Seventh heaven! As Pippa Middleton celebrates seven years of marriage to financier James Matthews, how she stunned in a £40,000 Giles Deacon dress and had little helpers in the form of Prince George and Princess Charlotte

On May 20, 2017, a stunning English countryside wedding took place, graced by esteemed guests.

But it was no ordinary high society pair. It was Pippa Middleton - who captivated attendees in a £40,000 ivory lace gown by Giles Deacon - and her millionaire financier beau James Matthews.  

At St Mark's Church in Englefield, Berkshire, the couple tied the knot in front of Prince William and Kate, who were joined by their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte.  

Following the ceremony, they hosted an opulent reception for 300 guests on their expansive 18-acre estate, where even Prince Harry and Meghan Markle - then his girlfriend - made an appearance.

As Pippa and James celebrate their seventh wedding anniversary, we look back at the highlights from 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 anticipation, Pippa's wedding dress was unveiled as a timeless ivory creation.

Designed by British couturier Giles Deacon, the elaborate lace gown boasted a high neckline, corseted bodice and A-line skirt. 

On the reverse, a heart-shaped keyhole added a romantic touch. 

The bride wore an elaborate lace gown by British couturier Giles Deacon

A heart-shaped keyhole on the reverse of Pippa's dress added a romantic touch to the look

Deacon explained in a statement: 'The bespoke silk cotton lace was hand appliquéd to create an illusion of the dress having "no seams".

'The lace bodice is embroidered with pearl detailing over an organza and tulle underskirt, which has layer upon layer to enable a floor-sweeping movement.'

Pippa's look was beautifully complemented by a tiered veil from milliner Stephen Jones and Manolo Blahnik court shoes. 

The radiant bride arrived at St Mark's Church in Englefield, West Berkshire, in an open-top gun metal grey 1951 Jaguar Mk V with her father, Michael.

Prince George and Princess Charlotte stealing the limelight 

Prince George, who was three at the time, and Princess Charlotte, then two, took on the roles of page boy and bridesmaid.

Pippa is said to dislike the term 'flower girl', despite that being the tradition for younger members of the wedding party.

Unsurprisingly, the toddlers stole the limelight outside the church, leaving onlookers charmed by 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 adorned with a blush pink bow 

George was dressed in a double-breasted white shirt and sage knickerbockers, while Charlotte sported an ivory dress adorned with a blush pink bow.

She accessorised with a flower crown and small wicker basket. 

Catherine, then the Duchess of Cambridge and immaculately clad in a corresponding hue to her daughter, was seen ushering the children into position before their grand entrance. 

A glass marquee from Belgium

Following their intimate wedding ceremony, the newlyweds travelled in a Jaguar E-Type from the church to their mansion, in nearby Bucklebury, for the reception. 

As they drove along the 1.5 mile route, Pippa and James smiled and waved to the well-wishers lining the way.

The newlyweds travelled in a Jaguar E-Type from the church to their mansion, in Bucklebury, for the reception

Guests were treated to an aerial performance from a Spitfire fighter

A magnificent 40 x 120ft glass marquee, shipped from Belgium and estimated to hold 300 guests, was erected on the couple's 18-acre estate. 

Peppers Marquees, holder of the royal warrant for supplying marquees to King Charles, supervised the process.

The evening's entertainment featured an impressive appearance by a Spitfire fighter plane, which treated guests to an aerial performance.

Notably absent: Meghan Markle 

Notably absent from the church ceremony was Prince Harry's girlfriend, Meghan Markle.

It is thought that the Suits actress had been invited to the nuptials, despite Pippa's 'no ring, no bring' policy.

However, due to escalating media coverage, Meghan chose to avoid attending the ceremony to minimise 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 devised a plan. 

Meghan stayed at an Airbnb, arranged by a close friend and wedding guest, while Harry attended the church service in Englefield.

Later, they reunited to travel to the reception at the Middletons' home, where they remained until 2am.

'Prankster' Spencer Matthews on his best behaviour

Pippa reportedly told her brother-in-law, Spencer Matthews, that were strictly to be 'no pranks' on the big day.  

At the time, a source told E!: 'She doesn't want Spencer acting up during the day and has him warned to keep an eye on the booze.'

The source also said that Spencer had planned to write 'LAD' on the soles of James' shoes.

Spencer attended the wedding on his own as he and Vogue Williams were not yet married. 

Pippa reportedly told her brother-in-law Spencer Matthews (pictured) that there will be 'strictly no pranks' on her wedding day