Such a brilliant video! Very raw, real and open! Congratulations to you both! Immy as you may remember from previous comments I have made on your various videos, I'm an Australian living in Wales and very much aware of the UK Visa process, I originally came on a Tier 5 Working Holiday Visa which lasts two years and in that time meet Tom who is my husband. Long story short is that due to my first visa coming to an end, him not wanting to leave Wales, I was happy to stay in the UK and not living together for the two years rule that you mentioned meet we had to get married because the non spouse visa was something we couldn't do as you needed two years living together. Once married, I could apply for the UK 5 Year Spouse Visa, this did involve plenty of paperwork and did ask for various details including how we meet, our wedding, bills and income. I provided a mixture of bills in my own name and combined names. Photo evidence of us as a couple was not needed, proof of marriage certificate is one document you do need with the paperwork! It does cost money and you have options and we chose the in person same day decision when applying for it back in 2018. I had to renew it earlier this year as the 5 year visa is split into two and a half year sections, as it was the Pandemic the renewal process was a little different and after a few months I was approved. My next step is to apply for indefinite leave to remain which I will be able to do in 2023. My engagement ring was also pre owned and I purchased from a independent jeweller in Cardiff. My wedding ring was made from Fairtrade gold as I wanted one of my rings to have this ethical option, this was from another independent jeweller in Cardiff, both in the city centre and walking distance apart! 90 days Fiancé Visa isn't long, from memory the UK Fiancé Visa is 6 months and like the USA one you have to get married within that time frame. Being apart from my family and friends has been challenging! I know overall it has been the best decision for me to stay in the UK instead of going back to Australia. I'm personally happy to live in most places in the world and learn languages, it's my husband that doesn't want to move, travel is the compromise 😊💃😏 Wales🏴 is a beautiful country and I know you have visited it plenty of times 💜
I love that both you and Shelbi don’t glorify and romanticize marriage. It sounds like a logistical thing for both of you - which is how I see it in my life. I’ve been with my partner for 9 years, and we won’t get married unless something comes up that makes it a benefit or necessity in our lives. I appreciate that I can relate to you both on that (on some level - I’m sure you both differ in how you see it, too, but on a high level seems pretty similar). I have a hard time being excited when friends or family are “giddy” about marriage.
I agree with you. My partner and I have been together 6 yrs and have a child but we have no plans to get married. It's just not a necessity to us. But, just like you said, if something ever came up that it was more beneficial to get married, we would ♥️
Just as an idea (not advice, just sharing!): I recently married my partner of nearly 9 years in our backyard as a surprise to half our family. Neither of us were wedding people and definitely not traditionalists. My family was coming to visit, and about ~4 weeks before they were to arrive, we decided to do it otherwise we never would (we are also just terrible planners). We contacted my husband’s fam from out of town and somehow they were all able to come up. I bought my husband’s ring from a small business on Etsy, bought a low cost white dress that I could wear for other occasions (rings and dress were literally the only items traditional about the whole thing), my friend got ordained to officiate and also made me a flower crown. I used my other friend’s necklace, threw on earrings and shoes I already owned, my husband dressed in clothes he already had. We posed it as a potluck-style bbq and voila. Married in two minutes in our own backyard. It was perfect, and still better (IMO) than a courthouse wedding, just as affordable, super low stress, and we were surrounded by people we love and who love us. *chef’s kiss*. Anyway, just food for thought. 😘
Congratulations! It's refreshing to see people not put too much emphasis on the wedding day. It is one day in a long journey together and you should live it like you live the rest of your lives ❤️
If he is from MI and Lily said Minnesota, I'd suggest Wisconsin! All 4 seasons, generally affordable to live in, beautiful natural locations and really nice people:) I'm originally from WI and have lived in the Netherlands for ~7 years with my Dutch partner so I understand the long distance and back and forth. Wishing you the best :)
I’m only just catching up on this but it’s so nice to see other people not being that bothered by a wedding! I’ve been engaged for two years, we’re not long distance but our families are from literal opposite sides of the world and the logistics are hard, especially considering that it’s taken two years for us to figure out whether we want any kind of wedding at all.
Congrats on your engagement! I live in Oregon and I think you'd love it. Where I live in the Willamette Valley, we're an hour from the coast, an hour from the mountains, and an hour from 2 major cities - the perfect location! It's beautiful, we have a great climate for gardening, and lots of people are very outdoors-y.
I visited the Willamette valley and many other places in Oregon when I was twelve. I've lived another twelve years since that summer and I still think about those places and the families we camped next to all the time. You live in a beautiful part of the world!
The love that is pouring out of your eyes for each other is just so cute and infuriating!!! (my bitter single self is showing up lol) I wish you all so much happiness and joy! ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Usually I am here to soak up knowledge, inspiration, some chill music, and the relaxing feels of Simple Living… BUT today I am here for the TOGETHERNESS VIBE. Get out of the way pandemic… people have lives to live and relationships to pursue. I just wanna add here Immy & bf that your 7 year commitment to your ldr, particularly in the difficult circumstances of the past 15 months or so… is incredibly admirable and speaks volumes to the type of people that you two are. PS - mountains, wild water, forests… they are magical!! You will love a life lived amongst them. Thank-you for sharing this wonderful video with us today… I am so happy for you and also for your families 💜
My long distance partner and I got married in April because of immigration and paperwork after I lost my job. It was at the park where I had all my pandemic picnics. It was just us, our dog and the judge. Best wedding ever!
