"The key is to truly hear each other": All-Russian Wedding Festival couples share their recipes for a happy family life
Warm wishes of happiness, love, support and patience filled the National Centre RUSSIA on the Day of Family, Love and Fidelity. Participants in the III All-Russian Wedding Festival "Russia. Uniting Hearts", who came from across Russia and abroad, shared their personal recipes for a happy family life with one another and with couples who are only beginning their journey towards a happy marriage. Nearly all of the newlyweds agreed on one essential ingredient for a strong family: not simply listening to one another, but truly hearing one another. And, above all, continuing to love each other through every circumstance.
Ayur Mandzhiyev and Gerel Erenzhenova from the Republic of Kalmykia believe that openness and a willingness to discuss even the most difficult issues together form the foundation of any relationship.
"We believe the most important thing is mutual understanding, so that spouses respect each other, listen to each other and truly hear each other. Whenever misunderstandings arise, you should always talk about them — then everything will be fine."
Vladimir Skrypnik and Polina Lutsenko from the Republic of Crimea take a structured approach. For them, a happy marriage rests on three key principles: love, appreciation and gratitude.
"We believe a person should have an inner core and values that guide them every day. For us as a couple, the three most important words are: love, appreciate and be grateful. And, of course, mutual help and support are essential."
Participants from the Republic of Altai, Vladislav Altaryshev and Emilia Tanisheva, added another important ingredient to the list: patience. In their view, true love is impossible without understanding a partner's wishes and knowing how to wait.
"The most important thing is understanding your partner as a person and recognising what they want. You need to know how to listen and how to give your partner what they need — and receive the same in return. Without that, there can be no real love. And another quality that is essential in family life is patience."
Darya Sadovskaya and Usman Eskerov from the Chuvash Republic reminded participants that marriage is not only about celebrations but also about choosing your partner every single day, especially during difficult times.
"The most important thing is to listen to each other and truly hear each other. Love one another, stand by each other in both sorrow and joy, face every challenge together and celebrate each other's successes. That is what family is all about."
Yegor Rusak and Yekaterina Kovalyova travelled to the Festival from Belarus. Their recipe for family happiness is strong love and being there for your spouse whenever it matters most.
"First of all, it's about deep love within the couple, as well as calmness, stability and a positive outlook — you need to know how to support your other half when they need it most."
Ruslan Vishnyakov and Varvara Pavlova from the Volgograd Region emphasised that support remains the foundation of a relationship even when distance separates a couple, and that family is a man's greatest source of strength.
"Love each other, respect each other, support each other and always stay by one another's side. Even if you argue, keep loving each other. Even if you're apart, continue to support one another. For a man, his wife, his family and his home are his greatest source of strength and support. We wish every couple happiness and well-being," Ruslan and Varvara addressed their fellow future newlyweds.
The III All-Russian Wedding Festival "Russia. Uniting Hearts" took place at the National Centre RUSSIA on 8–9 July. It became a powerful symbol that love knows no borders and that family values remain a cornerstone of people's lives across the country. For the first time in the Festival's history, it united not only Russian couples but also international and multinational couples from abroad.
