Pippa’s gorgeous wedding album
INSIDE THE WEDDING OF THE YEAR!
No expense was spared for her lavish big day
When the sister of a royal-marries a millionaire, only the finest will do. And so it was when Pippa Middleton tied the knot with hedge fund manager James Matthews last week in an event that exuded romance and luxury.
From the beautiful 13th century country church to the evening reception in a sweeping $170,000 glass marquee imported from Belgium, this was never going to be an ordinary wedding.
Pippa, who looked like a princess in her own right, wore a $70,000 gown designed by Giles Deacon. With a lace bodice and full skirt, it was reminiscent of her sister Kate’s gown at her wedding to Prince William in 2011.
She also wore a delicate “Maidenhair Fern” tiara and the same pearl earrings she wore at Kate’s wedding, both by jeweller Robinson Pelham, and satin-and--
pearl shoes by Manolo Blahnik.
While Pippa acted as maid of honour for Kate when she wed, the Duchess of Cambridge took a less public role, not wanting to steal the limelight from her younger sister on her big day.
But she did play a part, managing the eight junior bridesmaids and page boys who made up the bridal party – her own children George and Charlotte, as well as Countess Philippa Hoyos, Lily French, Avia Horner, Casimir Tatos, Edward Sebire and William Ward.
The girls wore cream dresses with dusty pink bows and flower crowns while the boys were decked out in white shirts, green silk knickerbockers and cream tights. All were carefully handmade in Spain by designer Pepa & Co.
Kate, wearing a blush satin Alexander Mcqueen frock and fascinator, also lent her talents to the stationery, with her sketch of St Mark’s Church featured on the order of service.
After the service, 150 guests indulged in a formal noon meal of mini haggis, deer carpaccio, foie gras and langoustine.
When it came to the evening reception, Pippa’s parents Michael and Carole, who own a partysupply business – were said to be eager to show off their expert event-planning skills on the grounds of their Bucklebury estate. From magnificent photos released by floristdjordje Varda, it’s clear they more than met that brief.
The food was equally elaborate, with the 350 party guests enjoying vintage Champagne and five courses including smoked salmon and Scottish lamb. Later, dancing was popular, with a band belting out jazz renditions of The White Stripes’ Seven Nation Army and Eric Prydz’ Call On Me.
In a nod to Pippa’s love affair with tennis – she once joked she’d be married in her tennis whites – a series of ping pong tables dotted the venue. Tennis ace Roger Federer, a close friend of the bride, reportedly engaged in late-night games with Prince William and Prince Harry.
As far as memorable weddings go, this event was very much a love-all match.