"Do you love me enough to go through all the bureaucracy that it takes to live together?" I'm an American married to a Brit, and that's so true😂And not just once. Do you love them enough to deal with bureaucracy and visas for the rest of your life!
Congratulations on the decision to merge households! I have a location suggestion: Corvallis, Oregon is 40 minutes from the a surf beach, 2.5 hours from skiing and snowboarding, 2 hours from Portland for any "city" needs. There's a food co-op, a native plant nursery quite close, downtown faces the Willamette River where there is paddling, the climate is moderate, and it's a university town, so there are intelligent folk and a generally outdoor-oriented and environmentally engaged population. Oregon has several other very nice towns - Eugene is quite a bit larger - but Corvallis is convenient to a number of amenities (including good tech/internet access) with a low key vibe/less circus. Whatever your decision, best wishes to both of you in your visa processes and coordinating your logistics! Much happiness to you both.
this is so relatable! i’ve been in a long distance relationship for almost 6 years and fully understand the whole no proposal thing and not having a wedding 😂 it kind of loses the romance with all the paperwork and logistics
You obviously are in love! Ironically, Covid apartness and bureaucratic burdens made you actually take that final step to commitment. So happy that something wonderful came out of this difficult time.
You guys have such a natural way with each other, it's an obvious fit :) I cross my fingers for a speedy and smooth visa process! It'll be exciting to follow your US-adventures. I hope you'll manage to find a place with a garden, you seem so at peace in your vegetable garden :)
Fellow long-distancer!! Growing up in Oregon was definitely the dream, I feel like it would suit you guys as there are mountains, ocean, and forests to explore, as well as great plant-based and vegan food places! Congrats on the engagement :)
Oh my gosh!!!! Come move to the Pacific Northwest!!!!! There is SO MUCH to do outdoors... Hikes, lakes, waterfalls, the ocean, rivers, mountains, valleys, deserts, forests.... It's gorgeous! We just moved here in February. I think the city of Eugene would fit you guys nicely and there's quite a few adorable little zero waste shops there. I am so excited for you guys!!! 😁😁😁
I would highly recommend Northern Michigan/Traverse City! Only 4 hours north of Ann Arbor and beautiful. You can bike everywhere, lots of local food/farmers markets/co-ops/finally one zero waste store! No mountains unfortunately, but Lake Michigan and tons of hiking, biking, kayaking, etc.
Your fiance has the most beautiful smile when he looks at you. I'm in a ldr and because of the pandemic I haven't been able to visit my partner in 6 month's... So I understand the joy of being able to live, to touch, to smell your significant other is way better than the contract of marriage! I hope that the visa process goes smoothly and when it's done you can both celebrate and make it a anniversary date!
Loved this video! I feel like you both would love Bellingham, Washington; outdoorsy, on the water but also right next to the North Cascades. Plus it’s just 30 minutes south of the Canada border☺️
Missoula, MT has lots of mountains in the area, lots of river access, as well as lakes, and creeks nearby. However, growing up in Oregon, the Pacific Northwest will always have my heart.
As someone whose husband is from a non-EU country, this was SO relatable 😁 people always ask me about the proposal but there was no such thing, we just handed in our paperwork so that my husband could get his visa 😬 we said we’d do a wedding but have been putting it off, who knows if it’ll ever happen 😂 clearly we’re not very romantic people. But that’s ok 😁
I sooo agree with you when you say that going through immigration paperwork is true love and romance! My husband and I got initially married to make my immigration process easier; we were together and in love, but we needed a piece of paper to prove it to the immigration services. Going through the stress and time and money it takes to get a long term visa (or permanent residence in my case) is a strange, romantic thing to do for the other person. 2 years later we had a tiny ceremony to celebrate our marriage and it was perfect. Also, our families never met and I really hope they do one day! All the best for both of you!
Your man is so cute and silly, awww he seems perfect for you!! A fun/ chill partner is the best! So happy for you both!! Best of luck with the visa stuff, you two got this! 🙌❤️
Wow this video with answering the questions was beautiful and so well spoken. My husband and I did long distance for 2 1/2 years, which was tough, I can’t imagine the length of yours. I’m sure you know how amazing it will be when you two come together as one but it definitely is different in the BEST way! Much love from California ☺️
Congratulations to you both it’s so lovely to hear especially coping with a long distance relationship during the pandemic. You have met your soulmate I’m sure. After a failed marriage and a lot of hard times I met my soulmate during the first pandemic. Real love is just that feeling in your heart that you can’t ever describe but it just makes you feel full inside 😊
I can relate to your story so much! I am from Germany and my husband grew up in the US. He first moved to Germany and lived with me for 4.5 years until we decided to move to the US were we've been living for 15 years now (which makes me feel really old ;)). I was a bit nervous about the interview process before moving here, but it was not a big deal :). Good luck!
Move to Colorado! I’ve been living in Boulder/Denver for the past 8 years and it’s SO beautiful and people are so kind. If you’re really into mountains, hiking, and skiing Salt Lake City is another great option.
