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NO EXPENSE SPARED

Inside Pippa Middleton and James Matthews’ lavish wedding reception as guests enjoyed £40,000 caviar, ping-pong with Roger Federer and a spectacular Spitfire display

PIPPA Middleton threw a right (not-quite) royal knees-up after her lavish wedding to multi-millionaire hedge fund manager James Matthews yesterday.

The 33-year-old socialite spared no expense when it came to the extravagant reception, which featured magnums of high-end champagne, beluga caviar and a 150ft-long glass marquee, according to .

 Bride Pippa Middleton beamed and waved at well-wishers outside St Mark's Church yesterday after tying the knot to millionaire hedge fund manager James Matthews
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Bride Pippa Middleton beamed and waved at well-wishers outside St Mark's Church yesterday after tying the knot to millionaire hedge fund manager James MatthewsCredit: Getty Images
 A stunning 150-ft glass marquee specially shipped in from Belgium, which cost £100,000, was erected in Middleton's garden to house guests
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A stunning 150-ft glass marquee specially shipped in from Belgium, which cost £100,000, was erected in Middleton's garden to house guestsCredit: Flynet Pictures
 As scattered showers were forecast for the big day, the bride spared no expense to keep guests dry
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As scattered showers were forecast for the big day, the bride spared no expense to keep guests dryCredit: Splash News

But while the Duchess of Cambridge’s younger sister was happy to pose outside St Mark’s Church after saying her vows, she decided to enforce a strict "mobile phone ban" to ensure she and her high-society guests could party in peace.

A report by the  stated that guests were forced to hand over their devices and instead pose inside photo booths to prevent snaps or videos from surfacing online.

There are, however, conflicting reports indicating that guests were told they would be thrown out if they snapped pictures, and were allowed one warning by "phone police";.

 Pippa Middleton and James Matthews enjoy their first kiss as husband and wife as Prince George leads the page boys and bridesmaids out of St Mark's Church
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Pippa Middleton and James Matthews enjoy their first kiss as husband and wife as Prince George leads the page boys and bridesmaids out of St Mark's ChurchCredit: Getty Images
 While wedding is reported to have cost the couple in the region of £700,000, the spectacular Spitfire display was donated for free by the Boultbee Flight Academy
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While wedding is reported to have cost the couple in the region of £700,000, the spectacular Spitfire display was donated for free by the Boultbee Flight AcademyCredit: Flynet Pictures
 The reception was organised by Pippa’s parents Michael, 67, and Carole, 62 — professional party planners who run family business Party Pieces
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The reception was organised by Pippa’s parents Michael, 67, and Carole, 62 — professional party planners who run family business Party PiecesCredit: Splash News
 Seven-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer, pictured with wife Mirka, is said to have played ping-pong with guests at the lavish reception
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Seven-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer, pictured with wife Mirka, is said to have played ping-pong with guests at the lavish receptionCredit: Getty Images

Pippa's parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, were said to have alerted neighbours days before the wedding and apologised for any inconvenience caused by the big day.

After the formal ceremony, Pippa and new hubby James jumped in a Jaguar V and drove to Englefield House, a 16th century manor in breath-taking grounds.

There, 300 guests tucked into thousands of canapes, which includes mini haggis, foie gras, langoustine, asparagus, steak and chips, and king prawns.

 James Matthews waves to well-wishers, while Pippa Middleton smiles in her bespoke Giles Deacon gown, which is reported to have cost £40,000
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James Matthews waves to well-wishers, while Pippa Middleton smiles in her bespoke Giles Deacon gown, which is reported to have cost £40,000Credit: Reuters
 The Duchess of Cambridge was in charge of keeping the young page boys and bridesmaids in check, which included her children Prince George and Princess Charlotte
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The Duchess of Cambridge was in charge of keeping the young page boys and bridesmaids in check, which included her children Prince George and Princess CharlotteCredit: AP:Associated Press
 Prince William arrived at the church alongside brother Prince Harry. Harry was later seen going to pick up his actress girlfriend Meghan Markle for the evening reception
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Prince William arrived at the church alongside brother Prince Harry. Harry was later seen going to pick up his actress girlfriend Meghan Markle for the evening receptionCredit: Getty Images

They sipped on Ruinart Blanc de Blanc champagne, which costs upwards of £40 a bottle.

Finger sandwiches were served for Prince George, Princess Charlotte and the other pageboys and bridesmaids, the  reported.

The happy couple cut a six-tier fruit cake – that is said to cost in the region of £15,000 – by baker Fiona Cairns, who also made the cake for Kate and Wills’ wedding.

Newlywed James, 41, is said to have given a touching speech that paid tribute to his late brother Michael, who died at 23 while descending Mount Everest.

 Pippa and James waved at well-wishers as they sped off in a Jaguar V to Englefield House, a 16th century manor in breath-taking grounds
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Pippa and James waved at well-wishers as they sped off in a Jaguar V to Englefield House, a 16th century manor in breath-taking groundsCredit: Getty Images
 Carole Middleton, pictured with son James, is said to have alerted neighbours days before the wedding and apologised for any inconvenience caused by the big day
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Carole Middleton, pictured with son James, is said to have alerted neighbours days before the wedding and apologised for any inconvenience caused by the big dayCredit: Getty Images
 Spencer Matthews, the younger brother of groom James, is said to have made a speech at the afternoon drinks reception
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Spencer Matthews, the younger brother of groom James, is said to have made a speech at the afternoon drinks receptionCredit: Getty Images

Other speeches were given by Michael Middleton, who reportedly joked that he had lost both of his daughters – but to great men.

