1. Einzug
1. Prelude & Entrance
Song: „Look After You" – The Frey
→ Rendy und d Groomsmen ziehen i
Song: Ordinary Wedding Version
→ Bridesmaids (legen Blueme uf dr Stuehl vo de Verstorbene)
→ Flower Girls
→ Nadine und ihr Dad
Song: "Look After You" – The Frey
→ Rendy and the groomsmen enter
Song: Ordinary Wedding Version
→ Bridesmaids (place flowers on the chair for those who have passed)
→ Flower Girls
→ Nadine and her Dad
2. Eröffnung
2. Opening Words
Liebi Feschtgsellschaft, liebi Familie, liebi Fründe, dear English-speaking guests und vor allem: liebs Brutpaar! Danke villmol, dass ihr hüt bi uns sit, um d Liebi und d Vereinigung vodr Nadine und em Rendy z fiire.
Min Name isch Timmy, und ich han hüt d Ehr, dur die Trauig z füehre. Ich stand aber nit nur als Trauredner do, und d Nadine und dr Rendy sind nit nur eifach irgend es Paar. Mir kenne uns scho sehr sehr lang, genauer gseit scho über 16 Johr, wo mir drei in Gälterchinde an die glich Sekundarschuel gange sind. D Nadine und ich sind zersch gmeinsam am Mittagstisch vodr Schuel gsi und übr d Johr isch so nit nur e Fründschaft und e gmeinsame Fründeskreis zwüsche uns gwachse, d Nadine ghört mittlerwile au zude aller-ängschte Fründe vo minere bessere Hälfti.
Dr Rendy hani ebefalls während dere Sek-Zit kenne glernt. Zwar hend mir nit vo Afang ah würklich vill mitenand z tue gha. Aber trotzdem, wemme zwüsche 2010 und 2014 an dr Sek Gelti gsi isch, denn het me dr Rendy eifach kennt. Und jetzt, in de letschte paar Johr, hani s Gfühl hani ihn nomol ganz neu dörfe kennelerne, und ganz neui Site gseh und glernt z'schätze.
Jetzt, wenn mir an d Liebi dänke, denn suecht me oft nach de perfekte Wort. Hüt finde mr d'Antwort villicht aber nit in Wort, sondern inere ganz eifache Rechnig, womr so aber nit damals in dr Sek glernt hend: 1 + 1 = 11
Unseri Mathelehrer us de Sek Zite würde sich vermuetlich froge wo dass si verseit hend - in dr klassische Mathematik ergit 1 und 1 natürlich zwei. Au ghört me das oft an Hochzite, us zwei Einzelpersone, 1 und 1, wird e neuii Einheit, 2. Aber dass us 1 + 1 eher 11 wird - das find ich vill schöner. Es zeigt, dass jede Mensch so blibe dörf wie er isch. Eigeständig und individuell - und trotzdem entstoht do öpis Neus.
Zwei Mensche, wo nit zunere undefinierte Masse verschmelze, sondern gmeinsam öpis Stärkers bilde. Und genau das isch doch au s Schöne an dr Liebi und ere Eheschliessig. Dass si keis "Entweder-oder" brucht, sondern Platz loht für "und". D Nadine und dr Rendy. Eigeständig und gmeinsam. 1 und 1, und trotzdem aber irgendwie 11.
Und obwohl d Naturgsetz und somit d Mathematik do vlt was drgäge hend, isch die Verdoppelig wie es perfekt iigspielts Naturschauspiel, vo Füür, Wasser, Erde und Luft. Und nei, das söll jetz nit s Intro vo "Avatar - the last airbender" werde.
Wenn zwei Mensche wie d Nadine und Rendy so starch nebenandr stönd, denn bringe si zwar di mathematische Grundgsetz komplett durenand, aber ihri Liebi bringt die vier Element vom Läbe ines Glichgwicht.
Liebi wie Füür: Es isch die brennendi Liideschaft, wo s Läbe hell macht. Es Füür, wo euch beidi wärmt, ohni dass sich öpr vo euch verbrennt.
Liebi wie Wasser: E tiefi Strömig, wo euch dur alli Zite treit. Es tiefs Meer, uf dem ihr sicher schwümmed, ohni jemols drin z vertrinke.
Liebi wie Erde: S feschte Fundament, wo euch in stürmische Zite de nötig Halt git - ohni euch jemols iizsperre oder euri Freiheit z binde.
Liebi wie Luft: Dr Atemzug, wo euch dr nötigi Freiruum schänkt, um z'schnuufe und z'wachse - aber ohni dass ihr euch gegesitig jemols im Alltagsgrau verliered.
Ihr beidi sit dr lebendi Bewiis drfür, dass me gmeinsam tief verwurzlet aber glichzitig immrno absolut frei chan si. Und genau dorum fiire mr hüt au nit es starrs Finale. Me seit jo oft, d Hochzit söll dr schönsti Tag ime Läbe sii. Aber simmr ehrlich, das wär doch bitzli truurig, wenn ab morn alles nur no bergab würd goh. Für euch beidi gilt somit hüt en ganz andere Aaspruch: Das do, isch nit dr schönsti Tag vo eurem Läbe, sondern es isch en wunderschöne Tag, am Aafang vodr schönste Zit vo eurem Läbe.
Dear guests, dear Family, dear friends, dear English-speaking guests and most of all: dear bride and groom! Thank you all for being here today, in order to celebrate the love and the union of Nadine and Rendy.
My name is Timothy and today I have the honors of leading you through this ceremony. But I'm not just standing in front of you as a wedding officiator, and Nadine and Rendy are not just some random couple. We've known each other for a very long time. To be exact, since 16 years. We three visited Junior High together in Gelterkinden. Nadine and myself first got in contact at the supervised lunch service, and during the course of that time, did not only develop a deep friendship and a shared friends group, today Nadine is also one of the very best friends of my own better half.