I LOVE the idea of a vintage second hand ring! I’m gonna look into that too. I know about all the lab grown diamonds and ethically made rings but second hand just seems like the best option! Also Colorado has the best weather and all the seasons unlike the southeast.
I definitely understand because my husband and I did the same thing. We were long distance and decided to marry during the pandemic. We live in Germany because the marriage/visa process was a lot easier then the USA. Now we are starting our visa process to make the move to the USA. We are anticipating that the process will take about a year. We are married now and it’s still so complicated.
We live in Edinburgh now but spent about 18 years in the Seattle area, and if you’re looking for mountains and seaside/oceanside towns I’d look at someplace around Issaquah - there’s loads of small towns with amazing culture and wilderness in your back garden (be prepared for bears/cougars if you decide to brave the PNW) - best of luck!
My husband's and my wedding got "corona cancelled" so we just went to the court house and signed all the paper work and had a friend marry us in our apartment. Some people had a problem with it and most were so happy for us! I'm so happy for you two and hope you have all the joy on your wedding day!! I can't wait to watch your journey together in the future! Congratulations!!!!
I've lived in the Pacific Northwest my entire life and couldn't Imagine living anywhere else. If you love the outdoors, the pnw is where it's at. There's so many different climates in the region that all have different outdoor activities. Plus there's the Oregon coast, or Washington has Olympic National Park or the San Juans for weekend getaways. Bend, OR is also a great super outdoorsy town (with the only Blockbuster left!) without being a large city if you don't wanna live in Portland or Seattle
Such a cute couple 💓 Congrats on the engagement! I totally relate to you when you say you don't dream of a conventional wedding: even though I'm a wedding photographer and I enjoy shooting them, I don't dream a wedding for myself (or at least the typical big, Italian kind!).
I am delighted for you both. How wonderful that you found each other and feel the same way. It makes my heart sing. I agree about the wedding thing...so many people spend as much on their weddings as a down payment for a house! Such a waste for one day out of your life; plus all the months of planning and agro that goes along with it. A nice little wedding celebration with your families and close friends is the way to go! Good luck with the visa process. Wishing you both much joy! ♥♥
I cry easily but I was sobbing here 😭😭😭 Congratulations!! It's so amazing seeing such a genuinely happy couple - I wish you nothing but years and years of happy memories ♥️♥️😍
I highly recommend the book "Things I Wish I'd Known Before We Got Married " by Gary Chapman. I have been married for 10 years now and when I read it, maybe on year 7 - I have realised that it could have saved me a lot of nerves and pain in the beginning of those years if I knew the things talked about in this book. On the other note, you guys are such a lovely couple!
I just got married June 25. I got engaged December and due to the pandemic we had 30 people. It did get stressful but it worked out in the end. You don’t have to have a big wedding to be happy as long as it’s with your closet family and friends that’s all that matters.
Your description of a proposal reminded me of mine. We had been talking about it for about 2 years and decided upon our wedding date before my husband proposed. And I knew when he was going to because I told him he should do it before Christmas so that we announce it to family. So he definitely already knew the answer!
Hi Immy we are so happy for you we can understand why you would come over here in the USA so he can be with his family for a while but we are so glad that you two want to move back to the UK we wish you both all the luck in the world.❤
Big congratulations again, this is a lovely q&a and thank you for sharing. It is lovely to share in the joy a bit while maintaining your relationship privacy.
I know you're familiar with Michigan, but maybe taking a peak at Northern Wisconsin (Bayfield, Apostle Islands) or even Duluth, Minnesota area. Don't know if its mountainy enough for y'all but I know you'd fall in love with our Lake Superior 💕
First of all Congratulations! I want to say that you are very brave for taking such a leap of faith and leaving your country to move to another so far away and start all over! It is much different than moving abroad to study. Just make sure you equally give and take to each other and thank you for sharing! I wish both of you every happiness!!!🎈😇😇💜
Logan, UT has lots of mountains and water within driving distance! It's big enough to have things like movies theaters and grocerie stores close by (most are walking/biking distance) but not so big that you have no breathing room. People here are very outdoorsy and I feel like living here is cheaper than when I lived in a similar city in Colorado. It is a very red state though. Logan itself isn't too red but it's definitely not as blue as the majority of the places in Colorado.
My family is in the UK, his is in the USA. We did a small ceremony in the states and then did a small party in the UK. My parents did something similar, ceremony with a dinner in the states, big party in the UK for the family. Even though it will be quick, there are loads of ways to make it lovely and special for you. Maybe pick out an outfit with your mum for example. Pick somewhere for a meal etc.
ahhh congrats! as for suggestions for places to live: bellingham, wa! there's tons of hikes and outdoorsy things to do, there's lots of water, mt. baker is less than an hours drive away, people here are incredibly sustainable and conscious about their footprint, all the stores and restaurants have great vegan options, it's easy to get around without a car, all that. good luck yall!!!
Loved the candidness of this video and am so happy for you! Western North Carolina is a lovely area with mountains, great vegan eats, and kind people. ✌🏼🗻🌞 I'm in eastern NC and absolutely love driving out there. It's only like an 8/10 hour drive to MI depending on what part you're going to.
