THERE are surely few brides that would be willing to "share" their big day with another.

However, two close-knit sisters who grew up in Sauchie did exactly that in what was a unique ceremony which may have broken some conventions.

Neither Charly nor Ella Mckevitt tried to outshine the other during their joint wedding at Gartmore Village Hall last month, in what was a decidedly international event.

While Ella tied the knot with Chase Pretorius, from South Africa, Charly wed Marcin Jerwan, from Poland, with friends and family from all quarters in attendance.

Ella, said to be the "mastermind" behind the operation, was delighted to share the occasion.

She told the Advertiser: "We all decided to have a joint wedding because my sister and I are extremely close, we have grown up best friends and we have pretty similar taste.

"[We] figured why waste money on two similar weddings when we could have one amazing joint one, breaking all the rules are sharing the day together."

She then joked: "Wouldn't change it for anything as it went perfectly and gives us an extra anniversary reminder."

Both sisters walked down the isle separately, accompanied by dad Dominic and stepdad Mark on each arm.

The legal parts had to be done separately, but it was a very personalised ceremony, merging parts where possible.

Both couples were pronounced and kissed at the same time.

The first dance, to Better Together by Jack Johnson, was done in tandem also and both pairs cut the specially-designed cake at the same time.

It was certainly a unique event, with the registrar – a family friend – saying she had never seen a double bill in her 30-year career.

"Then again, what's conventional anymore?" asked Charly. "A lot of people asked me why would you want to share your big day?

"And won't one of the brides be jealous of the other?

"In short, we just aren't like that.

"I'm Ella's biggest advocate and fiercest defender and she is mine. That's the way it's been since the day she was born; neither of us has any desire to outshine the other."

Both sisters had similar ideas for their big day and half of the guest list was the same, so teaming up made all the more sense.

Charly added: "Our wedding was everything we could have hoped for and so much more.

"Our family has grown internationally.

"I've adopted Chase and his South African family as part of my family and Ella has adopted Marcin and his entire Polish family as hers."

And for Sauchie mum Karen Wallace and husband Mark, the June 22 wedding was extra special.

She said: "The girls looked amazing and it was very emotional as the girls also said a little thing about each other after they did their vows.

"There wasn't a dry eye."

"I could go on and on about the day, it was just perfect with all the different nations coming together for an amazing ceremony and party to celebrate the wedding of two of our beautiful daughters.

"We wish them so much happiness going in to married life and can't wait to see the official photos."