“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine

With our New York family reception 2 weeks away, there is much confusion…

So, this is a friendly reminder to RSVP the way the invite requested and only for those listed on the invite, as we’ve wanted to keep this get-together small and intimate. (Note: This is an adult-only celebration with exception for family of the bride and nursing infants.)

Please email the email address provided.

Facebooking us, telling our parents, etc… all leads to confusion.

If we could keep one central system, it would be GREATLY appreciated.

THANKS!
CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU!!!

Our site is back up and running… well our old one, anyway. Just WAIT until you see Keith’s new design! It’s so nice!

For those of you following Becky’s VISA STORY… WE GOT A MIRACLE!!!

It’s a notoriously messed up and slow process… some people have been waiting 14 months! And we got Beck’s visa back in THREE WEEKS!

Becky has been involved in forum (chat room) of people in her same situation… married to an European Union citizen and living in the UK. She’s been making “friends” with fellow immigrants on this forum and wrote her story after a few others asked her. We decided that, even here, God should get the Glory because there really is no other way to explain this.

So… there’s the short version. It’s all done. Beck is good to go for 5 years. If you want to read the more detailed story of what Becky wrote on the forum for immigrants, please read below…

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Hi again all… I’ve been rendered speechless this week. I can’t find any other way to describe my story than a complete miracle.

Here’s my story:

I’m American. My husband is Dutch. We were married on 04/04/09.

10 January 2009 – still in the States, called UK Border Agency in New York City for advice at $3.00 a minute on the call because their free email advice was telling me that I needed the Marriage Visa to enter and marry someone present and settled in the UK. I was brand new to this whole process and had no idea what I was doing, so I wanted to make sure my fiance being Dutch and not British didn’t effect this advice they gave me via email. The phone call ended with the same advice: Marriage Visa.

23 January 2009 – granted 6 month marriage visa for $850.

21 March 2009 – entered UK for first time on this visa.

04 April 2009 – got married

20 April 2009 – returned from honeymoon, called Home Office here in UK (Croyden) to confirm my next steps. Told once again to apply for the extension of the marriage visa (FLR-M Form) for £460. But because my husband can’t part with his visa for 4 weeks (travels alot with his job), we booked a premium appointment for £660,

03 July 2009 – Premium appointment for £660 – he took a day off of work, and we went to Croyden on 03 July 2009. They immediately told us we had the wrong form, wrong appointment and wrong department. We were very discouraged all along – neither one of us are know anything about this and we were going on the advice of representatives we talked to at the Home Office. But I had a sinking feeling all along we had applied for the wrong visa. We were told to apply for the EEA2 residence card and it would take “up to 6 months.” The lady said, “but at least it’s free!” (And we didn’t pay that £660 yet for the premium appointment.)

13 July 2009 – posted EEA2 application 10 days before original marriage visa expires on 23 July. Started researching forums, etc. and found this one. Started to get really anxious and worried about several things: would I be able to travel at the end of August? Would I be let back into the country? Would I be able to work? I then learned about the Certificate of Application (COA) on this forum verifying that you have an application in the system and your old visa’s status remains the same – this is what will get me in and out of the country. But the news on this forum that this will take 10-12 months is very disheartening.

23 July 2009 – received COA (didn’t ask for it) just 10 days after posting EEA2 application. Was worried because we have upcoming travel plans and people are saying on this forum that it usually takes 7-10 days but some people said 7 weeks!

27 July 2009 – After 2 weeks of constant attempts to get through to the phone number in Liverpool and my husband even calling the office in Croyden demanding to speak to managers, etc., we sent an email requesting our passports back. We didn’t include any proof of travel – we figured they’d ask for it if they wanted it. No auto-response or anything that they received our email. (Oh, and the people in Croyden are blaming the people in New York for giving us the wrong visa and taking our money since the right thing would’ve been a family permit for free! They say we have to take that case up with the office in New York.)

04 August 2009 – about to write another email for our passports, but discover a special delivery card in our mailbox. (We missed the postman.) Tracked the number of return envelope we included in original package and it was the envelope! We thought it might be our passports, so didn’t sent another email.

05 August 2009 – go to post office to pick up envelope and see it’s a very thick envelope and think right away it’s all my papers back (supporting documents.) Was very confused and feared a rejection. After reading the letter several times to make sure and then looking in my passport, I discovered that it was all done! I HAD MY RESIDENCE CARD!!!