Congratulations!!! I am so so happy for you, and so happy to see you so happy! I would like to throw Portland, Oregon into the mix. As an individual who has spent a significant amount of time in both Colorado and Portland, I truly feel Portland is the best! It is the most vegan friendly city in the US, near the mountains, coast, rainforest, and countless waterfalls. It reminds me of Scotland so often as well. I know where ever you will end up you will love it :)
My partner and I are 18 months apart and counting... hope it has the same effect. lol Congratulations to you both once again. I'm so happy for you both getting to be together again! Wishing you and Mr Lucas many happy years together!! xx
Congratulations on your engagement. It is definitely possible to plan a wedding in three months. (My own engagement was three and a half months.) It only needs to be as simple or fancy as you want it to be.
Congratulations! Missoula, MT is an awesome place to live :) I spent a semester there at university and fell in love with the place. Mountains all around and plenty of outdoor activities!
I am originally from the Pacific NW (now living in the Midwest). There are some beautiful places there. One of my favorite places to hike is Silver Falls in Silverton, OR.
We’re in the process of moving my Welsh husband to the US to be with my family as well! I moved to Wales 2 years ago and are kind of in the same boat as you guys! Just submitted our paperwork last month! Definitely recommend my home state of Wisconsin!! Love the different seasons there! Not as mountain-ish as you guys might like, but beautiful nonetheless! Good luck in your visa journey!! So happy for you guys!! ❤️❤️
I am loving this video so much! The way you look at him is so special and sweet :') also in an LDR, totally understand the "jeez I just want to live with you"!
You’re not alone in the “no special dates” club… my partner and I don’t have an anniversary or anything like that. He’s a very thoughtful guy, but he doesn’t recall how many years we’ve been together.. minor details!!
As a person who's been in a long-distance relationship for an year and parted from my boyfriend due to the pandemic :( I'm sooooo happy for you! Congrats and hope you enjoy the time together going forward
Haha, I only now realized you've never said your partners name because you brought it up. I think not 'popping' the question is also a sign of maturity. I'm nowhere near getting engaged but def want it to be a longer discussion and ring shop together if a ring is purchased.
I´m so happy for you both!! I hope the paper work doesn´t get too hard, at the end it will be so beautifull :,) I´m moving with my partner in a week, so I can relate with you
Congrats on your engagement and getting everything moving! I'm Dutch and my boyfriend is Chilean, the paperwork to get him here was also so much and so tirering. Indeed evidence of our relationship but there were also a lot of requirements and covid also made the procedure longer. Anyway, we finally had it approved for the maximum amount of years they can grant and he's almost been here for a year now (after almost 4 years of long distance). I'm still so glad that we decided to take this route and not get married to have make all the paperwork (potentially) easier. I know why you decided to get married, but we are not ready for it yet and with all the pressure from the immigration services, we want this to be ours and happen when we want to. That of course depends much on couples, because you seem more ready for it. I'm happy for you that your long distance will soon also turn into a short distance one and I get what you said about being excited to really live together finally, I had that too and am still so happy we are now in this state of our relationship!
I hope you enjoy today's video :) Time stamps are in the description and the time bar if you want to skip between them! xx
Such a brilliant video! Very raw, real and open! Congratulations to you both!
Immy as you may remember from previous comments I have made on your various videos, I'm an Australian living in Wales and very much aware of the UK Visa process, I originally came on a Tier 5 Working Holiday Visa which lasts two years and in that time meet Tom who is my husband. Long story short is that due to my first visa coming to an end, him not wanting to leave Wales, I was happy to stay in the UK and not living together for the two years rule that you mentioned meet we had to get married because the non spouse visa was something we couldn't do as you needed two years living together. Once married, I could apply for the UK 5 Year Spouse Visa, this did involve plenty of paperwork and did ask for various details including how we meet, our wedding, bills and income. I provided a mixture of bills in my own name and combined names. Photo evidence of us as a couple was not needed, proof of marriage certificate is one document you do need with the paperwork! It does cost money and you have options and we chose the in person same day decision when applying for it back in 2018. I had to renew it earlier this year as the 5 year visa is split into two and a half year sections, as it was the Pandemic the renewal process was a little different and after a few months I was approved. My next step is to apply for indefinite leave to remain which I will be able to do in 2023.
My engagement ring was also pre owned and I purchased from a independent jeweller in Cardiff. My wedding ring was made from Fairtrade gold as I wanted one of my rings to have this ethical option, this was from another independent jeweller in Cardiff, both in the city centre and walking distance apart!
90 days Fiancé Visa isn't long, from memory the UK Fiancé Visa is 6 months and like the USA one you have to get married within that time frame.
Being apart from my family and friends has been challenging! I know overall it has been the best decision for me to stay in the UK instead of going back to Australia. I'm personally happy to live in most places in the world and learn languages, it's my husband that doesn't want to move, travel is the compromise 😊💃😏
Wales🏴 is a beautiful country and I know you have visited it plenty of times 💜
I love that both you and Shelbi don’t glorify and romanticize marriage. It sounds like a logistical thing for both of you - which is how I see it in my life. I’ve been with my partner for 9 years, and we won’t get married unless something comes up that makes it a benefit or necessity in our lives. I appreciate that I can relate to you both on that (on some level - I’m sure you both differ in how you see it, too, but on a high level seems pretty similar). I have a hard time being excited when friends or family are “giddy” about marriage.
