I've never really understood the point of marriage beyond symbolic representations of the union of two lovers, and for reasons of legality. Other than that, I don't see any reason for it. If you love someone, you love them. Rings, vows, terrible catered food, etc, won't somehow make that more valid. I can't help but wonder if diamond industry has had a hand in drilling that concept into the minds of those in western civilization. You know, because nothing says success and togetherness like a clear piece of carbon mined by African wage-slaves.