Rendy I also got to know during these Junior High times. Even though our contact was quite limited at first, if someone went to Junior High in Gelterkinden between 2010 and 2014, you just knew Rendy. And now, during the last few years, I got to know Rendy from a completely different perspective and learned to appreciate a whole new side of him.
When we think about love, we often search for the perfect words. Today though, we might find the answer not at all in words, but maybe rather in a really easy equation, that as such we didn't learn in school: 1+1 = 11.
Our math teachers probably would ask where they wronged us. In traditional mathematics one and one of course add up to two. We also hear that a lot at other weddings. Two individuals, 1 and 1, join together into a new unity, 2. But 1 and 1 adding up to 11, I myself find that a lot more appropriate! It shows, that each person can stay exactly the way they are. Standalone and individual, but nevertheless something new is being born here.
Two people, which do not just merge together into one unidentifiable piece of mass, but rather, together, form something stronger. And exactly this is a beautiful part of love and marriage. It doesn't need "either / or", but rather that it leaves space for "and". Nadine and Rendy. Individual and together. 1 and 1, but still somehow 11.
And even though the laws of nature and thus mathematics state something different: This union is like a perfectly synchronized natural spectacle of fire, water, earth and air. And no, this is not going to be the intro to "Avatar the Last Airbender". When two people like Nadine and Rendy stand together so strongly, they do completely mess up the laws of mathematics, but their love brings the four elements of life into equilibrium:
Love like fire: It is the burning passion that makes life bright. A fire that warms you both, without either of you getting burned.
Love like water: A deep current that carries you through all times. A deep sea on which you swim safely, without ever drowning in it.
Love like earth: The firm foundation that gives you the necessary support in stormy times – without ever locking you in or binding your freedom.
Love like air: The breath of air that gives you the necessary space to breathe and grow – without ever losing yourselves in the grey of daily life.
You two are the living proof that together you can be deeply rooted but at the same time still absolutely free. And that's exactly why today we're not celebrating a rigid finale. People often say that the wedding should be the most beautiful day of one's life. But let's be honest, that would be a bit sad if from tomorrow everything only went downhill. For you two, a completely different claim applies today: This here is not the most beautiful day of your life, but it is a wonderful day, at the beginning of the most beautiful time of your lives.
3. Eure Liebesgeschichte
3. Your Love Story
Bevor ich euch beidi bald mehr oder weniger offiziell ufe Weg in d Ehe schicke, luegemr doch zersch bitzli zrugg id Vergangeheit und betrachte d Aafäng vom Paar Nadine und Rendy.
Mir reise also wit wit zrug, ins Johr 2011. In dem Johr het dr Rendy d Klass gwechslet und het sich plötzlich in dr gliche Klass wie d Nadine widrgfunde. Obwohl s romantische interesse anenand damals beidsitig no absolut inexistent gsi isch, het me döt enand zum erschte mol wohrgno. D Nadine het gmerkt, dass en neue Bueb umme isch, wo irgendwie nit so isch wie alli andere.
Dr Rendy het sich nie so kleidet wie alli andere, het bescheide wenig Interesse gha an Fuessball sondern isch im Schützeverein gsi, und, ums jetz mol bitz direkt z formuliere, er isch au nit en klassische 14-jährige Macho gsi, wo sich ufgspielt het und versuecht het uf welli Art au immer jedes Meitli z becho. Er selber bezeichnet sich zwar damals als dr luti Klasseclown, abr so wie's schint het d Nadine damals scho gmerkt, dass do vill mehr drhindr steckt.
Und au em Rendy isch d Nadine damals ufgfalle - als ruhigi, fairi, starchi Person, mit de krass dunkel gschminkte Auge.
Und so het das am Afang, komplett platonisch, sin Lauf gno. Die beide sin, zemme mit anderne Lüt wo teils au do im Publikum hocke, immer mehr zume "Grüppli" worde, wieme früenr so schön gseit het.
Während dere Zit ischs wie zum Rendy sim Ding worde, dasr z.B in dr Klass bidr Nadine am Pult uftaucht isch und gseit het "Hey du!". Odr, während dene Facebook und MSN Zite, dass ihri Chats agfange worde sin miteme "Hey du!".
Me het aso vill Zit zemme verbrocht, chattet, het di erschte Erfahrige mit Homeparties gmacht und so eigentlich e klassischi Teeniezit gha, mit allem was drzue ghört. Und während dere Zit hets e Steigerig geh. Und d Nadine isch nüm aagsproche worde mit "Hey du", plötzlich hetsi es Upgrade becho, und ihri Ahred isch zume "Hey Lieblings-Du" worde. Aber tatsächlich, und das macht jetz villicht bitz weh, isch d Nadine nit s einzige "Lieblings-Du" gsi, die Ehr hen au anderi ängi Fründe und Fründinne vom Rendy gha. Aber - nur d Nadine hets gschafft dr Superlativ z'erreiche.
Öppe um d Abschlusszit vodr Sek simmr no e Stufe höcher gange. Und das isch kei Witz, wemme jetzt, hüt und do bim Rendy goht go luege wie dass er d Nadine iigspeicheret het, denn stoht döt "Aller-lieblings-Du".
Womr das in de Vorgspröch vrzellt worde isch, bini zum erschte Mol bitzli stutzig worde. Will das isch scho mega härzig! Und vo söttige Momänt wirds im Verlauf vo minere Erzählig no e paar gäh. Aber, und das hend si mir beidi getrennt vonenand versicheret, bis zum Zitpunkt wo ich was anders säg und das goht no e bitz, isch das alles uf rein fründschaftlicher, platonischer Basis passiert. Ich glaub das ihne so zu…. 85%. Will es wird no vill cuter.
Noch dr Sek hend dr Rendy und sis Aller-Lieblings-Du so bitz ihre eigene Weg gestartet. Dr Rendy mit sinere Banklehr und d Nadine mitm KV. Und obwohl beidi do jo e ähnliche brueflichi Richtig iigschlage hend, isch dr Kontakt es bitz weniger worde. Und so sind sind die Lehrjohr is Land zoge, bis zum Abschluss im Summer 2017.