I agree with you. My partner and I have been together 6 yrs and have a child but we have no plans to get married. It's just not a necessity to us. But, just like you said, if something ever came up that it was more beneficial to get married, we would ♥️
@@holyravenification that would be really hard for me
Just as an idea (not advice, just sharing!): I recently married my partner of nearly 9 years in our backyard as a surprise to half our family. Neither of us were wedding people and definitely not traditionalists. My family was coming to visit, and about ~4 weeks before they were to arrive, we decided to do it otherwise we never would (we are also just terrible planners). We contacted my husband’s fam from out of town and somehow they were all able to come up. I bought my husband’s ring from a small business on Etsy, bought a low cost white dress that I could wear for other occasions (rings and dress were literally the only items traditional about the whole thing), my friend got ordained to officiate and also made me a flower crown. I used my other friend’s necklace, threw on earrings and shoes I already owned, my husband dressed in clothes he already had. We posed it as a potluck-style bbq and voila. Married in two minutes in our own backyard. It was perfect, and still better (IMO) than a courthouse wedding, just as affordable, super low stress, and we were surrounded by people we love and who love us. *chef’s kiss*.
Anyway, just food for thought. 😘
Sounds lovely ❤
Damn thats so cute 😭😂
Perfect!
That little wink in the middle made me chuckle
Congratulations! It's refreshing to see people not put too much emphasis on the wedding day. It is one day in a long journey together and you should live it like you live the rest of your lives ❤️
In terms of places to move, while there aren’t mountains in northern Minnesota, the scenery around Lake Superior is amazing.
If he is from MI and Lily said Minnesota, I'd suggest Wisconsin! All 4 seasons, generally affordable to live in, beautiful natural locations and really nice people:)
I'm originally from WI and have lived in the Netherlands for ~7 years with my Dutch partner so I understand the long distance and back and forth.
Wishing you the best :)
Marquette Michigan is by mountains and Lake Superior! Also a very outdoorsy “city”
I’m only just catching up on this but it’s so nice to see other people not being that bothered by a wedding! I’ve been engaged for two years, we’re not long distance but our families are from literal opposite sides of the world and the logistics are hard, especially considering that it’s taken two years for us to figure out whether we want any kind of wedding at all.
The last segment of you explaining how you knew Mr Lucas was the one made me tear up 😭🙈. Congratulations to the both of you 💓
Me too! Kindness, compassion, support... all the best things. 💓
Congrats on your engagement! I live in Oregon and I think you'd love it. Where I live in the Willamette Valley, we're an hour from the coast, an hour from the mountains, and an hour from 2 major cities - the perfect location! It's beautiful, we have a great climate for gardening, and lots of people are very outdoors-y.
Yes! Everything seems to grow here.
I visited the Willamette valley and many other places in Oregon when I was twelve. I've lived another twelve years since that summer and I still think about those places and the families we camped next to all the time. You live in a beautiful part of the world!
The love that is pouring out of your eyes for each other is just so cute and infuriating!!! (my bitter single self is showing up lol) I wish you all so much happiness and joy! ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Reno, NV is beautiful!
Usually I am here to soak up knowledge, inspiration, some chill music, and the relaxing feels of Simple Living… BUT today I am here for the TOGETHERNESS VIBE. Get out of the way pandemic… people have lives to live and relationships to pursue. I just wanna add here Immy & bf that your 7 year commitment to your ldr, particularly in the difficult circumstances of the past 15 months or so… is incredibly admirable and speaks volumes to the type of people that you two are. PS - mountains, wild water, forests… they are magical!! You will love a life lived amongst them. Thank-you for sharing this wonderful video with us today… I am so happy for you and also for your families 💜
My long distance partner and I got married in April because of immigration and paperwork after I lost my job. It was at the park where I had all my pandemic picnics. It was just us, our dog and the judge. Best wedding ever!
and yay! You are coming to the US!
"Do you love me enough to go through all the bureaucracy that it takes to live together?" I'm an American married to a Brit, and that's so true😂And not just once. Do you love them enough to deal with bureaucracy and visas for the rest of your life!
Congratulations on the decision to merge households! I have a location suggestion: Corvallis, Oregon is 40 minutes from the a surf beach, 2.5 hours from skiing and snowboarding, 2 hours from Portland for any "city" needs. There's a food co-op, a native plant nursery quite close, downtown faces the Willamette River where there is paddling, the climate is moderate, and it's a university town, so there are intelligent folk and a generally outdoor-oriented and environmentally engaged population. Oregon has several other very nice towns - Eugene is quite a bit larger - but Corvallis is convenient to a number of amenities (including good tech/internet access) with a low key vibe/less circus. Whatever your decision, best wishes to both of you in your visa processes and coordinating your logistics! Much happiness to you both.
this is so relatable! i’ve been in a long distance relationship for almost 6 years and fully understand the whole no proposal thing and not having a wedding 😂 it kind of loses the romance with all the paperwork and logistics
You obviously are in love! Ironically, Covid apartness and bureaucratic burdens made you actually take that final step to commitment. So happy that something wonderful came out of this difficult time.
