Vows prolonged in ice and snow world

Sub-zero temperatures didn't stop 28 couples from getting together to tie the knot. The mass wedding was held in Harbin, capital of China's frigid Heilongjiang province where its annual International Ice and Snow Festival kicked off Tuesday.

The brides and grooms, hailing from seven different Chinese provinces, plus one groom from Australia, lined up in front of an enormous snow sculpture depicting the main hall in Beijing's Temple of Heaven.

The temperature was around minus-15, but it did not dampen the excitement of the occasion.

Newly wedded couples pose for photos in front of a snow sculpture during  a group wedding ceremony at the 26th Harbin International Ice and Snow  Festival in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province January 6, 2010. A total of 28  couples from China and abroad participated in the ceremony.(Xinhua/Li Yong)