Lovers find their lucky numbers

Some say it's for luck. Others choose the date because it's easy to remember. Whatever the reason, sweetness filled the city yesterday as a record number of couples tied the knot on the date with six ones.

Pui Wai-loi and Stephenie Ma Kit-ting were among the 1,017 pairs who got married yesterday for its implication of 'one life, one love'. They added two more 1s to their wedding, as they became husband and wife at 11am at the marriage registry in Cotton Tree Drive, Admiralty. The couple, both 27, were the first to apply through the government's online booking system three months ago.

'She's always my No 1,' Pui, an IT professional, said, but he downplayed the significance of 11.11.11.

'The meaning of this date is only imposed by others and is not important. The essential thing is this love and promise will never be changed.'

Jodie Fook Siu-chu, who married Joe Cheung Chi-hang, said she had not thought too much about the meaning of the date when they planned their wedding. 'We just gave it a try, and in the end succeeded,' she said.

Cheung, who celebrates his birthday today, said he hoped their friends and family would remember their marriage on the special day.