Mr Lucas seems so sweet 🥺
So happy for you two!
You guys have such a natural way with each other, it's an obvious fit :) I cross my fingers for a speedy and smooth visa process! It'll be exciting to follow your US-adventures. I hope you'll manage to find a place with a garden, you seem so at peace in your vegetable garden :)
Fellow long-distancer!! Growing up in Oregon was definitely the dream, I feel like it would suit you guys as there are mountains, ocean, and forests to explore, as well as great plant-based and vegan food places! Congrats on the engagement :)
Thanks for sharing!!
Oh my gosh!!!! Come move to the Pacific Northwest!!!!! There is SO MUCH to do outdoors... Hikes, lakes, waterfalls, the ocean, rivers, mountains, valleys, deserts, forests.... It's gorgeous! We just moved here in February. I think the city of Eugene would fit you guys nicely and there's quite a few adorable little zero waste shops there. I am so excited for you guys!!! 😁😁😁
This is so romantic omg.. Get's me teary eyed.
I would highly recommend Northern Michigan/Traverse City! Only 4 hours north of Ann Arbor and beautiful. You can bike everywhere, lots of local food/farmers markets/co-ops/finally one zero waste store! No mountains unfortunately, but Lake Michigan and tons of hiking, biking, kayaking, etc.
Your fiance has the most beautiful smile when he looks at you.
I'm in a ldr and because of the pandemic I haven't been able to visit my partner in 6 month's...
So I understand the joy of being able to live, to touch, to smell your significant other is way better than the contract of marriage!
I hope that the visa process goes smoothly and when it's done you can both celebrate and make it a anniversary date!
Really happy for you two!! Your partner seems to have a very nice sense of humor, made me laugh out loud several times 😀
Loved this video! I feel like you both would love Bellingham, Washington; outdoorsy, on the water but also right next to the North Cascades. Plus it’s just 30 minutes south of the Canada border☺️
Oooooh wow sounds absolutely beaut!! xx
+1 on moving to Washington! Mountains, lakes, ocean, greenery, snow, we got it all!!
Missoula, MT has lots of mountains in the area, lots of river access, as well as lakes, and creeks nearby. However, growing up in Oregon, the Pacific Northwest will always have my heart.
He is so camera shy! So cute :D Congrats you guys!
Summit County, Colorado is beautiful! Frisco specifically is a great little mountain town right near water!
As someone whose husband is from a non-EU country, this was SO relatable 😁 people always ask me about the proposal but there was no such thing, we just handed in our paperwork so that my husband could get his visa 😬 we said we’d do a wedding but have been putting it off, who knows if it’ll ever happen 😂 clearly we’re not very romantic people. But that’s ok 😁
I sooo agree with you when you say that going through immigration paperwork is true love and romance! My husband and I got initially married to make my immigration process easier; we were together and in love, but we needed a piece of paper to prove it to the immigration services. Going through the stress and time and money it takes to get a long term visa (or permanent residence in my case) is a strange, romantic thing to do for the other person. 2 years later we had a tiny ceremony to celebrate our marriage and it was perfect. Also, our families never met and I really hope they do one day! All the best for both of you!
Your man is so cute and silly, awww he seems perfect for you!! A fun/ chill partner is the best! So happy for you both!! Best of luck with the visa stuff, you two got this! 🙌❤️
Congrats on your engagement! I live in Colorado and highly recommend, especially if you like mountains and lots of sunshine.
Wow this video with answering the questions was beautiful and so well spoken. My husband and I did long distance for 2 1/2 years, which was tough, I can’t imagine the length of yours. I’m sure you know how amazing it will be when you two come together as one but it definitely is different in the BEST way! Much love from California ☺️
Come to Asheville! Blue ridge mountains!!
Congratulations! The Pacific Northwest is beautiful but can be very expensive. Colorado is beautiful and has mountains and desert like areas.
Congratulations to you both it’s so lovely to hear especially coping with a long distance relationship during the pandemic. You have met your soulmate I’m sure. After a failed marriage and a lot of hard times I met my soulmate during the first pandemic. Real love is just that feeling in your heart that you can’t ever describe but it just makes you feel full inside 😊
I can relate to your story so much! I am from Germany and my husband grew up in the US. He first moved to Germany and lived with me for 4.5 years until we decided to move to the US were we've been living for 15 years now (which makes me feel really old ;)). I was a bit nervous about the interview process before moving here, but it was not a big deal :). Good luck!
Immy’s winks give me life 😂😂
I love the way you glow, so much in love ❤️ congrats!
Oh Immy I am so happy for you!! You deserve this in your life. I look forward to your USA sustainability videos. Stay Blessed dear heart🙏
Move to Colorado! I’ve been living in Boulder/Denver for the past 8 years and it’s SO beautiful and people are so kind. If you’re really into mountains, hiking, and skiing Salt Lake City is another great option.
I LOVE the idea of a vintage second hand ring! I’m gonna look into that too. I know about all the lab grown diamonds and ethically made rings but second hand just seems like the best option! Also Colorado has the best weather and all the seasons unlike the southeast.
