Royalty and celebrities gathered no-expense-spared Pippa Middleton’s, sister to Princess Kate on Saturday in a picture perfect English country setting.
Pippa, 33, said ‘I do’ to millionaire financier James Matthew, 41, a hedge fund manager, in a private ceremony at the 12th-century St Mark’s Church in Englefield in front of 150 friends and family. Middleton's dress was handcrafted in London by fashion designer Giles Deacon, reportedly worth $80,000. The delicate bespoke tulle veil dotted with pearls and made by milliner Stephen Jones. The bride also wore a Maidenhair fern tiara by Robinson Pelham, and customized ivory satin pumps by Manolo Blahnik with pearl detailing.
Following her sister's footsteps the bride read more modern vows, omitting the word "obey" from them. After the ceremony, the happy couple drove away in a green-colored 1961 Jaguar E-Type sports car. As for Pippa’s uncle Gary Goldsmith, it was the first one ever made.
Up to 350 guests partied at the Middleton family’s $8 million mansion in Bucklebury, west of London. The luscious after-party, set in a glass palace-style marquee was peppered with cherry blossom trees and boasted a Scottish theme. The bespoke glass orangery, shipped in from Belgium at a cost of £100,000. Recipes from Pippa’s own cookbook used for reception to treat the cream of high society in attendance. The crowd was treated by a fly-past: an acrobatic aerial performance by a British single-seat fighter used in World War II. Guests, who stayed partying until about 3am, were reportedly playing ping pong with seven-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer. It was reported security was tight and the guests had to send in photographs and produce a password before gaining entry.
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Prince Harry were seen at the church shortly before the ceremony.
3-year-old Prince George, who took on the role of page boy, and 2-year-old Princess Charlotte, who was a flower girl took away the limelight. The little royals behaved adorably and according to type, though George got into trouble with his mom as he accidentally stepped on the bridal frock.
However, Prince Harry's girlfriend, American actress Meghan Markle, did not accompany him to the ceremony though joined him for the reception.
DailyMail called the story-book looking extravagant £1million worth event as a posh version of Keeping Up With The Kardashians. Upon the marriage, Pippa will inherit the title Lady of Glen Affric as James is to inherit the Scottish title of Laird of Glen Affric.