Life of Guangzhou - Couples Like Olympic-style Marriage

Li Yujun and Zhang Ying have their wedding photos shot at Guangzhou's Yuntai Garden on the planned route of the Olympic torch relay yesterday. (China Daily / Liu Lihang)

Li Yujun and Zhang Ying of Guanghzou took a day off yesterday to have their wedding photograph shot in Yuntai Garden because the tourist attraction on White Cloud Mountain is on the planned route of the Olympic torch relay.

The torch enters Guangzhou today, and the garden, like most parts of the city, has been decorated with Olympics flags, slogans and mascots.

"We love the Olympic logos and mascots," said Li, the groom. "They look beautiful and auspicious. They represent the times. People can tell the year of our marriage by just looking at the photographs."

Li is not the only one to have chosen an Olympic background for his wedding photographs. "Since early this year, many couples have shown interest in taking photographs against an Olympic logo or mascot," said Wang, who runs a studio and who clicked the Li-Zhang photographs.

The closer the day of the torch relay got, the higher the demand for such photographs became. Wang said.

"Some couples even asked if it would be possible to take photographs during the torch relay so that it could be captured in the frames. They believe the flame, which represents harmony, will bring them happiness."