While Made In Chelsea stud Spencer Matthews and James Middleton, who is dating TV presenter Donna Air, also said a few words.

After the light refreshments, the star-studded party, which included Prince Harry, Princess Eugenie and Roger Federer, headed to the Middletons’ Grade II listed £6million mansion in Bucklebury, Berkshire.

 Pippa Middleton is reported to have personally vetted all of the waiting staff at the evening reception, and enforced a strict mobile phone ban
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Pippa Middleton is reported to have personally vetted all of the waiting staff at the evening reception, and enforced a strict mobile phone banCredit: Getty Images
 The formal ceremony took place at St Mark's Church, before guests headed to Englefield House, a 16th century manor set in breath-taking grounds
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The formal ceremony took place at St Mark's Church, before guests headed to Englefield House, a 16th century manor set in breath-taking groundsCredit: Getty Images
 James Middleton was seen embracing girlfriend Donna Air outside of the church. He is said to have made a speech at the afternoon reception
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James Middleton was seen embracing girlfriend Donna Air outside of the church. He is said to have made a speech at the afternoon receptionCredit: Getty Images

A stunning 150-ft glass marquee specially shipped in from Belgium, which cost £100,000, was erected in the garden to house guests.

The interior of the marquee was decorated with pink cherry blossom trees and trees with purple fibre optic lights to fit with an "enchanted forest theme", the  reported.

Guests sipped 2010 Blanc de Noir Millington sparkling wine from Sussex vineyard Nyrtimber that cost £75-per-bottle, and ate £40,000 worth of beluga caviar, reportedly donated by a Russian millionaire.

The fizz was served on silver trays by waiting staff who were personally vetted by Pippa, the Express claimed.

 Pippa wore a bespoke ivory lace gown by British designer Giles Deacon, which is said to be crafted to create the impression of being seamless
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Pippa wore a bespoke ivory lace gown by British designer Giles Deacon, which is said to be crafted to create the impression of being seamlessCredit: Getty Images
 Pippa teamed her striking dress with was teamed with a Stephen Jones veil, a Maidenhair Fern tiara and Manolo Blahnik ivory satin shoes
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Pippa teamed her striking dress with was teamed with a Stephen Jones veil, a Maidenhair Fern tiara and Manolo Blahnik ivory satin shoesCredit: Getty Images
 Kate was seen smoothing out her sister's dramatic train before she made her way into the church on the arm of her father Michael Middleton
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Kate was seen smoothing out her sister's dramatic train before she made her way into the church on the arm of her father Michael MiddletonCredit: Getty Images - WireImage

Luxury caterer Table Talk, Pippa's former employer, was in charge of the lavish five-course, sit-down dinner, which reportedly included haggis along with Scottish lamb and whisky.

The three-course wedding breakfast for 320 guests at up to £200 a head was laid on by a crew of 30 chefs followed by a performance by one of the groom’s favourite saxophonists.

Roger Federer, the seven-time Wimbledon champion, entertained guests at the ping-pong table, before a DJ encouraged everyone to hit the dance floor.

 Princess Eugenie was amongst the high-profile congregation and was seen arriving in a chic navy dress with her boyfriend Jack Brooksbank
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Princess Eugenie was amongst the high-profile congregation and was seen arriving in a chic navy dress with her boyfriend Jack BrooksbankCredit: Getty Images
 Pippa and James are reported to have entertained guests at their reception with a ping-pong table, before a DJ encouraged everyone to hit the dance floor
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Pippa and James are reported to have entertained guests at their reception with a ping-pong table, before a DJ encouraged everyone to hit the dance floorCredit: Getty Images
 Prince George was spotted looking very unimpressed after receiving a telling off from his mum Kate outside of the church
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Prince George was spotted looking very unimpressed after receiving a telling off from his mum Kate outside of the churchCredit: Getty Images

Live entertainment was coordinated by the royal party planners Fait Accompli, while a Spitfire flypast was donated for free by the Boultbee Flight Academy.

Pippa’s big day is rumoured to have cost £700,000, with her bespoke Giles Deacon lace gown reported to have set her back £40,000.

The ivory, floor-sweeping dress, which is said to be crafted to create the impression of being seamless, was teamed with a Stephen Jones veil, a Maidenhair Fern tiara and Manolo Blahnik ivory satin shoes.

 Pippa was all smiles as she walked out of the church yesterday, flanked by her proud sister Kate, who was dressed in a bespoke peach outfit by designer Alexander McQueen
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Pippa was all smiles as she walked out of the church yesterday, flanked by her proud sister Kate, who was dressed in a bespoke peach outfit by designer Alexander McQueenCredit: Getty Images
 The Spitfire flyover wowed guests at the evening reception - and mirrored an event that took place at Kate and Wills' wedding in 2011
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The Spitfire flyover wowed guests at the evening reception - and mirrored an event that took place at Kate and Wills' wedding in 2011Credit: Splash News

The bride's nephew and niece, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, were page boy and flower girl, George was seen in tears after mum Kate told him off after throwing a tantrum outside of the church.

Actress Meghan Markle, Prince Harry's girlfriend, was not among the guests at the church but was later seen been driven to the reception by her boyfriend.

Pippa's diamond engagement ring is reported to have cost £250,000 - nearly 10 times the  budget for the average wedding day - but details of the couple's wedding bands have not been revealed.

 

 

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