Zu dem Zitpunkt het sich d Nadine drzue entschlosse, en Traum z'verwürkliche und het ihres Uslandsjohr in Amerika plant. Aber sie wär nie gange, ohni sich gebührend vo ihrne Friends z verabschiede und so hets es Abschiedsfescht in Chienbärg geh - dr Rendy natürlich undr de Gäscht.
Und wemme dr Rendy chli kennt, denn chame scho säge, er ist ein Mann der Superlativen. Ich persönlich kenn jetzt niemr susch wo für es Wucheend en Lambo mietet und mit dem anes Wald-und-Wiese-Festival in Gipf-Oberfrick fahrt. Aber vielleicht bin das au nur ich.
Uf jede Fall: An dem Abschiedsfäscht hend sich die beide zum erschte Mol sit längerem widr gseh. Wahnsinnig lang hend si sich aber nit gseh, denn dr Rendy het mehr Auge für sini grosszügigi 50-50 Mischi Bacardi Cola gha. Und, sini Wort, das isch lang recht luschtig gsi, bises denn halt mol nüm so luschtig gsi isch.
Au de Obe isch vrbi gange und d Nadine het sich für es Johr in d'USA verabschiedet. Dr Kontakt aber isch widr chli mehr härgstellt gsi. Während dere Zit het er ihre immr widrmol gschriebe, nach Updates gfrogt, nach Föteli gfrogt etc. Ebe will de Kontakt widr mehr umme gsi isch, het sich d Nadine au drzue entschlosse em Rendy im November uf si Geburtstag e Rose z schicke.
Obwohl das für d'Nadine e fantastischi Zit mitere ganz tolle Gast-Familie gsi isch, ihre als absolute Familie-Mensch ischs scho nit immer eifach gfalle, so wit weg vo ihrere Famile z'si, bsundrs um Wiehnachte umme. Während dere Zit hen die beide recht vill mitenand gschriebe - au genau übr so Sache wie Heimweh und dr Distanz zudr Familie. Und just während sonere Texting-Session lütets an dr Huustür vom Rendy und d Nadine stoht döt. Nit in de USA, sondern in Rickebach. E glungendi Überraschig, d Nadine het Wiehnachte chönne mit ihrere Familie vrbringe und an Silvester isch s alte Grüppli us de Sek Zite widmol zemme gsi.
Churz druf ab isch dr Rendy in d RS iigruckt. Und au döt isch d Nadine e wunderbari Gspröchspartnerin gsi, zum sich übr d Wucheendwach odr dr Schlofmangel z'beschwere. Will früeh ufstoh, das isch bis hüt nit e Lieblingsaktivität vom Rendy.
Ich glaub es isch us dene Erzählige klar worde - zwüsche ihne beide isch während dem Ustuschjohr vodr Nadine e tiefi Fründschaft entstande. Mir isch ufgfalle, scho bevor dases au überhaupt irgendwie in d'Richtig Beziehig gange isch, spürt me e enormi Wärtschätzig fürs Gegenüber. Die Gspröch wo während dere Zit gfüehrt worde sind, gönd wit über eifach "sich gegesitig ufm Laufende halte" hinus. Sowohl im Militär, als au während eme Uslands-ufenthalt gits extrem schöni Moment, wome anderne möchti mitteile. Abr es git au schwierigi Situatione. Heimweh, Frust über die Vorgsetzte, d Distanz vode Liebste. Esone Fründschaft some über die Problem und Ängst redet und sich undrstützt, das als Basis vonere romantische Beziehung, das isch doch öppis wunderschöns. Abr ich griff vor…
Noch dr Zit in de USA het d'Nadine dr Wunsch gha, Kanada z'bereise. Und dr Rendy, de het verständlicherwis noch dr RS au s Bedürfnis nach Ferie gha. Und do gönge jetzt d'Erzählige vo dene beidne bitz usenand. Dr Rendy meint, d Nadine hegi in ihrem Fründeskreis richtig wärbig gmacht, wär hätti bock uf Kanada, mir mache e Roadtrip miteme Campervan etcetc. D Nadine hingege isch hüt dr Meinig, das isch alles bitz mehr vom Rendy uscho so à la "jo eh, unbedingt, ich chum di cho bsueche, denn gönge mr zemme Kanada go aluege".
Schlussendlich het dr Rendy no usm Militärbett in Chur d Flüg buecht und obwohl denn schlussendlich "nit no meh Kollege" cho sin, hen nur sie beidi zemme ime Campervan de Roadtrip in Aagriff gno. Und s'isch gleb recht klar, in sonere Situation gits Sprüch vom Umfeld. D Nadine het d Uuforderig vodr Melanie vorher in Miami no in Victoria Secret go schöni Pijama kaufe aber danked abglehnt - es hätt schlichtweg en Roadtrip undr Kollege sötte si. Abr ihr ghöreds scho, i ha dr Konjunktiv brucht…
Während dem Roadtrip hen die beide schlichtweg e unglaublich schöni Zit gha. Sie sind sich irgendwie in allem einig gsi, sin eifach druf los gfahre mit nur eme grobe Plan, sind in Seä go bade, go Wandere und hen ganz ganz vill gueti Gspröch gha. Und während dere Zit, im Früehlig 2018, nochdem si sich scho 8 Johr kennt hen, sind si sich tatsächlich nöcher cho…
Abr sie hend sich denn trotzdem no bitz Zit gloh, wemme so lang brucht het zum sich nöcher cho, denn hetme nit plötzlich en Stress. Zrugg in dr Schwiz, hen si zemme en unglaublich schöne Summer verbrocht, mit Bunjee Jumping, Fallschirmspringe, Wucheend im Tessin und eifach ganz vill gmeinsamer Zit. Ersch mit dr Zit isch dass den bitzli uffällig worde. Dr Rendy het jo dr Nadine ihri Familie scho kennt, aber het doch bitzli gar vill Zit in Chienberg verbrocht.
