A stunning wedding took place in the English countryside on May 20, 2017, attended by esteemed guests.
But this wasn’t just any high society couple. They were Pippa Middleton, who wowed attendees in a £40,000 ivory lace dress by Giles Deacon, and her millionaire financier boyfriend James Matthews.
At St Mark’s Church in Englefield, Berkshire, the couple married in front of Prince William and Kate, who were joined by their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
After the ceremony, they hosted an opulent reception for 300 guests at their sprawling 18-acre estate, where even Prince Harry and then-girlfriend Meghan Markle made an appearance.
As Pippa and James celebrate their seventh wedding anniversary, we look back at the highlights of that magical day.
Pippa Middleton married millionaire financier James Matthews at St Mark’s Church in Englefield on May 20, 2017.
Giles Deacon’s dress
After months of anticipation, Pippa’s wedding dress was unveiled as a timeless ivory creation.
Designed by British couturier Giles Deacon, the elaborate lace dress featured a high neckline, corseted bodice and A-line skirt.
On the reverse, a heart-shaped lock added a romantic touch.
The bride wore an elaborate lace dress by British couturier Giles Deacon.
A heart-shaped keyhole on the back of Pippa’s dress added a romantic touch to the look.
Deacon explained in a statement: “The custom-made silk cotton lace was applied by hand to create the illusion that the dress is ‘seamless.’
“The lace bodice is embroidered with pearl details over an organza and tulle petticoat, which is layered upon layer to allow sweeping movement to the floor.”
Pippa’s look was beautifully complemented by a tiered veil by milliner Stephen Jones and Manolo Blahnik pumps.
The radiant bride arrived at St Mark’s Church in Englefield, West Berkshire, in a metallic gray 1951 Jaguar Mk V convertible with her father, Michael.
Prince George and Princess Charlotte steal the spotlight
Prince George, then three years old, and Princess Charlotte, then two years old, took on the roles of page boy and bridesmaid.
Pippa is said to dislike the term “flower girl”, even though that is the tradition for the youngest members of the wedding party.
As expected, the little boys stole the show outside the church, leaving onlookers delighted with their outfits.
Prince George, then three years old, and Princess Charlotte, then two years old, were part of the wedding party.
Princess Charlotte looked adorable in an ivory dress adorned with a blush pink bow.
George wore a white double-breasted shirt and sage pants, while Charlotte sported an ivory dress adorned with a blush pink bow.
She accessorized it with a flower crown and a small wicker basket.
Catherine, then the Duchess of Cambridge and immaculately dressed in the shade corresponding to her daughter’s, was seen placing the children in position before her grand entrance.
A glass tent from Belgium
After their intimate wedding ceremony, the newlyweds traveled in a Jaguar E-Type from the church to their mansion, in nearby Bucklebury, for the reception.
As they drove along the 1.5 mile route, Pippa and James smiled and waved to well-wishers lining the road.
The newlyweds traveled in a Jaguar E-Type from the church to their mansion in Bucklebury for the reception.
Guests were able to enjoy an aerial performance by a Spitfire fighter.
A magnificent 40-by-120-foot glass tent, shipped from Belgium and estimated to seat 300 guests, was erected on the couple’s 18-acre estate.
Peppers Marquees, holder of the royal warrant for the supply of carp to King Charles, oversaw the process.
The evening’s entertainment included the impressive appearance of a Spitfire fighter jet, which treated guests to an air show.
Notably absent: Meghan Markle
Notably absent from the church ceremony was Prince Harry’s girlfriend, Meghan Markle.
The Suits actress was believed to have been invited to the nuptials, despite Pippa’s “no ring, no ring” policy.
However, due to increasing media coverage, Meghan decided to avoid attending the ceremony to minimize attention on her relationship with Harry.
Prince Harry was seen arriving at the church with his brother Prince William.
According to the book Finding Freedom by Omid Scobie, the royal couple came up with a plan.
Meghan stayed at an Airbnb, arranged by a close friend and guest at the wedding, while Harry attended the church service in Englefield.
Afterwards, they met to travel to the reception at the Middleton home, where they remained until 2 in the morning.
‘Prankster’ Spencer Matthews talks about his best behavior
Pippa reportedly told her brother-in-law, Spencer Matthews, that there would strictly be “no jokes” on the big day.
At the time, a source told E!, “She doesn’t want Spencer to act out during the day and has warned him to watch his alcohol.”
The source also said that Spencer had planned to write ‘LAD’ on the soles of James’ shoes.
Spencer attended the wedding alone since he and Vogue Williams were not married yet.
Pippa reportedly told her brother-in-law Spencer Matthews (pictured) that there will be “strictly no pranks” on their wedding day.
