What is a marriage supposed to be anyway???

So when you marry a guy you don't know, then have kids right away and loads of stressful life events in a very small window, is it possible to build a relationship after serious damage is already done? I think it depends on what marriage is supposed to be. I mean I guess it depends on what you want to get from it and whether or not both parties are happy.....I mean don't get me wrong I am NOT under the delusion that everything is mushy and gooey in an all out LOVE FEST for eternity. But after a while, do you just become really good buddies, or is there more to it than that?? Or does it matter as long as that's what you expect and are satisfied with that??? HMMMM.