here before years end.

Thanks!  So Happy for you two too!!!  :-)
 
Successful POE in Chicago yesterday although it was a bit odd.  They were making all US Citizens, and those who had been to the states before, go through the APC lines.  When I asked if I could go through the first time line with my fiance, I was told only if I filled out the long form landing card.  So, I just pulled out the Mobile Passport App and went through that line quickly while my fiance stood in line.  By the time I finished, he was finally called to the window.  He said the guy asked him for his passport, then asked for the envelope from the embassy, took his photo and fingerprints, and didn't say another word to him while he was processing the paperwork, not even to ask any questions.  For a bit, I was standing off to the side watching this happen while I waited but then someone from security told me that I couldn't wait near where he was and I had to back up to the baggage claim area since I had already been processed.  After waiting and watching there for another few minutes, the CBP officer got up from his station and led my fiance to secondary screening.  At this point I was starting to freak out a bit but did my best to remain calm.  I decided to go ahead and get our bags and wait.  And then I waited some more.  Finally after waiting about 20 minutes, my fiance came out at which point he decided to play what he thought was a funny, but cruel too, joke.  His first words to me were "I have to go back to England".  I was utterly dumbfounded and I screamed "WHAT?!?" and he said "Not all the paperwork was in the envelope, some type of police certification was missing"  and I said "You have got to be kidding me!  What is going on?  Who can I speak to?".  At this point he could tell I was about to burst into tears and he said "Just kidding, let's go home" at which point I wanted to strangle him so badly for the poor joke but was also relived that he was just joking.  After I calmed down a bit we made our way outside and I asked what happened in secondary inspection.  He said that they told him to sit down, he waited and waited, they called his name, gave him back his stamped landing card and passport and then said "Have a nice day".  So no questions from either the first CBP agent or in secondary screening, just a lot of waiting.
 
After a 3 hour drive from Chicago (screw rush hour traffic!), we finally made it home, relaxed a bit, and then crashed from a long day of travel.  Today we've been relaxing a bit but also getting some things done to start his life here (got him signed up for a gym, got his bus pass, did some shopping), so day 1 of living together for the rest of our lives is almost over and has been great!

POE in 24 hours in Chicago.  So excited!!!

Assuming no delays I should be in London in a little over 24 hours.  Then a week to enjoy London one last time, and help my fiance pack up, and then we fly back.  Luckily we'll still have another 6 days together once we get back with POE at O'Hare.  Hoping I can get some sleep tonight, so excited!!! 

Thanks!  So Happy for you two too!!!  :-)
 
Successful POE in Chicago yesterday although it was a bit odd.  They were making all US Citizens, and those who had been to the states before, go through the APC lines.  When I asked if I could go through the first time line with my fiance, I was told only if I filled out the long form landing card.  So, I just pulled out the Mobile Passport App and went through that line quickly while my fiance stood in line.  By the time I finished, he was finally called to the window.  He said the guy asked him for his passport, then asked for the envelope from the embassy, took his photo and fingerprints, and didn't say another word to him while he was processing the paperwork, not even to ask any questions.  For a bit, I was standing off to the side watching this happen while I waited but then someone from security told me that I couldn't wait near where he was and I had to back up to the baggage claim area since I had already been processed.  After waiting and watching there for another few minutes, the CBP officer got up from his station and led my fiance to secondary screening.  At this point I was starting to freak out a bit but did my best to remain calm.  I decided to go ahead and get our bags and wait.  And then I waited some more.  Finally after waiting about 20 minutes, my fiance came out at which point he decided to play what he thought was a funny, but cruel too, joke.  His first words to me were "I have to go back to England".  I was utterly dumbfounded and I screamed "WHAT?!?" and he said "Not all the paperwork was in the envelope, some type of police certification was missing"  and I said "You have got to be kidding me!  What is going on?  Who can I speak to?".  At this point he could tell I was about to burst into tears and he said "Just kidding, let's go home" at which point I wanted to strangle him so badly for the poor joke but was also relived that he was just joking.  After I calmed down a bit we made our way outside and I asked what happened in secondary inspection.  He said that they told him to sit down, he waited and waited, they called his name, gave him back his stamped landing card and passport and then said "Have a nice day".  So no questions from either the first CBP agent or in secondary screening, just a lot of waiting.
 
