It is possible to find your soulmate in the strangest places.
But seven women from around the world think they have found true love with inmates in US prisons.
Lifetime’s latest series, simply titled Prison Brides, has lifted the lid on how blushing brides-to-be from Germany, Australia and Britain, among others, formed unlikely bonds with convicted criminals in the US.
The soon-to-be-married men are serving years in prison on various charges, including armed robbery, assault and possession of a firearm.
Here, FEMAIL takes a look at some of the most shocking connections in which women disrupt their lives to be with their new loves.
Lifetime’s latest series, simply titled Prison Brides, has lifted the lid on how blushing brides-to-be formed unlikely bonds with convicted criminals in the US.
The first to share her story was midwife Svea, from Düsseldorf, Germany.
The 29-year-old candidly admitted that she wasn’t dating much history’ before she even started a relationship.
“I was a homeschooled student and there was no one to talk to. Online I saw that there was an opportunity to be pen pals with a prisoner in the United States.
“I just thought I’d say what I want. He’s so far away he can’t tell anyone because he’s locked up.”
Svea described beau Joseph as a “good listener,” adding that he was “understanding and goofy.”
Joseph, 30, was subsequently revealed as a current inmate at the Central Michigan Correctional Facility 11 years for armed robbery, assault and possession of a firearm.
She continued, “I thought it wouldn’t be possible to fall in love with someone you’ve never met, but it happened to me.”
The connection left her friends and family “scared” and “nervous,” but she tried to ease her mother’s concerns on camera.
Midwife Svea, from Dusseldorf, Germany, fell in love with Joseph, who is serving 11 years for armed robbery, assault and possession of a firearm
After his release, Svea and Joseph checked into a hotel to celebrate their very first night together, but they soon clashed with the accommodation.
About his crime, which he committed at the age of 19, Svea said: “Of course it’s not a nice crime at all, but he was very young then…
‘I’m not trying to downplay it. Everyone makes mistakes: some people make small mistakes and some people make big mistakes.
“He made a big mistake and I’m sure he will never do something like that again.”
The couple, who had never met in person before the show, eventually met for the first time during filming.
After his release, Svea and Joseph checked into a hotel to celebrate their very first night together, but they soon clashed with the accommodation.
He moved into his cousin’s basement in Michigan and after Svea moved back to Germany, he seemingly struggled with life outside, leaving her wondering if the felon even had time for her anymore.
But it was a familiar story.
Hairdresser Erin, 33, explained how she prepared to move from Brisbane, Australia, to move in with boyfriend Michael in Ohio once he was released from prison.
She later dropped the bombshell that this meant she would also be leaving her son with his father to continue the new relationship.
Hairdresser Erin, 33, explained how she prepared to move from Brisbane, Australia, to live with her boyfriend Michael in Ohio once he was released from prison.
“He means the world to me, but right now I think it would be a bad time to uproot him at this point in his training.
“It’s important that he has that stability while I build stability in America,” she reasoned.
After dating the convict for three years, Erin said, “This is definitely the most serious relationship I’ve had…”
“He’s just such a sweet, warm and funny person and it just sucks that he’s there, but I’m so glad he wants to be with me because I don’t understand how anyone could not fall in love with him. ‘
Michael, 43, was sentenced to 8.5 years behind bars on charges of theft, burglary and receiving stolen property.
And it’s not his first stint in prison.
Michael, 43, (pictured with Erin) was sentenced to 8.5 years in prison on charges of theft, burglary and receiving stolen property
Erin said: “Michael has been to prison before. His first sentence was 15 years. He got out and went back a year later.”
When asked if she was afraid he would make the same mistake again, she explained: “He’s a lot older now… He says he now has something more to live for and work towards,” referring to himself .
But their relationship was not without obstacles.
Michael proposed to Erin immediately upon his release, after a brief stint in a halfway house, and the duo quickly began building a life together, but it seems his outbursts towards his fiancée put too much strain on their relationship.
Elsewhere, pOstal worker Emma, 32, from London, was also spotted leaving to tie the knot with 33-year-old Curtis – after exchanging messages for over two years.
He served seven years at the St. Louis Correctional Facility in Michigan for carjacking and possession of a firearm.
She explained, “The reason I even wrote Curt in the first place…not that long ago I was in a terrible relationship. It was an abusive relationship.
‘I really didn’t want to be with anyone. I didn’t want to be physically with anyone, I didn’t want to date.
“Writing to a prisoner allowed me to be who I am and grow as a person, but it was on my terms.”
Emma said Curtis proposed just six months after she first started writing to him.
Elsewhere, postman Emma, 32, from London, was also spotted leaving to tie the knot with 33-year-old Curtis
Fighting back tears, the lovesick bride-to-be dished: ‘As much as people say to me ‘you must have saved Curt’, he saved me too – and I don’t think people see that’
Fighting back tears, the smitten bride-to-be said, “As much as people say to me, ‘You must have saved Curt,’ he saved me too – and I don’t think people see that.”
Emma said the couple should get married while the prisoner was still behind bars – rather than waiting for his release – to ensure she would get the right visa by the time he is a free man.
She said she spends about $2,500 per trip to see her fiancé and works seven days a week to save money for the trip.
“It takes a lot of time and money,” Emma explained. ‘Have I ever thought, “Why am I doing this?” Every day.
‘I have invested too much now to give up. Mom didn’t raise a quitter.”
Emma explained the situation to her parents and said of Curtis’ crimes: ‘He was carjacking and had a gun, which isn’t that scary because everyone in America has a gun.
“It was just the car theft and the car theft itself seemed like some kind of family feud…I don’t really see myself as a victim of his crime. He is not a mass murderer.’
Emma shared how they were able to take their relationship to the next level: “When you’re with someone who’s in prison, there are very limited ways you can be intimate.
‘I like to use my imagination and he likes to use his – and we like to exchange ‘spicy letters’.’
During one such exchange, Emma received a sketch of Curtis’ penis, adding, “They apparently like to draw around their genitals in prison and send them in the mail.”
But their relationship was also tested.