On May 20, 2017, a beautiful wedding took place in the English countryside, graced by esteemed guests.
But they were no ordinary high society couple. They were Pippa Middleton – who dazzled attendees in an ivory lace Giles Deacon dress – and her millionaire financier James Matthews.
The couple married at St Mark’s Church in Englefield, Berkshire in the presence of Prince William and Kate, who were accompanied by their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
After the ceremony, the couple hosted a lavish reception for 300 guests at their sprawling 40-acre estate, where even Prince Harry and Meghan Markle – his girlfriend at the time – 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
The Giles Deacon dress
After months of waiting, Pippa’s wedding dress was revealed as a timeless ivory creation.
The elaborate lace dress, designed by British couturier Giles Deacon, featured a high neckline, corset bodice and A-line skirt.
At the back, a heart-shaped keyhole added a romantic touch.
The bride wore an elaborate lace dress by British couturier Giles Deacon
A heart-shaped keyhole at the back of Pippa’s dress added a romantic touch to the look
Deacon explained in a statement: ‘The custom silk cotton lace was hand appliquéd to create the illusion that the dress had ‘no seams’.
‘The lace bodice is embroidered with pearl detailing over an organza and tulle underskirt, which is applied layer upon layer to allow for a floor-sweeping motion.’
Pippa’s look was beautifully complemented by a layered veil from milliner Stephen Jones and Manolo Blahnik pumps.
The beaming bride arrived at St Mark’s Church in Englefield, West Berkshire, in an open gun metal gray 1951 Jaguar Mk V, with her father, Michael.
Prince George and Princess Charlotte steal the spotlight
Prince George, who was three at the time, and Princess Charlotte, then two, took on the roles of page boy and bridesmaid.
It is said that Pippa hates the term ‘flower girl’, despite this being the tradition for younger members of the wedding party.
Unsurprisingly, the toddlers stole the spotlight outside the church, leaving onlookers enamored with their outfits.
Prince George, who was three at the time, and Princess Charlotte, then two, were part of the wedding party
Princess Charlotte looked adorable in an ivory dress decorated with a soft pink bow
George was dressed in a white double-breasted shirt and sage trousers, while Charlotte wore an ivory dress adorned with a soft pink bow.
She was decorated with a flower crown and a small wicker basket.
Catherine, then Duchess of Cambridge and dressed impeccably in the color matching her daughter, was seen getting the children into position for their grand entrance.
A glass party tent from Belgium
After their intimate wedding ceremony, the newlyweds traveled in a Jaguar E-Type from the church to their country home in nearby Bucklebury for the reception.
As they drove along the 1.5-mile route, Pippa and James smiled and waved to well-wishers along the way.
The newlyweds traveled in a Jaguar E-Type from the church to their country home in Bucklebury for the reception
The guests were treated to an aerial performance by a Spitfire fighter
A beautiful 12 x 30 meter glass marquee, shipped from Belgium and estimated to accommodate 300 guests, was installed on the couple’s 40-acre estate.
Peppers Marquees, holder of the royal warrant for the supply of marquees to King Charles, oversaw the process.
The evening’s entertainment included an impressive performance by a Spitfire fighter plane, which treated guests to an aerial performance.
Noticeably absent: Meghan Markle
Conspicuously absent from the church ceremony was Prince Harry’s girlfriend, Meghan Markle.
It is thought the Suits actress was invited to the wedding, despite Pippa’s ‘no ring, no bring’ policy.
However, due to escalating media coverage, Meghan chose not to attend 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 Omid Scobie’s book Finding Freedom, the royal couple came up with a plan.
Meghan stayed in an Airbnb, arranged by a close friend and wedding guest, while Harry attended the church service in Englefield.
They later reunited to travel to the reception at the Middletons’ home, where they stayed until 2am.
‘Prankster’ Spencer Matthews on his best behavior
Pippa reportedly told her brother-in-law, Spencer Matthews, that this was strictly “no jokes” on the big day.
A source told E! at the time, “She doesn’t want Spencer to act out during the day and has him warned to watch the booze.”
The source also said that Spencer planned to write “LAD” on the soles of James’ shoes.
Spencer only attended the wedding because he and Vogue Williams weren’t married yet.
Pippa is said to have told her brother-in-law Spencer Matthews (pictured) that there will be ‘absolutely no jokes’ on her wedding day