I’m still shocked. I have no idea how it happened in 3 weeks. We were incredibly thorough in our supporting documents (we feared we sent too much.)

We are simply believing it was a miracle.

Two small snags: My husband has been here 2.5 years and working, but never applied for a residence card. We applied for his (EEA1) at the same time and didn’t get his back. So, his passport is still in Liverpool. We sent another email AND printed and sent it via post yesterday with another return envelope included.

The other frustration: We think that original marriage visa wasn’t the right one and are wondering if we can get our money back.

But overall, we are estatic and in shock. I was debating putting my story here because I continue to have sympathy for those waiting and didn’t want to “rub it in.” I have no advice because I’m still so new to this system. But maybe the record of my events can help you.

I know people have all kinds of different beliefs, but I can tell you we prayed for a miracle and got it!

A REALLY long story short… this is the story that never ends!

We thought we’d have it all worked out last Friday at our appointment at the UK Home Office, but when we got there, we were told we were following the wrong procedures. Against months of advice from UK Embassy call center operators, we were filling out forms as if Keith was English. But since he’s Dutch, it’s a whole different department and set of forms.

It’s very frustrating. A Visa 6 months ago for $850.00 we’re not sure we even needed (we’re writing to get our money back!), a few lost days off from work here and there for meetings, shipping charges to get bank statements rushed over here from the States… lots of hoops jumped through for no reason.

And now… even though this next process will be free (and we were expecting another $1,000 fee) it can take up to 6 months. This means I can’t work for 6 months but I can stay here while they process it, even though it may take longer than my current visa which expires July 23rd.

It’ll all work out… it’s just a very frustrating process full of people that don’t know what they are talking about when we call for direction and leading us down the wrong path.

At least this new visa we are applying for is for 5 years instead of the one we thought we were getting for only 2 years!

We’ll keep you updated!

P.S. We went straight from our frustrating and disappointing interview appointment down to England’s south shore to Dorest county where my cousin Debbie and her husband Guy live… check out our 4th of July photos in our album called “Summer 2009”

This is getting out of hand! Who ever heard of this many weddings and celebrations?

Our paperwork from South Africa won’t arrive in time for my Visa extension application, so we had to have a quick civil ceremony at the Registrar’s Office (like City Hall in the States) this last Friday.

We decided to make a date-night out of it with a few other couples and also to have a good laugh about how many times we’re getting married. So, a few friends joined us for the ceremony and then celebratory drinks at a pub after. Then, we headed to a palace near Oxford for an outdoor rendition of Shakespeare’s “As You Like It.” We all brought picnics and enjoyed feeling like we were “cultured!” 😀

CHECK OUT OUR PICTURES PAGE FOR PHOTOS OF OUR WEDDING #2!!!

…written by Rebecca.

Yep, you heard me! TWO MORE!

For a wedding photographer that was a little tired of the fan-fare and wanted to elope or have a very small, private wedding but ended up with THREE events… this has been an interesting ride, to say the least!

We planned a small wedding in South Africa in April, a celebration for friends in England in May and an open-house in August for family.

Now we have to get married AGAIN here in the UK in June. Because we can’t get our paperwork from South Africa in time for my Visa application’s due date, we need to get married here at the Registrar’s office so that we can get a Marriage Certificate NOW.

So much for secretly eloping! 🙂

Oh, and by the way… some photos from last week’s English Tea Party (our UK celebration) are up. We’ll add more as we collect them from guests who took photos.

And one more thing… No, Eric, these multiple events are not attempts for more presents! 🙂

Today is Beck’s and my ONE MONTH ANNIVERSARY! Or, as we like to call it, our “month-aversary.” 😀

It’s been a fantastic time… we’ve had tons of fun this month, first on our honeymoon and then here at home settling in. Married life is great!

For our family, we are just about to upload some new details in the private wedding section for our May and August receptions.

We hope you’ve had a chance to enjoy the photos from our wedding… or as Beck calls it, our fairy tale.

Please keep in touch!

…written by Rebecca.

I’m officially home-less, job-less and car-less… but I’m in England!!!