Und wenn denn nacheme gmeinsame Obe in ihrem ufblosbare Whirlpool halt am nögschte Morge no e leeri Fläsche Champagner döt stoht, chegge au d Eltere odr d Grossmueter vodr Nadine langsam was Sach isch.
Dr usschlaggebendi Moment isch dr Geburstag vodr Nadine ihrem Mami im August 2018 gsi. Dr Rendy isch während dere Zit mit offene Arme in d Famile Kehr ufgno worde und so au iiglade gsi am Geburstagsfescht. Zum die beide am Fescht selber nit in d Bredouille bringe, het d Anastasia em Rendy im Vorhinein grote, er muss eifach wüsse wie dass er sich an dem Geburtstagsfescht vorstellt… Und so, pünktlich vor dem Fescht am 15.8, hen sich die beide am 8.8.2018 gseit, "yes, mir sind jetzt Fründ und Fründin".
Di druffolgende 8 Johr zwüsche denn und jetzt möchti aber bitzli zemmefasse. Sie sind ganz vill go reise. 3 Wuche Backpacking in Vietnam, d Nadine het em Rendy sini Familie in dr Domrep döfe kennelerne, sie hend es Büssli kauft, wo sie zemme mitm Damian und em Stefan umbaut hend. 2020 sind si zemmezoge und hend im gliche Johr au beidi aagfange z studiere und hend sich so e gmeinsams Läbe ufbaut.
E witers Highlight denn im 2023 d Reis in d'USA, wo d Nadine em Rendy endlich het chönne ein vo ihrne absolute Happy-Places zeige. Eines Obends sinds sie gmeinsam bi ihrer Gastfamilie in Santa Barbara gsi, wo dr Rendy sie uf biege und breche no am gliche Obe an de Pier het welle bringe.
Chline Rückblick an dere Stell: Bevor dere Amerika Reis het dr Rendy alt-traditionell bidr Nadine ihrer Familie um ihri Hand bätte. Die Blessings het er becho – und das ganze OBWOHL dr versprocheni, vo Hand buddleti Grabe ums Elterehuus bis hüt noni vom Rendy umgsetzt worde isch.
Zrug nach Santa Monica. Trotz allne Planänderige wos an dem turbulente Tag no geh het, ischr schlussendlich erfolgrich gsi.. Genau döt, uf dem Pier, ufere kuschlige Decki, d Sunne isch scho undrgange gsi, het dr Rendy ihre schlussendlich dr Hürotsaatrag gmacht. Was si g'antwortet het, mussi an dere Stell glaub nit erwähne, denn 3 Johr spötr, simmr do.
Wemme euri Gschicht ghört, wird öppis ganz klär. Do hend sich zwei gfunde. Die Gschicht zeigt, wie unglaublich guet ihr zemme passed. Ihr kommuniziered uf Augehöchi. Ihr gebed euch Ruum und werded als zwei eigeständigi Persone dur dr ander nit weniger, ihr holed stets s Beschte usm andere use. Ihr heit ähnlichi Vorstellige vodr Zuekunft und blicked beidi mit ere grosse Vorfreud füre, uf alles was no chunnt. Studieabschluss, mehr Reise, es Huus mit Garte, e eigeni Familie.
Und au wenn mol d'Zit odr d'Energie knapp isch, denn undrstützedr euch gegesitig. Ihr heit nit bi allem immer di glichi Meinig, klar bruchts mengisch dr eint oder andr Kompromiss.
Abr am Endi vom Tag hends di letschte 8 Johr scho bewise: Egal was euch s Läbe entgege wirft, ihr meistered das zämme!
Before I soon send you both off on your way into marriage more or less officially, let's first look back a bit into the past and consider the beginnings of the couple Nadine and Rendy.
So we travel far, far back, to the year 2011. In that year, Rendy switched classes and suddenly found himself in the same class as Nadine. Although the romantic interest in each other was absolutely nonexistent at the time, they first really noticed each other there. Nadine noticed that there was a new boy around who somehow wasn't like all the others.
Rendy never dressed like everyone else, showed modestly little interest in soccer, but was in the shooting club, and, to put it frankly, he also wasn't a classic 14-year-old macho who showed off and tried to get with every second girl. He himself describes himself being the loud class clown, but apparently Nadine had already noticed back then, how much more there is behind this facade. And back then, Rendy also noticed Nadine - as a calm, fair, very strong person, with the intensely dark eye shadow.
And so it took its course - at the beginning, in a completely platonic way. The two of them, together with other people, some of whom are also sitting here in the audience, increasingly became a "little group," as one used to say back then. During that time, it somewhat became Rendy's thing, that he, for example, showed up at Nadine's desk in class and said "Hey you!". Or, during those Facebook and MSN times, that their chats began with a "Hey you!" (Hey du).
So they spent a lot of time together, chatted, made the first experiences with home parties and actually had a classic teenage time, with everything that goes with it. But during that time there was an "increase". And Nadine was no longer addressed with "Hey you", suddenly she got an upgrade, and her form of address became "Hey favorite-you" (Hey Lieblings-du). But actually, and this might hurt a little now, Nadine wasn't the only "favorite-you" — other close friends of Rendy's had that honor as well. But: Only Nadine managed to reach the superlative.
Around the time of the final exams at secondary school, they went up another level. And that's no joke, if today, you go to check how Rendy saved Nadine's number, then it says there "Most-favorite-you" (Aller-lieblings-du).
When they told me this during our preliminary talks, I at first was a bit puzzled... Because that's already super adorable! And there will be a few more such moments in the course of this story. But, and both of them assured me of this separately from each other, until the point where I say otherwise, and that will still take a while, all of this happened on a purely friendly, platonic basis. And I believe them to, let's say 85%. Because it really will get much cuter than that.