After a 3 hour drive from Chicago (screw rush hour traffic!), we finally made it home, relaxed a bit, and then crashed from a long day of travel.  Today we've been relaxing a bit but also getting some things done to start his life here (got him signed up for a gym, got his bus pass, did some shopping), so day 1 of living together for the rest of our lives is almost over and has been great!

Thanks!  So Happy for you two too!!!  :-)
 
Successful POE in Chicago yesterday although it was a bit odd.  They were making all US Citizens, and those who had been to the states before, go through the APC lines.  When I asked if I could go through the first time line with my fiance, I was told only if I filled out the long form landing card.  So, I just pulled out the Mobile Passport App and went through that line quickly while my fiance stood in line.  By the time I finished, he was finally called to the window.  He said the guy asked him for his passport, then asked for the envelope from the embassy, took his photo and fingerprints, and didn't say another word to him while he was processing the paperwork, not even to ask any questions.  For a bit, I was standing off to the side watching this happen while I waited but then someone from security told me that I couldn't wait near where he was and I had to back up to the baggage claim area since I had already been processed.  After waiting and watching there for another few minutes, the CBP officer got up from his station and led my fiance to secondary screening.  At this point I was starting to freak out a bit but did my best to remain calm.  I decided to go ahead and get our bags and wait.  And then I waited some more.  Finally after waiting about 20 minutes, my fiance came out at which point he decided to play what he thought was a funny, but cruel too, joke.  His first words to me were "I have to go back to England".  I was utterly dumbfounded and I screamed "WHAT?!?" and he said "Not all the paperwork was in the envelope, some type of police certification was missing"  and I said "You have got to be kidding me!  What is going on?  Who can I speak to?".  At this point he could tell I was about to burst into tears and he said "Just kidding, let's go home" at which point I wanted to strangle him so badly for the poor joke but was also relived that he was just joking.  After I calmed down a bit we made our way outside and I asked what happened in secondary inspection.  He said that they told him to sit down, he waited and waited, they called his name, gave him back his stamped landing card and passport and then said "Have a nice day".  So no questions from either the first CBP agent or in secondary screening, just a lot of waiting.
 
After a 3 hour drive from Chicago (screw rush hour traffic!), we finally made it home, relaxed a bit, and then crashed from a long day of travel.  Today we've been relaxing a bit but also getting some things done to start his life here (got him signed up for a gym, got his bus pass, did some shopping), so day 1 of living together for the rest of our lives is almost over and has been great!

Thanks!  So Happy for you two too!!!  :-)
 
Successful POE in Chicago yesterday although it was a bit odd.  They were making all US Citizens, and those who had been to the states before, go through the APC lines.  When I asked if I could go through the first time line with my fiance, I was told only if I filled out the long form landing card.  So, I just pulled out the Mobile Passport App and went through that line quickly while my fiance stood in line.  By the time I finished, he was finally called to the window.  He said the guy asked him for his passport, then asked for the envelope from the embassy, took his photo and fingerprints, and didn't say another word to him while he was processing the paperwork, not even to ask any questions.  For a bit, I was standing off to the side watching this happen while I waited but then someone from security told me that I couldn't wait near where he was and I had to back up to the baggage claim area since I had already been processed.  After waiting and watching there for another few minutes, the CBP officer got up from his station and led my fiance to secondary screening.  At this point I was starting to freak out a bit but did my best to remain calm.  I decided to go ahead and get our bags and wait.  And then I waited some more.  Finally after waiting about 20 minutes, my fiance came out at which point he decided to play what he thought was a funny, but cruel too, joke.  His first words to me were "I have to go back to England".  I was utterly dumbfounded and I screamed "WHAT?!?" and he said "Not all the paperwork was in the envelope, some type of police certification was missing"  and I said "You have got to be kidding me!  What is going on?  Who can I speak to?".  At this point he could tell I was about to burst into tears and he said "Just kidding, let's go home" at which point I wanted to strangle him so badly for the poor joke but was also relived that he was just joking.  After I calmed down a bit we made our way outside and I asked what happened in secondary inspection.  He said that they told him to sit down, he waited and waited, they called his name, gave him back his stamped landing card and passport and then said "Have a nice day".  So no questions from either the first CBP agent or in secondary screening, just a lot of waiting.
 
After a 3 hour drive from Chicago (screw rush hour traffic!), we finally made it home, relaxed a bit, and then crashed from a long day of travel.  Today we've been relaxing a bit but also getting some things done to start his life here (got him signed up for a gym, got his bus pass, did some shopping), so day 1 of living together for the rest of our lives is almost over and has been great!