I definitely understand because my husband and I did the same thing. We were long distance and decided to marry during the pandemic. We live in Germany because the marriage/visa process was a lot easier then the USA. Now we are starting our visa process to make the move to the USA. We are anticipating that the process will take about a year. We are married now and it’s still so complicated.
Both of you are so nice!
All the congrats to you, all the best to you! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
We live in Edinburgh now but spent about 18 years in the Seattle area, and if you’re looking for mountains and seaside/oceanside towns I’d look at someplace around Issaquah - there’s loads of small towns with amazing culture and wilderness in your back garden (be prepared for bears/cougars if you decide to brave the PNW) - best of luck!
My husband's and my wedding got "corona cancelled" so we just went to the court house and signed all the paper work and had a friend marry us in our apartment. Some people had a problem with it and most were so happy for us! I'm so happy for you two and hope you have all the joy on your wedding day!! I can't wait to watch your journey together in the future! Congratulations!!!!
I've lived in the Pacific Northwest my entire life and couldn't Imagine living anywhere else. If you love the outdoors, the pnw is where it's at. There's so many different climates in the region that all have different outdoor activities. Plus there's the Oregon coast, or Washington has Olympic National Park or the San Juans for weekend getaways. Bend, OR is also a great super outdoorsy town (with the only Blockbuster left!) without being a large city if you don't wanna live in Portland or Seattle
Congrats, Immy and Mr. Lucas! 😄 So happy for you, guys, to be finally living together! Good luck with the visa! ❤️
Why long engagement? Life gets in the way and other priorities come along but the love never fades 😊 (going on 3 years engaged)
Such a cute couple 💓
Congrats on the engagement!
I totally relate to you when you say you don't dream of a conventional wedding: even though I'm a wedding photographer and I enjoy shooting them, I don't dream a wedding for myself (or at least the typical big, Italian kind!).
I am delighted for you both. How wonderful that you found each other and feel the same way. It makes my heart sing. I agree about the wedding thing...so many people spend as much on their weddings as a down payment for a house! Such a waste for one day out of your life; plus all the months of planning and agro that goes along with it. A nice little wedding celebration with your families and close friends is the way to go!
Good luck with the visa process. Wishing you both much joy! ♥♥
I cry easily but I was sobbing here 😭😭😭 Congratulations!! It's so amazing seeing such a genuinely happy couple - I wish you nothing but years and years of happy memories ♥️♥️😍
I highly recommend the book "Things I Wish I'd Known Before We Got Married " by Gary Chapman. I have been married for 10 years now and when I read it, maybe on year 7 - I have realised that it could have saved me a lot of nerves and pain in the beginning of those years if I knew the things talked about in this book.
On the other note, you guys are such a lovely couple!
You both are so incredibly cute together 😭💕
Aww. You’re glowing!
So happy for you, love wins ❤️
Such a lovely video 💛 Congratulations again!
you guys remind me so much of me and my partner, i love it
I love how happy you are in this video. It’s beautiful to see that little glimpse into your life.
I just got married June 25. I got engaged December and due to the pandemic we had 30 people. It did get stressful but it worked out in the end. You don’t have to have a big wedding to be happy as long as it’s with your closet family and friends that’s all that matters.
Your description of a proposal reminded me of mine. We had been talking about it for about 2 years and decided upon our wedding date before my husband proposed. And I knew when he was going to because I told him he should do it before Christmas so that we announce it to family. So he definitely already knew the answer!
Definitely East Sussex 😄 I understand and relate to basically all the long distance stuff you were talking about. Nothing about it is romantic.
Hi Immy we are so happy for you we can understand why you would come over here in the USA so he can be with his family for a while but we are so glad that you two want to move back to the UK we wish you both all the luck in the world.❤
Big congratulations again, this is a lovely q&a and thank you for sharing. It is lovely to share in the joy a bit while maintaining your relationship privacy.
I like it that you are moving to US for now. That's great! Also, Colorado, is a great place to live. Wish you the best! Congratulations!
I know you're familiar with Michigan, but maybe taking a peak at Northern Wisconsin (Bayfield, Apostle Islands) or even Duluth, Minnesota area. Don't know if its mountainy enough for y'all but I know you'd fall in love with our Lake Superior 💕
First of all Congratulations! I want to say that you are very brave for taking such a leap of faith and leaving your country to move to another so far away and start all over! It is much different than moving abroad to study. Just make sure you equally give and take to each other and thank you for sharing! I wish both of you every happiness!!!🎈😇😇💜
Congratulations! I am very happy for you. Love both your energy☀️ (and the humor!)😂
Logan, UT has lots of mountains and water within driving distance! It's big enough to have things like movies theaters and grocerie stores close by (most are walking/biking distance) but not so big that you have no breathing room. People here are very outdoorsy and I feel like living here is cheaper than when I lived in a similar city in Colorado. It is a very red state though. Logan itself isn't too red but it's definitely not as blue as the majority of the places in Colorado.
My family is in the UK, his is in the USA. We did a small ceremony in the states and then did a small party in the UK. My parents did something similar, ceremony with a dinner in the states, big party in the UK for the family. Even though it will be quick, there are loads of ways to make it lovely and special for you. Maybe pick out an outfit with your mum for example. Pick somewhere for a meal etc.