After junior high, Rendy and his "Most-favorite-you" started their own paths. Rendy with his banking apprenticeship and Nadine with her commercial training. And even though both of them took a similar professional direction there, their contact became a bit less. And so the apprenticeship years drifted by, until graduation in summer 2017.
At that point, Nadine decided to fulfil a dream of hers and planned her year abroad in America. But she would never have left without properly saying goodbye to her friends, and so there was a farewell party in Chienbärg - Rendy, of course, among the guests. And if you know Rendy a little, then you already know he is a man of superlatives. Personally, I don't know anyone else who would rent a Lambo for a weekend and drive it to a rural music festival in Gipf-Oberfrick. But maybe that's just me.
Anyways: At the farewell party, the two saw each other again for the first time in a while. But they didn't see each other for long, because Rendy had more eyes for his generous 50-50 mix of Bacardi and Coke. And, his words, that was quite funny for a while, until it just wasn't so funny anymore.
The evening had passed and Nadine had said goodbye for a year, to go to the states. But their contact had been re-established a bit more. During that time they texted again and again, asked each other for updates, asked for photos, etc. And as their contact was more frequent again, Nadine decided to send Rendy a rose for his birthday in November (wink).
Although that was a fantastic time for Nadine with a really great host family, for her, as an absolute family person, it wasn't always easy to be this far away from her family, especially around Christmas time. During that time, the two of them wrote to each other quite a lot - also exactly about things like homesickness and the distance from the family. And right during such a texting session, the doorbell rings at Rendy's house and Nadine is standing there. She's not in the states, she's back home in Switzerland. The surprise worked: Nadine was able to spend Christmas with her blood-family, and during New Year's, the group from school-times was back together again since quite some time.
Shortly after, Rendy joined the mandatory military service. And there too, Nadine was a wonderful conversation partner to complain to, about weekend duties or the lack of sleep. Because getting up early, that is still not one of Rendy's favorite activities to this day.
I think it has become clear from those stories - between the two of them, a deep friendship developed during Nadine's exchange year. I noticed that even before it went in the direction of a relationship in any way, one feels an enormous appreciation for the other person. The conversations that were held during that time go far beyond simply "keeping each other updated". Both in the military, as well as during a long stay abroad, there are wonderfully beautiful moments that one would like to share with others. But there are also difficult situations. Homesickness, frustration with superiors, the distance from loved ones. Such a friendship where one talks about these problems and fears, and supports each other, that as the basis of a romantic relationship, that is truly something wonderful. But I'm getting ahead of myself…
After her time in the US, Nadine had the wish to travel to Canada. And Rendy, understandably, after his military service also had the need for a vacation. And now the stories of the two diverge a bit. Rendy thinks that Nadine did proper advertising in her circle of friends, "who would be up for Canada, we'll do a road trip with a campervan etc. etc." Nadine on the other hand today is of the impression, this was initiated much more by Rendy. "Hell yes, I'll come to visit you, we'll travel Canada together!".
In the end, Rendy booked the flights directly from the military bed in Chur, and as "no other colleagues" joined the trip, only the two of them together took on the road trip in a camper van. And it's pretty clear, in such a situation people will talk! Nadine had previously in Miami declined the offer from Melanie to go shop for some nice pajamas at Victoria's Secret - it should simply have been a road trip among colleagues. But you already hear it, I used the subjunctive…..
During the road trip, the two of them simply had an incredibly beautiful time. They somehow agreed on everything, just drove off with only a rough plan, went swimming in lakes, went hiking, and had lots and lots of good conversations. And during that time, in spring 2018, after they had already known each other for 8 years, something actually happened between them.
But they took their time. If you need that long to develop feelings, you're not suddenly in a rush. Back in Switzerland, they spent an incredibly beautiful summer together, with bungee jumping, skydiving, weekends in Ticino, and just a lot of quality-time together. Only over time did it become a bit noticeable. Rendy already knew Nadine's family, but he did spend a bit too much time in Chienberg.
And if after a joined evening in Nadine's inflatable hot tub, an empty bottle of champagne can be found standing there, Nadine's parents or grandma start to catch on….
The decisive moment was the birthday of Nadine's mom in August 2018. During that time, Rendy was welcomed into the Kehr family with open arms and was thus also invited to the birthday party. To avoid putting the two of them in a tight spot at the party itself, Anastasia had advised Rendy in advance that he simply had to know how to introduce himself at that birthday party… And so, right on time before the festivities on the 15th, the two of them said to each other on the 8.8.2018: "Yes, we are boyfriend and girlfriend".
The following 8 years between then and now, I would like to summarize a bit. They traveled a lot. 3 weeks of backpacking in Vietnam, Nadine got to meet Rendy's family in the Dominican Republic, they bought a van that they renovated together with Damian and Stefan. In 2020, they moved in together and in the same year both started studying and built a shared life together.
Another highlight in 2023 was then the trip to the USA, where Nadine was finally able to show Rendy one of her absolute happy places. One evening they were together at her host family's place in Santa Barbara, where Rendy, come hell or high water, wanted to bring her to the pier that very same evening.
A brief look back at this point: Before the America trip, Rendy asked Nadine's family in the traditional way for her hand in marriage. He received the blessing – and that even though the promised, hand-dug ditch around the parents' house has still not been taken care of by Rendy to this day.
Back to Santa Monica. Despite all the change of plans that still happened on that turbulent day, he ultimately succeeded. Right there, on that pier, on a cozy blanket, the sun had already set, Rendy finally proposed to her. What she answered, I probably don't need to mention at this point, because 3 years later, here we are.
When one hears your story, something becomes very clear. These two people have found their forever-partner. The story shows how incredibly well you fit together. You communicate on equal footing. You give each other space and are not diminished by the other as two independent individuals; you always bring out the best in each other. You have similar ideas about the future and both look forward with great anticipation to everything that is yet to come. Graduation, more travels, a house with a garden, a family of your own. And even if time or energy is scarce at times, you support each other. You don't always have the same opinion on everything, sure, sometimes one or the other compromise is needed.
