Ellie Goulding looks dazzling as she marries art dealer boyfriend in a lavish ceremony attended by royals and Hollywood celebrities
Dazzling in a bespoke Victorian-esque gown, Ellie Goulding walked the aisle and exchanged vows with longtime partner Caspar Jopling. The two looked absolutely in love as they kissed each other for the first time as husband and wife at the York Minster Cathedral on Saturday, August 31.
The singer-songwriter arrived at the cathedral in a blue Volkswagen camper van where she was met by her stunning bridesmaids, who all donned white bridal dresses. Among the seven bridesmaids were her pals Hannah Lowe, Cassandra Gracey (President for Sony Music), and fashion stylist Zoe Jervoise Graham.
The 31-year-old British singer wore an ethereal creation which boasted a high ruffled neckline and long flowing veil. The gown was designed by French luxury fashion house Chloé in collaboration with Goulding by Natacha Ramsay-Levi, the label's creative director. As she waved to onlookers, Ellie's bridesmaids were seen trailing her as they held onto her dress.
Said to have taken over 640 hours, the dress was made from silk crêpe, delicately embellished with white glass beads and hand-embroidered with White Roses of York, a symbol of Yorkshire where her wedding took place. The main highlight of the attire was the couple's initials embroidered on the veil and collar.
The pair had an impressive guest list, headlined by Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom. Pop stars, artists and royal family members were also on the list, including Sarah, Duchess of York and her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, and they were greeted by Jack Brooksbank, Princess Eugenie's husband, who was one of the groomsmen. Among the other well-known faces were James Blunt, Tracey Emin, Sienna Miller, fitness coach Joe Wicks, and comedian Jimmy Carr.
Ellie's favorite composer, Norway's Ola Gjeilo, performed at the service, alongside the choir of London’s Royal Holloway University. The congregation was marked by a sermon by John Sentamu, the Archbishop of York, who culminated the event by uncorking a bottle of prosecco as a symbol of the newlyweds' "exhilarating love". A set of gifts, including a Ugandan wicker basket filled with treats and a bonsai tree, was then handed over to the couple to symbolize that marriages can last for years.
Those who want to get married at the cathedral need to have a special connection with the York Minster and a separate license. According to a spokesperson, the couple had "fulfilled" the qualifying criteria as Goulding was raised in Herefordshire and Jopling has strong connections to Yorkshire.