A family tradition in the making: two Dronov family weddings at the "Russia. Uniting Hearts" Festival
The simultaneous marriage ceremony for 150 couples from across the country at the National Centre RUSSIA in Moscow became the central event of the III All-Russian Wedding Festival "Russia. Uniting Hearts". Among the most touching and symbolic stories was that of Vyacheslav Dronov and his bride Anastasia Isakova from the Kaluga Region. Their wedding brought together two generations and two festival ceremonies, marking the beginning of a small but meaningful family tradition.
The marriage of Vyacheslav Dronov and Anastasia Isakova beautifully illustrated the continuity of family traditions across generations. Exactly one year earlier, during the II All-Russian Wedding Festival, Vyacheslav's parents, Dmitry and Tatyana Dronov, had exchanged vows at the very same venue — the National Centre RUSSIA.
"It was an unforgettable experience, completely unlike any wedding you could organise on your own — in terms of its scale, style and atmosphere. Our son Vyacheslav attended as one of our guests, and at the time we thought how wonderful it would be if he could one day get married at this festival too. We are so happy that it has now become a family tradition. From now on, we will celebrate our wedding anniversaries side by side: we were married on 9 July, and our son on 8 July — all within the same wedding festival," said Dmitry and Tatyana Dronov.
Having spent 26 years together and raised three children, the elder Dronovs shared what they believe is the secret to a happy marriage with this year's newlyweds.
"People need to hear one another, listen to one another and show mutual respect. Dialogue must be the foundation of a relationship. We wish all the participants of the third Wedding Festival a strong and happy marriage and a long life together. Be patient, stay calm, trust each other — and everything else will fall into place."
For their part, Vyacheslav and Anastasia admitted that taking part in the festival exceeded all their expectations. They said it would be impossible to recreate such an occasion independently and encouraged other couples to take part in future festivals.
"It is an enormous celebration on an incredible scale, and so much more than an ordinary wedding. If our country offers young people such a wonderful opportunity, they simply have to make the most of it. We also met so many like-minded people here. We got to know wonderful couples from every corner of our vast country, exchanged contacts and even made new friends. That alone made the trip worthwhile," said Vyacheslav and Anastasia.
Asked about the secret of a happy marriage, the newlyweds gave a unanimous answer.
"Be there for each other and always try to listen. Conversation is the foundation of everything. There is no need to prove anything to one another. The most important thing is that you have each other, so you should respect your partner's opinion and be willing to find compromises."
Both generations of the Dronov family also took part in the festival's educational programme as speakers at the open discussion "Family as a Union: What Brings Generations Closer and Helps Them Grow Together." The session explored the family as a partnership built on mutual respect, support and the passing down of experience from one generation to the next — not through pressure, but through trust and sincere dialogue.
The III All-Russian Wedding Festival "Russia. Uniting Hearts" took place at the National Centre RUSSIA on 8–9 July. Held during the Year of the Unity of the Peoples of Russia, the festival highlighted the idea that love knows no borders and that family values remain a cornerstone of people's lives across the country. For the first time in its history, the festival brought together not only Russian couples, but also international and foreign couples.
Please plan your visit to the National Centre RUSSIA in advance.
