For Architectural Digest, by Melissa Minton.
After becoming a media fixture in her own right at Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding in 2011, the Duchess of Cambridge's sister now has her own impending nuptials to look forward to. Pippa Middleton just announced that she will wed James Matthews on May 20, with her niece and nephew serving as a bridesmaid and page, respectively. The venue the couple chose might not surprise you; St. Mark’s Church in Englefield, Berkshire, is near the Middletons' childhood home in Bucklebury. It also happens to be where Prince George and Princess Charlotte attended their first Christmas church service this past December and stole the spotlight while enjoying some candy canes.
The nave of the quaint stone church is its oldest section, built in 1190, according to the church's website. It was extensively restored by Sir George Gilbert Scott in 1857 and a tower was added in 1868. St. Mark's is also located near the royal family's Sandringham estate in southern England, where they typically celebrate Christmas. The Queen even sends Christmas trees from the country home to local schools and churches. With Pippa's royal connections, we can think of no more fitting setting.
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