But at the end of the day, the last 8 years have already proven: No matter what life throws at you, you master it together!
4. Trauritual
4. Unity Ritual
Nadine und Rendy - dr gmüetlichi Teil vo eucherer Trauiig wonr eifach hend chönne zuelose und in Erinnerige schwelge isch jetz leider vrbi. Ich bitt euch beidi ufzstoh.
Ich würd euch gärn zume chleine Ritual iilade. Vor euch stoht e Sanduhr. Ufe erschti Blick, isch das en ganz gwöhnliche Gegestand, allerdings mitere ganz spezielle Bedütig. E Sanduhr misst Zit. Zit chame nit aahalte, mr chöne nit zrugg in dr Zit goh und mr chönne sie nit vorspuele. Mir chönne sie nur mitenand verbringe. Und genau um das gohts binere Ehe vilicht mehr als bi chum was anderem: um di gmeinsami Zit, wo vor euch ligt.
Ich ha am Aafang gseit, hüt isch nit dr schönschti Tag vo eurem Läbe, sondern dr Start vodr schönste Zit vo eurem Läbe. Und will die Uhr momentan no leer isch, chömmr die Zit jo gar nit offiziell starte. Dorum füllemr si jetz mit öpisem, wo für euri gmeinsami Gschicht und euri gmeinsami Zuekunft e ganz bsunderi Bedütig het. Drei verschiedeni Ort. Drei verschiedeni Arte Sand - und drei Bestandteil vo eucherer Gschicht.
Dr erschti Sand chunnt vom Rhii in Sissle, in dr Schwiz. Us dem Land, wo ihr hüt gmeinsam diheim sit. Döt wo eures gmeinsams Läbe stattfindet. Wo ihr eure Alltag teiled, Zuekunftsplän schmiedet, gönd go poste, koched, lached, euch mängmol übr Klinigkeite strited und euch am Endi vom Tag immrwidr fürenandr entscheidet. Dä Sand stoht für eures Diheim.
Dr zweiti Sand chunt us dr dominikanische Republik. Vome Ort, wo nit nur geografisch wit entfernt isch, sondern en Teil vo dinere Gschicht isch, Rendy. En Teil vo dinere Herkunft, dine Erinnerige und dine Wurzle. Dä Sand erinneret eus dra, dass jede Mensch e eigeni Gschicht mit ine Beziehung bringt. Bevor us zwei Mensche es Paar wird, gits zwei Läbe. Zwei Familie. Zwei Vergangeheite. Ort, Mensche und Erfahrige, wo eim prägt händ. Und all das verschwindet nit wemme hürotet - im Gegeteil! Es wird Teil vo dem, was me gmeinsam wird.
Dr dritti Sand chunnt us Südfrankreich. Vo dem Ort, wo für dich Nadine und dini Familie, e ganz bsunderi Bedütig het. Und ab hüt isches nit nur en Ort, an dem ihr gärn euri Ferie verbringed, wo en Rückzugsort darstellt. Ab hüt, isches de Ort, am dem ihr euch s Verspräche geh hend, dr Rescht vo eurem Lebe mitenand z verbringe.
Und jetzt chunt dr entscheidendi Moment. Ihr wärded jetz die drei arte Sand nochenandr in die Sanduhr geh. Jede Sand für sich isch schön. Jede het sini eigeni Farb, sini eigeni Herkunft und sini eigeni Gschicht. Aber sobald ihr ihn in die Sanduhr gäbed, fangt öppis Neus ah. Die einzelne Sandchörner lönd sich nüm vonenandr trenne, sie werde zume gmeinsame Ganze. Und genauso isches doch mit euch. Ihr münd nit glich sii, um zemme z ghöre. Ihr müend nit euri Herkunft, euri Vergangeheit odr euri Eigeheite hindr euch loh. Ihr bringed all das mit - und genau dodrus entstoht euri gmeinsami Gschicht. Ganz noch em Motto 1 + 1 = 11.
Song: „What I've been looking for" (im Hintergrund)
Natürlich wird eures gmeinsame Läbe nit immer so ruhig und glichmässig fliesse wie dr Sand in dere Uhr. Es wird schnelli Zite gäh, und langsami. Eifachi und schweri. Es wird Täg geh, an dene alles sin Platz z ha schint, und anderi, an dene ihr villicht churz dr Überblick verliered. Abr am Endi gohts nit drum, jedi Sekunde perfekt z mache. Es goht drum, die Zit mitenandr z verbringe. Und wenn ihr irgendwenn uf die Sanduhr lueged, söll sie euch dra erinnere: Wo ihr her chömmed, wo ihr hüt stönd, und dass ihr euch entschiede hend, dr Wäg wo vor euch ligt, gmeinsam z goh.
Rendy, ich möcht dich bitte, dr Sand us dr Domrep iizfülle.
Nadine, jetz döfsch du dr Sand us Südfrankrich drzue gäh.
Und zum Schluss, gäbed bitte gmeinsam dr Sand us dr Schwiz drzue.
Und während dä Sand jetzt langsam dur die Uhr fliesst, wünsch ich euch vor allem öppis: Dass ihr niemols vergässed, wie villi einzelni Moment dases sin, us dene es gmeinsams Läbe bestoht. Und dass ihr euch au in villne Johr no bewusst drfür entscheidet, die Moment mitenand z verbringe.
Nadine and Rendy - the cozy part of your wedding, where you could simply listen and revel in memories, is unfortunately over now. I ask you both to stand up.
I would like to invite you to a small ritual. In front of you stands an hourglass. At first glance, this is a completely ordinary object, but with a very special meaning. An hourglass measures time. Time cannot be stopped, we cannot go back in time, and we cannot fast-forward it. We can only spend it together. And that is exactly what marriage is perhaps more about than almost anything else: the shared time that lies before you.
