Andy's love match: Murray fans go wild as the kilted tennis star marries Kim Sears

THE bells of Dunblane Cathedral rang out in delight yesterday to mark the wedding of the town's favourite son.

Andy Murray and Kim Sears weddingJAMES WILLIAMSON

Mr and Mrs Murray after their wedding ceremony at Dunblane Cathedral

Thousands lined the streets as tennis ace Andy Murray married his long-term girlfriend Kim Sears in a private ceremony before around 300 family and close friends.

After braving rain, wind and even hail as they waited patiently for hours, the crowds were rewarded with a gleeful public appearance from the clearly ecstatic newlyweds.

As they emerged from the Cathedral under a shower of confetti, more than 3,000 people cheered and clapped as though their hero had claimed another Wimbledon title.

The new Mr and Mrs Murray, both 27, grinned and waved happily to the adoring throng - and even exchanged a few words with the Scottish Sunday Express.

After being congratulated and asked how the wedding had gone, Andy replied: "It was great, thanks."

His bride, wearing a simple but elegant white gown of silk chiffon, was simply radiant with delight before they were driven away in a silver Bentley to the reception at Andy's luxurious Cromlix hotel.

The dress, with half-sleeves, a full skirt and open back, was a Jenny Packham design and adorned by hand beaded Swarovski crystals and came with a three-metre tulle veil and Swarovski crystal Kalmia floral headdress. The bride also wore a pair of silvery strappy sandals.

Earlier, the big day had dawned with wintry showers sweeping across the Perthshire hills following a week of glorious sunny weather.

With more than a dash of irony, Andy's mother Judy tweeted: "Hailstones. Marvellous" before adding a few hours later: "Snowing. White wedding."

However the sun was shining by the time the groom, dressed in a traditional Murray tartan kilt, was piped onto the grounds shortly after 3.30pm.

Half an hour later, the heavens opened as the bridal car drove through Dunblane - to be greeted by an impromptu Mexican wave along the High Street and even people hanging out of upper windows for a glimpse of the bride.

Kim - who was around five minutes late - stepped out into the rain flanked by the Cathedral’s blue-cloaked choir and escorted by her bridesmaids in dusky pink gowns, before hurrying indoors.

Andy had three best men - brother Jamie and friends and fellow tennis players Ross Hutchins and Carlos Mier.

Hutchins, 30, who has battled cancer, was one of the first to arrive, giving a thumbs-up as he entered the 300-seat Cathedral.

Judy Murray, dressed in a smart white outfit, arrived separately from Andy's father, William, who was with his partner Sam Watson.

Also present were Tim and Lucy Henman, Andy's grandmother Shirley Erskine and his glamorous new mother-in-law Leonore Sears.

It was an incredibly happy service - the main emotion was joy and love, of course

Reverend Colin Renwick

A string quartet played as the guests entered the Cathedral, where the aisle had been lined bay trees with tiny lanterns hanging from the boughs.

The hymns chosen by the couple were Praise, My Soul, The King of Heaven and The Lord of All Hopefulness.

After the ceremony, the Reverend Colin Renwick said: "It was an incredibly happy service - the main emotion was joy and love, of course.

"They were very much involved and engaged in it, as you would expect.

"It was just a lovely event for everybody to be involved in.

"Kim was earlier than most brides!"

Lynda Reid Nevitt, of West Calder, West Lothian, was among the hundreds of well-wishers who came to catch a glimpse of the couple.

The 62-year-old said: “We just love Andy to bits. We are here to see him, to see the dress and for the atmosphere.

"Andy is very good to his fans and I think he has taken us into consideration and changed the wedding to Dunblane Cathedral because he knew his fans were desperate to see him and wanted to be part of the celebrations.

"And it means so much to us all - we are part of the Murray family, we are like a big clan.

"Dunblane is now a happy place - it's known for Andy Murray."

Penny Brown, from Biggar, Lanarkshire, also decided to travel to Perthshire for the big day.

The 68-year-old added: "He has always been in my heart, so I thought it would be lovely to come along and see him be married.

"We would love to see them and just be part of the big day. It's a great thing for Scotland and Britain."

Alex McKee, who runs a hotel and a restaurant in Dunblane, set up a barbecue under a marquee on the road to the Cathedral.

He said: "We knew how many people were going to turn out so we thought we'd throw a barbecue for everyone. 

"We've been hoping for dry weather."

Meanwhile, Pamela Hislop, manageress of Dunblane's Riverside restaurant, said she had catered for several members of the wedding party on Friday night.

She said: "There were a few of the family in last night, about seven of them and Judy too. She is in quite often, I would class her as a regular and her family - the Erskines too.

"I said to Judy, 'Are you excited yet?' and I think she was a mix of excited and nervous.

"The nieces were there as well and I dare say everyone was looking forward to getting dressed up today.

"It's been fantastic that Andy has let the town and Scotland - people have come from all over today - take part in their day."

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