Thanks!  So Happy for you two too!!!  :-)
 
Successful POE in Chicago yesterday although it was a bit odd.  They were making all US Citizens, and those who had been to the states before, go through the APC lines.  When I asked if I could go through the first time line with my fiance, I was told only if I filled out the long form landing card.  So, I just pulled out the Mobile Passport App and went through that line quickly while my fiance stood in line.  By the time I finished, he was finally called to the window.  He said the guy asked him for his passport, then asked for the envelope from the embassy, took his photo and fingerprints, and didn't say another word to him while he was processing the paperwork, not even to ask any questions.  For a bit, I was standing off to the side watching this happen while I waited but then someone from security told me that I couldn't wait near where he was and I had to back up to the baggage claim area since I had already been processed.  After waiting and watching there for another few minutes, the CBP officer got up from his station and led my fiance to secondary screening.  At this point I was starting to freak out a bit but did my best to remain calm.  I decided to go ahead and get our bags and wait.  And then I waited some more.  Finally after waiting about 20 minutes, my fiance came out at which point he decided to play what he thought was a funny, but cruel too, joke.  His first words to me were "I have to go back to England".  I was utterly dumbfounded and I screamed "WHAT?!?" and he said "Not all the paperwork was in the envelope, some type of police certification was missing"  and I said "You have got to be kidding me!  What is going on?  Who can I speak to?".  At this point he could tell I was about to burst into tears and he said "Just kidding, let's go home" at which point I wanted to strangle him so badly for the poor joke but was also relived that he was just joking.  After I calmed down a bit we made our way outside and I asked what happened in secondary inspection.  He said that they told him to sit down, he waited and waited, they called his name, gave him back his stamped landing card and passport and then said "Have a nice day".  So no questions from either the first CBP agent or in secondary screening, just a lot of waiting.
 
After a 3 hour drive from Chicago (screw rush hour traffic!), we finally made it home, relaxed a bit, and then crashed from a long day of travel.  Today we've been relaxing a bit but also getting some things done to start his life here (got him signed up for a gym, got his bus pass, did some shopping), so day 1 of living together for the rest of our lives is almost over and has been great!

hi)) have been missing for a while. we got married on 21 October in Las vegas!!! 
had just 3 friends with us , and after wedding had nice trip to Valley of fire and Red rock canyon)))
wish everybody happiness and be with their loved ones))) thank you everybody at this thread, it was very very helpful!!!
 

I love all these stories and wedding photos in this thread! My fiancée lands at SeaTac Monday and our wedding is the 11th of November. (Originally it was going to be last weekend, but life got in the way and we had to move the date. Our wedding is still going to be outside, but now we need to add heaters!)
I’m so excited—her coming and the much anticipated wedding are all I’m thinking about. 

Thanks!  So Happy for you two too!!!  :-)
 
Successful POE in Chicago yesterday although it was a bit odd.  They were making all US Citizens, and those who had been to the states before, go through the APC lines.  When I asked if I could go through the first time line with my fiance, I was told only if I filled out the long form landing card.  So, I just pulled out the Mobile Passport App and went through that line quickly while my fiance stood in line.  By the time I finished, he was finally called to the window.  He said the guy asked him for his passport, then asked for the envelope from the embassy, took his photo and fingerprints, and didn't say another word to him while he was processing the paperwork, not even to ask any questions.  For a bit, I was standing off to the side watching this happen while I waited but then someone from security told me that I couldn't wait near where he was and I had to back up to the baggage claim area since I had already been processed.  After waiting and watching there for another few minutes, the CBP officer got up from his station and led my fiance to secondary screening.  At this point I was starting to freak out a bit but did my best to remain calm.  I decided to go ahead and get our bags and wait.  And then I waited some more.  Finally after waiting about 20 minutes, my fiance came out at which point he decided to play what he thought was a funny, but cruel too, joke.  His first words to me were "I have to go back to England".  I was utterly dumbfounded and I screamed "WHAT?!?" and he said "Not all the paperwork was in the envelope, some type of police certification was missing"  and I said "You have got to be kidding me!  What is going on?  Who can I speak to?".  At this point he could tell I was about to burst into tears and he said "Just kidding, let's go home" at which point I wanted to strangle him so badly for the poor joke but was also relived that he was just joking.  After I calmed down a bit we made our way outside and I asked what happened in secondary inspection.  He said that they told him to sit down, he waited and waited, they called his name, gave him back his stamped landing card and passport and then said "Have a nice day".  So no questions from either the first CBP agent or in secondary screening, just a lot of waiting.
 