Jackson Hole, WY! So close to the Teton National Park & Yellowstone National Park!
My wedding ring (as I am not wearing jewelry at all ) is a tattooed flower on my right arm and I will add each year a different flower to that
ahhh congrats! as for suggestions for places to live: bellingham, wa! there's tons of hikes and outdoorsy things to do, there's lots of water, mt. baker is less than an hours drive away, people here are incredibly sustainable and conscious about their footprint, all the stores and restaurants have great vegan options, it's easy to get around without a car, all that. good luck yall!!!
Loved the candidness of this video and am so happy for you! Western North Carolina is a lovely area with mountains, great vegan eats, and kind people. ✌🏼🗻🌞
I'm in eastern NC and absolutely love driving out there. It's only like an 8/10 hour drive to MI depending on what part you're going to.
Congrats! You two are very cute together. ❤️
Congratulations!!! I am so so happy for you, and so happy to see you so happy! I would like to throw Portland, Oregon into the mix. As an individual who has spent a significant amount of time in both Colorado and Portland, I truly feel Portland is the best! It is the most vegan friendly city in the US, near the mountains, coast, rainforest, and countless waterfalls. It reminds me of Scotland so often as well.
I know where ever you will end up you will love it :)
My partner and I are 18 months apart and counting... hope it has the same effect. lol Congratulations to you both once again. I'm so happy for you both getting to be together again! Wishing you and Mr Lucas many happy years together!! xx
Ohhhh I'm so sorry to hear that! That is tough ❤️❤️ sending you lots of love and hugs. Thank youuu
He's lovely and chill and has a great vibe but you know that already 🤣 Huge congratulations.
So happy for you!
Can't wait for us to meet up on another continent next time :D
Congratulations on your engagement.
It is definitely possible to plan a wedding in three months. (My own engagement was three and a half months.) It only needs to be as simple or fancy as you want it to be.
Congratulations! Missoula, MT is an awesome place to live :) I spent a semester there at university and fell in love with the place. Mountains all around and plenty of outdoor activities!
I am originally from the Pacific NW (now living in the Midwest). There are some beautiful places there. One of my favorite places to hike is Silver Falls in Silverton, OR.
We would be happy to have you guys back in small town Harpers Ferry again! 😉
Aurora, CO! My best friend from college lives there. Close to Denver, close to the airport, close to the mountains. :)
We’re in the process of moving my Welsh husband to the US to be with my family as well! I moved to Wales 2 years ago and are kind of in the same boat as you guys! Just submitted our paperwork last month! Definitely recommend my home state of Wisconsin!! Love the different seasons there! Not as mountain-ish as you guys might like, but beautiful nonetheless! Good luck in your visa journey!! So happy for you guys!! ❤️❤️
Congratulations! I am very happy for both of you! ❤️
I am loving this video so much! The way you look at him is so special and sweet :') also in an LDR, totally understand the "jeez I just want to live with you"!
Thank you so much! Aw he's a special guy :) haha yes I thought other LDR people would understand!
Wish you both all the best, I think you may be soulmates 🥰
You guys are so adorable
Congratulations! 💙🖤 I'm so happy for you that you'll be living together.
Vermont is beautiful. Congrats ❤
I have to pause the video here (13:24). My boyfriend and I don't have an anniversary date, as well :D Thank you for normalizing this a little more :D
You’re not alone in the “no special dates” club… my partner and I don’t have an anniversary or anything like that. He’s a very thoughtful guy, but he doesn’t recall how many years we’ve been together.. minor details!!
Ditto!
Congratulations! Portland, Maine is beautiful! It’s on the ocean and close to Boston and NYC.
As a person who's been in a long-distance relationship for an year and parted from my boyfriend due to the pandemic :( I'm sooooo happy for you! Congrats and hope you enjoy the time together going forward
Haha, I only now realized you've never said your partners name because you brought it up. I think not 'popping' the question is also a sign of maturity. I'm nowhere near getting engaged but def want it to be a longer discussion and ring shop together if a ring is purchased.
Congratulations! 🎊🎉 Check out Utah - I just spent a week there and it’s beautiful: Rockies in the north, colorful desert in the south, amazing
I love your channel. Found you years ago when looking at options to sustainably wrap Christmas gifts. Congrats and we wish you the best.
I´m so happy for you both!! I hope the paper work doesn´t get too hard, at the end it will be so beautifull :,) I´m moving with my partner in a week, so I can relate with you
Congrats on your engagement and getting everything moving! I'm Dutch and my boyfriend is Chilean, the paperwork to get him here was also so much and so tirering. Indeed evidence of our relationship but there were also a lot of requirements and covid also made the procedure longer. Anyway, we finally had it approved for the maximum amount of years they can grant and he's almost been here for a year now (after almost 4 years of long distance). I'm still so glad that we decided to take this route and not get married to have make all the paperwork (potentially) easier. I know why you decided to get married, but we are not ready for it yet and with all the pressure from the immigration services, we want this to be ours and happen when we want to. That of course depends much on couples, because you seem more ready for it. I'm happy for you that your long distance will soon also turn into a short distance one and I get what you said about being excited to really live together finally, I had that too and am still so happy we are now in this state of our relationship!