Today’s wedding celebration is one to remember, courtesy of Pippa Middleton and Prince Harry, who tied the knot on August 10th, 2019. The couple chose Pippa’s family home in the picturesque Essex countryside as the idyllic backdrop for their special day. To create a whimsical atmosphere, they opted for luxurious tipis, which were transformed into a magical setting with fairy lights and lush greenery.Jonny Gouldstone Photography expertly captured every moment of their wedding festivities, from the heartfelt ceremony to the hilarious speeches, tender couple portraits, and stunning decorations. The venue’s natural beauty was perfectly complemented by the horsebox bar, hay bale seating, wildflowers, and twinkling fairy lights, creating an enchanting ambiance for their big party.Pippa and Harry looked radiant in their chosen attire, while their bridesmaids added a pop of color with their forest green jumpsuits and dresses. The evening festivities were filled with laughter, music, and plenty of dancing, making it a truly unforgettable night. With pressed flower cakes and so many joyful moments to cherish, this wedding celebration is truly one for the books.
The Proposal
As we settled into life in York, after eight years together, I received an unexpected phone call from Harry one Friday evening. He was checking if I was up for a quiet night or drinks, little did I know he was testing the waters to propose! As I pulled up at home, Harry rang again, and I walked upstairs with my handbag still in hand. When I opened our bedroom door, I found Harry down on one knee, ring in hand, asking me to marry him. I was taken aback and left speechless for a moment, but managed to stammer out ‘is that a ring?’ before bursting into tears. Of course, my answer was yes! We spent the evening sharing our excitement with our nearest and dearest, making it a truly magical night. The following day only got better as Harry had organized a lovely dinner and spa day – total perfection!
The Vision
Our special day unfolded at my family’s countryside home, where we had always envisioned exchanging vows. The idea was to create an intimate setting, with a marquee nestled in the lush meadow and a picturesque village church serving as the backdrop for our ceremony. Drawing inspiration from my sister’s memorable wedding experience a few years prior, I wanted ours to be uniquely our own. The key was determining what we truly desired. Our vision revolved around the rustic charm of our tipi marquee, which lent itself perfectly to a whimsical country festival theme. As outdoor enthusiasts who share a love for camping and adventure in our campervan, it only seemed fitting to incorporate this passion into our celebration.
The Planning Process
As we embarked on the journey of wedding planning, my sisters and our parents were instrumental in supporting us every step of the way. We spent countless nights sipping champagne, pouring over maps, and bringing our dream day to life. From late-night gin-fueled playlists to weekend visits to my childhood home to walk through the venue, we savored every moment leading up to the big day. Meanwhile, my parents were hard at work in their garden, with my dad’s passion for horticulture in full bloom. Despite our choice of date not aligning perfectly with his ideal growing season, he was determined to coax a flourish out of his plants just for us. And what an incredible job he did! My sister, a creative entrepreneur in her own right, played a significant role in shaping the aesthetic of our special day. Her mood boards for each area of the celebration helped bring the planning process into sharp focus.
The Venue
Nestled within the picturesque countryside lies St Mary the Virgin Church, a revered place of worship situated in the charming village of Great Becketts, which is part of the larger community of Arkesden. The tranquil atmosphere and historic significance of this church make it a must-visit destination for those seeking to connect with their faith or simply appreciate the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Your Outfits & Accessories
I embarked on a dress shopping adventure with my sister, mum, and mother-in-law-to-be at The Tailors Cat in Cambridge. Having purchased several leaver’s ball dresses from this store over the years, I was familiar with the staff and knew they would provide excellent service. As we tried on various dresses, I was spoiled for choice and only managed to narrow down my options when reviewing photos later. My goal was to find a dress that not only matched my personality but also complemented the wedding venue’s aesthetic. The lace detail on MoriLee’s Lorraine dress caught my eye, and The Tailors Cat did an exceptional job of tailoring it to fit me perfectly. I paired this stunning dress with a veil featuring small lace details, which added a touch of elegance. My biggest concern was finding shoes that would accommodate my size ten feet, but a low pair of ivory heels from Rainbow exceeded my expectations. Meanwhile, Harry opted for his suit from Dobel, having previously worn a morning suit to his brother’s wedding the previous year.
The Readings & Music
The musical offerings for this special day featured a talented combination of local church organist and Jane Lister, a professional harpist. The ceremony began with the iconic Pachelbel’s Canon, played beautifully by the organist as the bride made her entrance. The recessional was marked by the energetic and lively ‘Entrance of the Queen of Sheba’, which got everyone moving and celebratory. The couple also shared meaningful readings, including ‘The Art of Marriage’ by Wilfred Peterson, 1 Corinthians Chapter 13, and a poignant excerpt from ‘The Bridge Across Forever’ by Richard Bach. As guests reflected on the significance of this union, they were treated to rousing hymns such as ‘Lord of All Hopefulness’, ‘Lord of the Dance’, and ‘Jerusalem’. The evening’s entertainment was capped off with a high-energy performance by the Supersonic Band from Cambridge.
Beauty
I opted for a half up half down hairstyle, carefully crafted by Rosie, a local hairdresser recommended by a friend from the village. The look was designed to be adaptable, given that I would be removing my veil after the ceremony and replacing it with a flower crown. As fate would have it, the day of the wedding saw strong winds, prompting concerns about the durability of my hairstyle. Thankfully, the hair spray held up remarkably well, ensuring that my locks remained in place despite the gusts. Meanwhile, Dani Rose, a talented make-up artist from Cambridge, worked her magic to create a natural yet radiant look that still reflected my personal style.