After a 3 hour drive from Chicago (screw rush hour traffic!), we finally made it home, relaxed a bit, and then crashed from a long day of travel.  Today we've been relaxing a bit but also getting some things done to start his life here (got him signed up for a gym, got his bus pass, did some shopping), so day 1 of living together for the rest of our lives is almost over and has been great!

Thanks!  So Happy for you two too!!!  :-)
 
Successful POE in Chicago yesterday although it was a bit odd.  They were making all US Citizens, and those who had been to the states before, go through the APC lines.  When I asked if I could go through the first time line with my fiance, I was told only if I filled out the long form landing card.  So, I just pulled out the Mobile Passport App and went through that line quickly while my fiance stood in line.  By the time I finished, he was finally called to the window.  He said the guy asked him for his passport, then asked for the envelope from the embassy, took his photo and fingerprints, and didn't say another word to him while he was processing the paperwork, not even to ask any questions.  For a bit, I was standing off to the side watching this happen while I waited but then someone from security told me that I couldn't wait near where he was and I had to back up to the baggage claim area since I had already been processed.  After waiting and watching there for another few minutes, the CBP officer got up from his station and led my fiance to secondary screening.  At this point I was starting to freak out a bit but did my best to remain calm.  I decided to go ahead and get our bags and wait.  And then I waited some more.  Finally after waiting about 20 minutes, my fiance came out at which point he decided to play what he thought was a funny, but cruel too, joke.  His first words to me were "I have to go back to England".  I was utterly dumbfounded and I screamed "WHAT?!?" and he said "Not all the paperwork was in the envelope, some type of police certification was missing"  and I said "You have got to be kidding me!  What is going on?  Who can I speak to?".  At this point he could tell I was about to burst into tears and he said "Just kidding, let's go home" at which point I wanted to strangle him so badly for the poor joke but was also relived that he was just joking.  After I calmed down a bit we made our way outside and I asked what happened in secondary inspection.  He said that they told him to sit down, he waited and waited, they called his name, gave him back his stamped landing card and passport and then said "Have a nice day".  So no questions from either the first CBP agent or in secondary screening, just a lot of waiting.
 
After a 3 hour drive from Chicago (screw rush hour traffic!), we finally made it home, relaxed a bit, and then crashed from a long day of travel.  Today we've been relaxing a bit but also getting some things done to start his life here (got him signed up for a gym, got his bus pass, did some shopping), so day 1 of living together for the rest of our lives is almost over and has been great!

Just sent our AOS package out and I am hoping that all goes well. The processing times seem a bit daunting but I have hope.
 
We got married on Sept 1 at the courthouse, and now we are nearing 2 months.
 
 
 
Its been going great!!! We have adjusted quickly, though the feeling hasn't changed form when we used to visit, we just realize we were already acting like we were together. It does bum her out that she can't work yet, and finances are still something we are continuing to navigate and find the perfect fit, but at least she has a chance to pursue the career change she was wanting. 
 
Hoping everyone's process goes fast and smooth!

POE in 24 hours in Chicago.  So excited!!!

Just went to the SSN office ( I've only been here 5 days) but it was verified! He told me that it usually takes 3-4 weeks and lots of people are not in the system  but I got verified. Yay 😁 
 
We we also got our marriage license yesterday and will be getting married next week on Wednesday.
 
So much excitement  

Thank you so much!! Yes, we are so incredibly excited to finally be together. Our wedding is October 28th, the day after tomorrow! We are busy getting everything arranged and figuring out schedules. My parents arrived yesterday and met him for the first time. I think they really like him so far!
 
We'll post pictures sometime next week! I am so grateful for all of you and have enjoyed sharing this journey together. Look forward to seeing more pictures of all of you!

POE in 24 hours in Chicago.  So excited!!!

@TriloByte - I know your fiancée's interview is coming up tomorrow and I just wanted to wish the two of you good luck!

POE in 24 hours in Chicago.  So excited!!!

Thanks!  It will be your time soon too!!!

POE in 24 hours in Chicago.  So excited!!!