Pippa Middleton marries at almost-royal event
Pippa Middleton's wedding to financier James Matthews is regarded as the biggest UK society event of the year. Despite rain forecast for the afternoon, the couple managed to stay dry as they said "I do."
Love is in the air
Pippa Middleton became engaged to hedge fund manager James Matthews in July 2016. Following an engagement of less a year, the couple embarked on exchanging their vows at an elaborate ceremony in the English village of Englefield in Berkshire. The impressive guest list made the wedding a glamorous affair only second to her sister Kate's 2011 wedding to Prince William, Duke of Cambridge.
Here's the church and there's the steeple
Albeit more modest that Kate Middleton's wedding ceremony, which took place in Westminster Abbey in front of a long list of international dignataries, little sister Pippa chose the picturesque setting of St. Mark's Church in Englefield, about a 90-minute drive west from central London. British royalty, both the aristocratic and the popular culture kind, were expected at the nuptials.
Wedding crashers
There were some uninvited guests on the sidelines of the wedding as well, but they managed to keep at a dignified distance. Due to the attendance of several royals, including four direct heirs to the British throne, a no-fly zone was established over Englefield and other parts of Berkshire.
Enter the in-laws
Princes William and Harry wouldn't want to miss what has been billed as the society wedding of the year. Some were disappointed, however, that Prince Harry did not bring his actress girlfriend Meghan Markle along to the ceremony. The groom's brother, UK reality TV personality Spencer Matthews, was reportedly the best man. Tennis star Roger Federer and his wife were also among the guests.
Helping out
The Middletons have reportedly become close with the entire royal family, so much so that Princess Catherine's children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, were part of the wedding party as page boy and flower girl, respectively. Princess Catherine looked overjoyed and proud to be part of her sister's wedding.
Proud mom, proud brother
Just a few miles away from the Middleton residence in Bucklebury, Pippa's family arrived at the joyful occasion dressed in style. Between her brother James' hipster beard and mom Carole's bellini colored dress, the Middletons fell just short of taking the attention away from the bride.
A vision in white
The bride was positively glowing as she walked down the aisle in her bespoke wedding gown designed by Giles Deacon. The last time Pippa Middleton was seen so publicly in white was in 2011 when she acted as maid-of honor at her sister's wedding to Prince William.
Happily ever after
The newlyweds smiled for the cameras before the wedding party set off to return to the nearby Middleton estate for what appeared to shape up as an elaborate reception. Wedding guests had been advised to bring two outfits along so they could change after the wedding ceremony into eveningwear. A large glass marquee was set up on the grounds of the estate for the party.