The Flowers
We entrusted our wedding floristry to a local expert, who created stunning arrangements for the venue, as well as bouquets and buttonholes for the church. My sister, however, took charge of crafting the remaining flowers. Before the big day, my sister and I visited a wholesale florist together, selecting the blooms that would add a personal touch to our celebration. Over the following days, my mum, sister, Harry’s dad, and I worked together to arrange these flowers in a mix of jars, pots, and vases we had collected over time. To complement this, my dad had lovingly planted up numerous pots with vibrant blooms, which were strategically placed throughout the garden and marquee.
The Details & Décor
The festival grounds were divided into distinct areas, each with its own unique charm. The Orchard hosted drinks stations, including a horsebox bar, cozy seating area, and refreshing lemonade stand. Meanwhile, the meadow surrounding the tipis was lush and green, providing a picturesque backdrop for the structures. Just outside the tipi zone, a chill-out marquee in circus style offered plush sofas, a photobooth, and a relaxed atmosphere. As the evening arrived, a food stall serving everything from pork pies to cheeses and late-night treats emerged. Dubbed Kirwan’s Deli, this rustic eatery was made up of hay bales and featured our very own campervan, Scotty, alongside ample seating for guests to enjoy their favorite snacks.
The Cake
With the expertise of a seasoned wedding cake professional, our friend crafted three tiers that showcased her artistry and attention to detail. The individual layers were adorned with lush flowers from my parents’ picturesque garden, adding a touch of elegance to each tier. The flavor profiles were as diverse as they were delightful: the 10-inch chocolate cake boasted rich, velvety goodness, while the caramel, pecan, and vanilla flavors combined in perfect harmony. Meanwhile, the 8-inch almond cake offered a sweet and tangy raspberry and lemon combination, alongside a more subtle almond and plum pairing. Finally, the petite 6-inch earl grey-infused almond cake provided a sophisticated and refined conclusion to this culinary masterpiece.
Your Photographer
When searching for the perfect photographer to capture our special moments, my husband Harry and I knew that we required someone who could strike the right balance between professionalism and friendliness. Jonny Gouldstone Photography was the clear winner in this regard, as we had witnessed his exceptional work firsthand at a friend’s wedding. We admired the way he effortlessly captured the joy and emotion of the day, making us feel at ease in front of the camera. Our goal was to have a photographer who could blend into the background, snapping candid moments that truly reflected the essence of our celebration. Jonny delivered just that, providing us with breathtakingly beautiful photos that exceeded our expectations.
The Honeymoon
Following the wedding celebration, we spent four nights in a French residence, indulging in complete relaxation and reliving the wedding’s finest moments with friends and family. The experience was truly rejuvenating. Later, we embarked on our dream honeymoon to Bali, where we chose the esteemed Mr and Mrs Smith for an unparalleled level of luxury. Our days were filled with champagne toasts, rejuvenating massages, and a general sense of indulgence. Every moment was pure bliss.
Bridesmaids
When it came to selecting bridesmaid dresses for my big day, comfort was at the forefront of my mind. To ensure my girls felt relaxed and confident throughout the celebration, I opted for a uniform yet diverse approach. The common thread was a stunning forest green hue, which allowed each of them to showcase their unique styles. While two of my attendants donned stylish jumpsuits, the others chose flowing full-length dresses that accentuated their individual flair.
Groomsmen
Memorable Moments
As we looked back on our wedding day, it’s hard not to smile at the memory of non-stop dancing and an atmosphere electric with joy. For us, the highlight was undoubtedly the ceremony – there’s something truly magical about exchanging vows and becoming husband and wife. The rush of emotions that comes with it is indescribable, a mix of excitement, love, and gratitude all swirling together.After the festivities died down, we spent our wedding night glamping in style at my parents’ property, surrounded by nature’s serenity. The next morning, we took a leisurely stroll around the venue, taking in every detail and basking in the glow of our new life as Mr and Mrs Kirwan. With steaming cups of tea in hand, we relived the best moments from the previous day, feeling grateful for the love and support that surrounded us.The next day brought another highlight – a warm and intimate brunch with our closest friends and family. It was wonderful to reconnect and reminisce about the unforgettable events that had transpired just 24 hours prior.
Advice For Other Couples
As you plan your wedding, remember to stay focused on what matters most – your own vision and preferences. It’s easy to get caught up in others’ opinions and expectations, but don’t let stress consume you. Instead, prioritize the elements that will have the greatest impact on your special day. For instance, consider allocating your budget wisely by investing in experiences or details that will be truly memorable, rather than wasting resources on fleeting moments or minute details that won’t be captured in photos or cherished for years to come.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The photography at Jonny Gouldstone’s lens captured the essence of Pippa and Harry’s whimsical tipi wedding. The styling, courtesy of @krafycreators (Emily Stirk), brought a touch of elegance to the celebration. Fresh flowers by @kraftycreators (Emily Stirk) & Roz Saggers (R & R Saggers, Newport Saffron Walden) added a pop of color and fragrance. Sweet treats were provided by Lucy Burton Cakes, while The Tailors Cat designed the stunning dress. For their bridesmaid dresses, Pippa and Harry chose a beautiful design. The entertainment was taken care of by Supersonic Cambridge’s band, while a chill out area was set up with sofa hire from Anthology Vintage Hire. Horse box hire from Bells and Whistles provided an additional space for guests to mingle. A glamping yurt from Glamp In Your Garden added an extra layer of luxury to the celebration. Pippa and Harry would like to thank everyone involved in making their special day so unforgettable.