I’ve dumped all my stuff at Keith’s (I mean OUR) place and am staying with Nadene, a sweet friend. I’m excited to leave for South Africa in 2 days to spend a week with my new in-laws before the wedding!

Once we get to South Africa, internet access will be unpredictable. We’ll also be quite busy. 🙂 But, once we get home and settled in a few weeks, we’ll update this site with some photos from the big day… so be on the look-out!

…written by Rebecca.

To our family,

Several of you are sending our parents emails about not being able to RSVP.

Just a reminder… follow the instructions on the invitation by emailing the address provided. You’ll get a response with more details. Also, it’s also a way for us to confirm we have your most current email address which you’ll use for your sign-in to the invitation-only page to our site for ongoing details.

So, the first step is emailing the address on the invitation. Do that, and we’ll guide you through the rest!

Thanks!

Many of you are asking “how’s the wedding planning going?” Not sure if that’s just the obligatory “How are you” and a “fine” is expected in return, but for those who REALLY want to know, here’s a run-down:

1. Invites have been sent out for all three events. The England reception is mostly friends and the New York reception is primarily just for family. They are adult-only celebrations, with the exception of immediate family of the bride and groom (That’s means I’ll be sad if Johnny5, Chance, Zack, Grayce, Isaiah, Langston, Shane, Ruth, Gus and Elijah aren’t there! You, too, Kyle and Matthew – but you’re already a young men!)

2. The Cape Town wedding details are quickly coming together! We have the most gorgeous little chapel for the ceremony and a beautiful club at a golf course overlooking the ocean for the reception. Most of the people attending have their flights booked. We have dresses for the ladies. Flowers and a cake are close to being settled on. Favors and guest book are done, too!

We have “our song!” – I can’t give it away, but here’s a hint: It’s has a rather fun beat and it’s by the guy who sings “New York, New York.”

Keith has his wedding band and we’re still researching options for mine.

We’re still finalizing accommodation and transportation plans for the several days surrounding the Big Day, as well as menu options for the reception.

Where are we going after the Big Day, you ask? I wish I could tell you, but it’s a surprise! You’ll have to ask Keith!

I know you’re wondering who would be good enough to photograph a photographer’s wedding… who could we trust? There was no doubt about this decision! A good friend of mine is an amazing photographer. Her work is beyond spectacular and I’m thrilled she’s coming to South Africa! My mind will be at ease because our photos will be in the best of hands! Check out her work at www.brownstreetstudios.com

Ok, ok! I’ll tell you who’s in the wedding party since that’s the most common question we get! My best friend, Elena and one of my closest cousins Michele are coming! I’m so happy! Also, my soon-to-be Niece, Saskia will be a junior bridesmaid. Keith’s close friends Jonathan (from the States, but living in the Czech Republic) and John (from Ireland) will be standing with him, which will make our bridal party very representative of the world! And of course, the rest of my soon-to-be nieces and nephews will all have roles such as ring bearer, ushers and the cutest little flower girls you’ll ever see!

3. I got my Visa last week to live in England… but keep that in your prayers! It currently says it expires this July and it says that I can’t work. We need to apply for an extension right away when we get back.

4. England and New York reception ideas are in the works and we’ll settle on plans as soon as Cape Town details aren’t as urgent.

5. My moving plans are coming along, too. I’m trying to sell my truck and two computers as well as a few other things. Plans for my replacements at YFC both locally and nationally are in the works and we’re all busy making plans! The last few weeks here, I’ll be closing accounts, cell phone plan, etc. and getting ready to go! I leave on March 20th to go to England for a few days and then to Cape Town about a week and a half before the wedding on April 4th.

I think that’s about it! There’s a million more details, but you get the idea! What an adventure this is – planning a long distance wedding where neither the bride or groom are there! Thank God for Keith’s family in South Africa! They are a huge help!

Oh… and incase you’re counting with us, it’s in 61 days!

Hi everyone,

We have had a problem with the email address to send your rsvp’s. It is up and running again so please try it again.

Another option you have to rsvp is to do it on our site. Just click ‘Wedding’ at the top and then enter your email address. Provided we have the correct email address on file you should automatically gain access to your own profile and be able to RSVP straight away. Depending on the event that you RSVP to, you will then see more links with further details of the top of the page.

Lots of love,
Keith and Rebecca.