Russia: MPs find love across the political divide

Members of the State Duma, Russia's parliament, have been congratulating the happy couple

Two Russian MPs have tied the knot despite being from different political parties.

Communist MP Denis Voronenkov and his new spouse, Maria Maksakova-Igenbergs from the ruling One Russia party, exchanged vows in Moscow on Friday - the first ever marriage between parliamentarians from different parties, the Gazeta.ru website reports. The newlyweds headed straight back to work after the ceremony, with the bride still in her wedding dress. "There are political differences but they are not a hindrance, they will spice up our life," Mr Voronenkov told his colleagues as they were congratulated in parliament.

The couple's first meeting was perhaps not the most romantic. Ms Maksakova says they got to know each other while working on a bill regulating the export of cultural artefacts. But the MP, who's also an opera singer, says there's no reason why politicians shouldn't fall in love. "I think that deputies are people, first and foremost, and they can have human emotions too," she said earlier in March. In keeping with the nuptials, the evening wedding reception will be a non-partisan affair. The bride says every single member of 450-seat Duma is invited to the bash and the couple "really really hope" they all show up.

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