I said at the beginning, today is not the most beautiful day of your life, but the start of the most beautiful time of your life. And because the clock is still empty at the moment, we can't officially start that time at all. That's why we now fill it with something that has a very special meaning for your shared story and your shared future. Three different places. Three different kinds of sand - and three components of your story.
The first sand comes from the Rhine in Sissle, in Switzerland. From the land where you are both at home today. There where your shared life takes place. Where you share your everyday life, forge future plans, go grocery shopping, cook, laugh, sometimes argue about trivialities, and at the end of the day always choose each other again. This sand stands for your home.
The second sand comes from the Dominican Republic. From a place that is not only geographically far away, but is a part of your story, Rendy. A part of your origins, your memories, and your roots. This sand reminds us that every person brings their own story into a relationship. Before two people become a couple, there are two lives. Two families. Two pasts. Places, people, and experiences that have shaped one. And all of that does not disappear when you get married - quite the opposite! It becomes a part of what you are together.
The third sand comes from southern France. From that place, which for you, Nadine, and your family, holds a very special meaning. And starting today, it is not just a place where you like to spend your holidays, which represents a retreat. Starting today, it is the place where you have given each other the promise to spend the rest of your lives together.
And now comes the decisive moment. You will now pour the three types of sand into the hourglass one after the other. Each sand on its own is beautiful. Each has its own color, its own origin, and its own story. But as soon as you pour it into the hourglass, something new begins. The individual grains of sand can no longer be separated from one another; they become a common whole. And that's exactly how it is with you. You don't have to be the same to belong together. You don't have to leave your origins, your past, or your peculiarities behind you. You bring all of that with you - and that is exactly what your shared story emerges from. Just according to the motto 1 + 1 = 11.
Song: "What I've Been Looking For" (in background)
Naturally, your shared life will not always flow as calmly and evenly as the sand in this hourglass. There will be fast times, and slow ones. Simple and difficult ones. There will be days when everything seems to have its place, and others when you might briefly lose sight of things. But in the end, it's not about making every second perfect. It's about spending that time together. And whenever you look at this hourglass, it should remind you: where you come from, where you stand today, and that you have decided to walk the path that lies before you, together.
And while this sand now slowly flows through the hourglass, I wish you above all one thing: That you never forget how many individual moments there are, out of which a shared life is made. And that even in many years' time, you still consciously choose to spend those moments together.
5. Eheversprechen
5. Wedding Vows
So, bis jetzt han eigentlich usschliesslich ich geredet - mir hend über euri gmeinsami Gschicht ghört, di ganze Höhe und Tiefe, di lustige Momänt und di chleine Macke, wo euch usmache. Jetzt sind ihr beide hübsche dra. Ihr heit beidi paar Wort vorbereitet, wo ihr eurem Gegenüber im Rahme vo eurer Trauiig möchtet mitteile.
Euri Härz chlopfe grad bestimmt bitzli schneller. Und das dörfe si au, denn das was ihr euch grad werded säge, chunnt tief usm Härze. Schnufed nomol tief dure, lueged euch ah.
Rendy, ich bitt dich aazfange.
(Rendy spricht sini persönlichi Eheversprechen)
(Nadine spricht ihri persönlichi Eheversprechen)
So, until now actually only I have spoken - we have heard about your shared story, all the highs and lows, the funny moments and the little quirks that make you who you are. Now you two lovely ones are up. You have both prepared a few words that you would like to share with your partner as part of your wedding.
Your hearts are certainly beating a little faster right now. And that's OK, because what you are about to say to each other, comes deep from the heart. Take a deep breath once and look into each other's eyes.
(Both speak)
6. Ring Tausch
6. Exchange of Rings
Liebi Nadine, liebe Rendy, es isch sowit. S wichtigste wo's hüt z'säge git, isch gseit. Jetzt fehled eig nur no d Ring… Mireya, ich bitt dich, mit de Ring nach vorne z cho.
Die Ring sind nit nur speziell, will sie jetzt zu eurne Ehering wärde, sie träge au e Stück Gschicht in sich. S Gold stammt ursprünglich usm Ehering vom Urgrossvater vodr Nadine. Us dem alte Ring sind euri beide neue Ring entstande - und ihr träged de Teil vodr Gschicht jetzt mit euch mit.
I find das isch grad en guete Zitpunkt zum no öppis anders aazspreche. Wenn mir hüt zämme chömme, so gits au Mensche us eurem Läbe, wo bide erschte Planige für dr hütig Tag no drbi gsi sind, mittlerwile aber leider nüm undr uns Wiile. Für sie isch de Stuehl hüt frei. Aber au wenn ihri Plätz hüt frei bliebe, sind sie Teil vo eurer Gschicht - und dodemit au vom hütige Tag.
Zrug zude Ring. Ring sind wohrschinlich öppe s klassischte Symbol vonere Hochzit überhaupt. Sie hend kei Afang und kei Ändi. Und genau so sölls au mit dem si, wo ihr euch hüt verspreched. Es isch nit es Verspräche, wo nur für de eini Tag zellt. Die Ring wärded euch no sehr sehr lang begleite und euch dra erinnere, was ihr euch hüt versproche heit.
Denn das zellt nit nur hüt, wenn ihr beidi ultra schigg usgsehn und euch alli zueluege. Sondern au ame ganz normale Zischtigmorge. Bi eurem morgendliche Briefing vorem Badzimmerspiegel, wo eif nur drübr geredet wird, was dr hütigi Tag so bringe wird. Bim gmeinsame Znacht au in de stressigste Zite. Bime Spaziergang miteme eventuelle zuekünftige vierbeinige Begleiter. Noch dr hundrtschte Diskussion drüber öb me sich nit jetz endlich chönnt e Putzhilf zuetue.
Oder eifach denn, wenn ihr euch churz uf d Hand lueged und denked "Stimmt, mir beidi ghöred zemme".
