Local couple wed hours before Kim and Andy Murray

Lisa Rice (pictured) and Ross Cavanagh are tying the knot in Dunblane on the same day as Andy Murray. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

Lisa Rice, an events co-ordinator from Stirling, exchanged vows with fiancé Ross Cavanagh, also 27, hours before Murray and Sears turned up at the town’s cathedral.

“I’m fine, calm but excited. I can’t wait,” Rice said before the ceremony. “Kim is probably sitting doing the same thing as me, and sipping champagne.”

Rice has met Andy Murray just once, when he was awarded his honorary doctorate from Stirling University, but said that she had planned her wedding day long before the tennis star announced his engagement last year.

Just like Sears, Rice has four bridesmaids dressed in dusky pink raw silk – her younger sister and three friends from school. She also has two young flower girls, wearing ivory to match the bridal gown.

There are other connections between the two celebrations. As well as both couples being the same age and celebrating their marriage in Dunblane, both fathers-of-the-bride are named Nigel.

In another coincidence, Rice’s lace and tulle gown came from the same Dunblane boutique owner who sent Sears her wedding garter.

After being with her childhood sweetheart for the past 11 years, she says her wishes for married life are simple.

“I hope it is not going to change much, as we are very happy.

“I’m just looking forward to the changing chapters in our life ahead, maybe family in years to come.

“Hopefully we will be lucky to have a good, long and happy marriage.”

Rice and Cavanagh are also delaying their honeymoon, but just until May, when the couple will be jetting off to Cancun, in Mexico.