IT was a special weekend for Selkirk-born minister Louise Mackay.

The 30-year-old is used to officiating weddings at St Nicholas Parish Church in Lanark.

But on Saturday, she was the one arriving in a horse and carriage to get married – at her own church.

Family members, friends and members of the congregation gathered to see the Rev Mackay tie the knot with her partner Jason Vagionakis.

She said "Getting married is always a special occasion for any person but being able to get married in my own church makes it extra special.

"We had a great day and we are so glad we were able to celebrate with our family and friends as well as members of the congregation."

Mr Vagionakis is originally from South Africa and the service was live streamed online so family members and friends who were unable to travel could watch it.

Following the ceremony, the happy couple departed on the horse and carriage as onlookers waved them off.

Louse was ordained and inducted into St Nicholas Parish Church in 2017.

But this time it was the Very Rev Dr Russell Barr – a former Moderator of the General Assembly – conducting the service.

He said it was a “great privilege” to marry his former student who spent her probationary year at his church, Cramond Kirk in Edinburgh, in 2015-16.

“Louise had been an outstanding student and we have kept in touch with one another since her appointment to St Nicholas,” he added.

“I was delighted when she asked me to conduct her wedding service.

“The sun shone, people lined the streets as the bride's arrival in a horse and carriage brought the town centre of Lanark to a standstill.

“It can't be often a minister is married in her own church and like every bride she looked quite nervous as she came into church.

“Thankfully she soon relaxed and I hope she and Jason enjoyed a wonderful day.”