Nadine, Rendy. Denn dörf jetzt jede vo euch em gegenüber dr Ring aastecke. Und während ihr das mached, rüefed euch nomol in Gedanke, was ihr euch grad versproche heit - genau dodefür stönd die Ring ab hüt.
Dear Nadine, dear Rendy, the time has come. The most important thing there is to say today has been said. Now only the rings are missing... Mireya, may I ask you to come forward with the rings.
These rings are not only special because they will now become your wedding rings, they also carry a piece of history within them. The gold originally comes from the wedding ring of Nadine's great-grandfather. From that old ring, your two new rings were created - and you now carry that part of history with you.
I think this is a good moment to address something else. When we come together today, there are also people from your lives who were part of the initial planning for today, but unfortunately are no longer with us. For them, this chair is empty today. But even if their places remain empty, they are part of your story - and therefore also of today's celebrations.
Back to the rings. Rings are probably about the most classic symbol of a wedding there is. They have no start and no end. And that's exactly how it should be with what you promise each other today. It is not a promise that only counts for one day. These rings will accompany you for a very, very long time and shall remind you of what you've promised to each other today.
Because that doesn't only count today, when you both look ultra chic and everyone is watching you. But also on a completely ordinary Tuesday morning. During your morning briefing in front of the bathroom mirror, where you simply talk about what the day ahead will bring. At a shared dinner even in the most stressful times. On a walk with a potential future four-legged companion. After the hundredth discussion about whether you couldn't finally get a cleaning lady now.
Or simply then, when you briefly look at your hand and think "Right, we both belong together".
Nadine, Rendy. Now each of you may put the ring on the other's finger. And while you do that, call to mind once more what you've just promised each other - that is exactly what these rings stand for from today on.
7. Trauzeremonie
7. Pronouncement
Denn gits jetzt eigentlich nur no e paar wenigi Froge, wo ich euch möchti stelle:
Liebi Nadine. Versprichsch du, dr Rendy an jedem Tag z'liebe, ihn z undrstütze und mit ihm z wachse, egal welli Herusforderige euch begegne?
Versprichsch du, mitm Rendy witrhin nochsichtig z si, wenn er am Wucheend halt mol länger als am halb 9i möchti schlofe?
Versprichsch du, dini von Rendy unglaublich gschätzti Zueversicht nie z verliere und egal was euch s Läbe an Chopf wirft, witrhin s'Guete z manifestiere?
Willsch du witrhin, diejenigi si, wo mitm Rendy lacht, ihn useforderet, ihn mengisch widr ufe Bode abe holt, und vor allem, wo ihres Läbe mit ihm teilt?
Denn antwort jetzt: Jo - mit dir Rendy!
Und liebe Rendy, versprichsch au du, d Nadine an jedem Tag z liebe, sie z undrstütze und mit ihre z wachse, egal welli Herusforderige euch begegne?
Versprichsch du, dini Beschte z'geh, dass nocheme gmeinsame Znacht d Täller villicht jedes zweite Mol scho am gliche Obe versorgt wärde?
Versprichsch du, dini vodr Nadine so sehr gschätzti Grosszügigkeit, d Art wie du fr anderi Mensche do bisch und dini Zit, Ufmerksamkeit und Energie mit ihne teilsch, versprichsch du das au in eurer Ehe z bewahre und gmeinsam mit ihre für die Mensche do z'si, wo euch wichtig sind?
Möchtisch du witrhin de Mensch si, wo sich d Nadine chan sicher fühle, mit dem sie chan lache, und mit dem sie au di schwierigste Situatione gmeinsam durestoht?
Denn antwort jetzt: Jo - mit dir Nadine!
Dodemit isch alles gseit, was hüt hätt sötte gseit werde. Ich erchlär euch zu Maa und Frau! Und das dörfed ihr sehr gärn miteme Kuss besiegle.
Now there are actually only a few questions left that I would like to ask you:
Dear Nadine. Do you promise to love Rendy every day, to support him and to grow with him, no matter what challenges you face?
Do you promise to continue to be patient with Rendy when he wants to sleep a little longer than half past eight on the weekend?
Do you promise to never lose your confidence, which is incredibly appreciated by Rendy, and no matter what life throws at you, to continue to manifest the good?
Do you want to continue to be the one who laughs with Rendy, challenges him, sometimes brings him back down to earth, and above all, who shares her life with him?
Then answer now: Yes - with you Rendy!
And dear Rendy, do you also promise to love Nadine every day, to support her and grow with her, no matter what challenges you face?
Do you promise to do your best so that after a shared dinner, the plates might perhaps be taken care of every second time already on the same evening?
Do you promise to preserve your highly valued generosity, the way you are there for other people and share your time, attention and energy with them, which Nadine appreciates so much, do you also promise to preserve that in your marriage and to be there together with her for the people who are important to you?
Do you want to continue to be the person with whom Nadine can feel safe, with whom she can laugh, and with whom she also gets through the most difficult situations?
Then answer now: Yes - with you Nadine!
With that, everything has been said that should have been said today. I now declare you husband and wife! And you are very welcome to seal that with a kiss.
8. Schluss
8. Closing
Start Outro Song: „This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" – Natalie Cole
Nadine und Rendy. Ich dank euch für d'Ehr und s mir entgegebrochte Vertraue, euch dur die Trauiig döfe z leite. Ich wünsch euch vo Herze witrhin numme s beschte! Alles Liebi und Gueti uf eurem gmeinsame Lebensweg.
Füre Uuszug vom Brutpaar bitt ich euch ufzstoh. Bitte begrüessed zum erschte Mol Frau und Herr, Nadine und Rendy Meyer!
Start Outro Song: "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" – Natalie Cole
Nadine and Rendy. I thank you for the honor and the trust you have shown me, for being allowed to lead you through the wedding ceremony. I, from the bottom of my heart, wish you only the best for the future! All the love and only good things on your shared life's path.
For the exit of the bridal couple, I ask you to stand up.
Please welcome for the first time Mr. and Mrs., Nadine and Rendy Meyer!