«We’re back at work from Monday». A volunteer and a soldier got married in Mykolaiv

In Mykolaiv, volunteer Yulia Konovalova and soldier Serhii Parkhisenko got married; photo: NikVesti

In Mykolaiv, despite air raid alerts and the threat of shelling, volunteer Yuliia Konovalova and Sergei, a soldier from Odesa, got married. The couple decided to start a family after four months of dating, according to a NikVesti correspondent who attended the ceremony and spoke to the newlyweds.

Yulia is the regional leader of the American charity World Central Kitchen in Mykolaiv and Kherson. Serhii has been serving in the military for over two and a half years.

As the newlyweds explained, they met through their volunteer work. Yulia was working with a charity that was helping Serhii’s unit. The couple decided to get married after four months of dating.

«I’m involved in voluntary work and have contacts at other charities that help the military. One of them was supporting Serhii’s regiment. That’s how we met,» said Yuliia Konovalova.

Volunteer Yuliia Konovalova and soldier Serhii Parkhisenko got married in Mykolaiv, photo: NikVesti

Volunteer Yuliia Konovalova and soldier Serhii Parkhisenko got married in Mykolaiv, photo: NikVesti

Volunteer Yuliia Konovalova and soldier Serhii Parkhisenko got married in Mykolaiv, photo: NikVesti

Volunteer Yuliia Konovalova and soldier Serhii Parkhisenko got married in Mykolaiv, photo: NikVesti

Before the full-scale invasion, Yuliia ran her own business delivering healthy meals. She subsequently devoted herself to voluntary work and now coordinates the World Central Kitchen project. WCK works with people across the entire front line, whilst Yulia focuses specifically on the Mykolaiv and Kherson regions. Speaking about her current work and the challenges she faces, she notes:

«In Kherson, there’s shelling and drones. In Mykolaiv, it’s a bit easier, but we support both community kitchens and people affected by the shelling,» said Yuliia.

Before the war, Serhii was also an entrepreneur and brewer; he had his own beer brand and organised festivals. However, he has now been serving in the army for over two and a half years.

Volunteer Yuliia Konovalova and soldier Serhii Parkhisenko got married in Mykolaiv, photo by NikVesti

The wedding ceremony took place at the Mykolaiv Palace of Ceremonies, where the special symbolism of weddings during wartime was highlighted: «Amidst air raid sirens and explosions, you are building your family, because we don’t put life on hold. We fall in love, we get married. And that is our strength.»

The newlyweds have no plans for a honeymoon: «We’re back at work from Monday.»

Yuliia Konovalova’s contribution to humanitarian aid has been recognised at the highest state level. In December 2022, the President of Ukraine awarded her the Golden Heart medal for her active voluntary work and for helping people in frontline regions.

It was previously reported that the winners of the «Matelot» maritime prose competition were honoured in Mykolaiv.