WHEN Rhea Blewden walked down the aisle at her wedding there was only thing she could say: "I-ce do!"

For the 23-year-old was married in one of the coldest places in the world - in a church made entirely of ice.

While most brides are flushed with emotion on the day, Rhea and groom Andrew, also 23, of Hollybush, Blackwood, were contending with a minus-five temperature.

They were at the Ice Church, in Lapland, along with 21 family members and friends for the ceremony on February 15.

And the freezing fun didn't stop there - because they all stayed in the world- famous Ice Hotel.

Rhea, a nurse at the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, said getting married in the winter wonderland was magical.

She said: "We had been there three years ago, and when we were talking about where we wanted to get married there was no other option."

Andrew, a private in the Royal Regiment of Wales, and his future wife met in their local bank.

After a proposal from Andrew while he was out in Iraq in November 2003, a date was set for the wedding.

Rhea said: "It was cold, but because of the excitement and adrenalin I didn't notice until we gave our vows - then my toes turned to ice and the snow boots went on under my beautiful dress."

With a temperature of minus 32 outside and a honeymoon bed made of ice, the celebrations carried on in a vodka bar where guests enjoyed drinks from glasses - made of ice.

The couple are now moving into a new home in Rhiwderin, Newport, but Rhea has said farewell to her husband for the time being as he prepares to leave for Iraq for another six months.