We are so lucky, and we know it!

As recently as the spring of 2011, neither of us had any reason to think that within a year, our lives would change so dramatically. But one summer's day in July last year, we each took a chance and showed up at the Philadelphia Art Museum for what we thought would be "just another date". At the very least, we figured that we'd walk away having seen an interesting exhibition on Chagall's art.

But 9 hours later, we each found it hard to say goodbye, and quickly made plans for a 2nd date...which turned into a 3rd and then a 4th...all within one week! And from there, everything "clicked", and within a few short months, we were talking about a life together, starting with a wedding and continuing on through a myriad of shared experiences, a true partnership and a commitment to love, trust and cherish each other through it all. We still look at each other with awe and surprise, wondering how we got so lucky...

Because things happened so quickly, and because our families are scattered across the world, we chose to get married quietly and simply on December 7th 2011. We knew we wanted to celebrate with family and friends, at a time when as many people could make it as possible, so we chose April 21st as our wedding/party date.

But, unfortunately, not everyone can make it. Alex's family is all in Ukraine and won't be able to make the journey to Philadelphia in April. Plus, we are expecting a little one in July and traveling halfway across the world doesn't quite appeal to Vickie (or her doctor) at that time! So...we have decided to postpone our honeymoon and turn it into a family trip. In the spring or summer of 2013, we will at last make a trip to Ukraine to visit and celebrate with Alex's family, and introduce the newest member of the Kozhushchenko family! Our details are still in the works, but we know there are a number of activities and events we will plan, from flights and transportation to a few 'sightseeing' opportunities (where Alex will probably be playing tour guide and DEFINITELY playing translator!).

So, this leads us to this website. Our best gift will be the many family and friends who will join us to celebrate on April 21st. And the reality is that we don't need a single thing for our house, as it's already full (and overflowing, in some cases!) of plates, glasses, sheets, towels and all the rest (ah, the joys of putting together two households of two people who have been independent and regular Bed, Bath & Beyond shoppers for years!). So, as we really don't need any "traditional" wedding gifts, we thought that this might be a great alternative!

Thanks for helping us take this amazing trip. We are so excited to bring our two families together and can't wait to "bridge the gap" that will make us truly one global family!

With love,
Vickie & Alex (and Baby K!)

We're going to Kherson, Ukraine!