Photo shows a couple exchanging rings. [Photo/Chinatibetnews.com]

Red lanterns are hanging up; red ‘happiness’ characters have been attached to doors of the bridal chamber; "grandfather groom" and "grandmother bride" are dressed up in red…

On February 17, a joyous event took place at the social welfare institute in Nang County, Nyingchi City: ten elderly couples were about to hold a collective wedding they dreamed.

At 11 o'clock, the courtyard of the welfare house was already decorated and full of people, waiting expectantly for the glorious occasion.

"The time has arrived. Let’s give the warmest applause and best wishes to the ten newlyweds!" The joint wedding kicked off officially at 12 o'clock accompanied by the moving "wedding march" melody. Witnessed and blessed by over 500 people, the ten old couples walked onto the red carpet hand in hand with bashful and happy smiles. Then they exchanged rings and vows in the name of future love and happiness.

"We've been married for 20 years, but we didn't have a wedding as we were too poor. Having so many people witness this grand wedding for us has made up for our regret. If a happy life is like tying a broken rope, then I'm willing to continue forever!" The couple Lobsang Duoyun and Kelsang Dekyi said as they snuggled together.

62-year-old Phuntsok and 57-year-old Ngalek Droma met each other at the welfare center. From acquaintances to friends to lovers, and ultimately to husband and wife, it cost them only three months and their love tells us the meaning of the saying, that is "there is no suitable marriage age, but only suitable marriage love".

As the ten newlyweds were presented spotless white Hada, people toasted each other with mellow wine and dance the joyous Guozhuang dance. Everyone's blessings to them become stronger and love between them becomes deeper.