Drum roll, please. Coachella before it was Coachella. An event to rival any royal coronation. The party of the century. Trixie’s wedding day is finally here and we should all feel blessed to witness such a historic day. Seriously… we have been waiting for this for years. Thankfully, we all have front row seats to the big event as we head into this week’s Season 12 finale. (We blinked, and somehow we’re already here?!) Though there have been plenty of weddings in Nonnatus House history, we’re excited to see our Day One midwife finally have her moment in the sun.

Preparations for the Big Day

Last week’s episode ended on a low note when Sister Monica Joan’s battle with hepatitis and our emotions were left hanging in the balance. Luckily, the writers of Call the Midwife spared us, and she’s recovered just in time for the celebration. She’s not exactly in a party mood, but Sister Julienne and Sister Veronica do their best to keep her motivated ahead of the big day. They encourage her to rehearse her reading for the ceremony so that she has something to work toward, but she’s not a fan of Sister Veronica’s theatrics or the reading they made on her behalf while she was ill.

Brother of the Bride

Trixie’s brother Geoffrey also makes an appearance this week and has traveled all the way from Malta to shower his sister with love – and much-needed emotional support. He also delivers her wedding dress and, along with chief bridesmaid Nancy, acts as an unofficial wedding organizer for activities leading up to the main event. This includes the hen night, which is still a question mark after Trixie turns down dancing, fine dining and (for obvious reasons) a night at a wine bar.

Nancy’s Job News

As if bridesmaid duties aren’t stressful enough, Nancy also finds herself in an awkward position at work this episode. Sister Julienne tells Nancy that she’s received a request for the young midwife’s references, and learns during their conversation that Nancy applied for a job at Neverditch Hospital only weeks ago. (Yes, our jaws are on the floor too.)

Nancy emphasizes how happy she’s been at Nonnatus House but also explains that the position would come with rent-free housing. This is a huge perk because it would allow her to finally live with Colette. She also worries that if Nonnatus House closes down, she and Colette would have nowhere to go and that this job might be the security she needs for their future. The news is a huge blow – as is the mention of Nonnatus House’s potential demise – but Sister Julienne advises Nancy to do what she feels is best for her future.

The Missing Tiara

If you thought that was a shock, just wait. It wouldn’t be a true wedding week without some drama. Or in this case, a boatload of it. Nerves are getting to everyone this episode, and Matthew and Trixie get into their first big argument over the Aylward family tiara.

The family’s sapphire head ornament would have been Trixie’s “something old, something borrowed and something blue,” and was sure to be a showstopper. However, she later learns that Matthew’s mother actually sold the tiara to a family friend to help pay for a six-week vacation cruise for her husband not long before his death. The miscommunication over its whereabouts and the Aylward family’s finances result in a heated exchange and many tears (on Trixie’s end).

Trixie storms into Nonnatus House where Phyllis, Sister Veronica and Geoffrey are trying to plan a spa day for her hen night. She tells them that she almost purchased a pillbox hat to wear for her wedding, but opted for the Aylward tiara instead, not knowing it was no longer in their possession as previously implied. Now, she has nothing to secure her veil with. Though it’s a bit of a champagne problem and not quite as bad as Lucille’s golf ball-sized black eye before her wedding, it’s still an understandably stressful situation.

Pre-Wedding Nerves

While everyone consoles Trixie, Cyril runs into Matthew in the allotment where he’s reflecting on their fight. Cyril is no stranger to the obstacles that can arise in a marriage, and he reminds Matthew that their love has already helped them overcome challenges in the past and that their love will continue to carry them through their marriage. Cyril is right, as usual, and Matthew calls Trixie that evening to apologize. He admits that he’s nervous about the wedding but that he’s more than ready to spend the rest of his life with her.

Family Differences

It’s wedding season all over Poplar, and one of the midwives’ patients is also saying “I do.” Lizzie and Arnold Yu have just married and are also expecting their first child together. The newlyweds are head over heels for each other and can’t wait for their baby to arrive.

However, as the eager grandmothers-to-be in their lives become more vocal about how Lizzie and Arnold’s baby should be raised, their English and Chinese cultures begin to clash. This only causes more headaches for the couple. Thankfully, Shelagh is Lizzie’s midwife, and she’s empathetic to the couple’s situation, having adopted her daughter May from Hong Kong and being part of a blended family. All Lizzie wants is to focus on her pregnancy, but instead, she and Arnold are caught in the middle trying to appease their mothers.

Midwives to the Rescue

Back at Nonnatus House, the case of the missing tiara still remains an issue, even though Trixie and Matthew have made up. Little does she know, her friends have a backup plan. The women work together to create a custom pillbox hat with the remnants of Trixie’s wedding dress, procure a handkerchief from Miss Higgins and make a small bow from her old uniform and the Sisters’ old habits to pin under her dress. After a relaxing spa night at Nonnatus House, the women present the gifts to Trixie as replacements for her something old, something borrowed and something blue, and there are glossy eyes all around. (Anyone have a handkerchief handy? Our eyes won’t stop leaking.)

In a surprise twist, Matthew manages to find the tiara after all and brings it to Nonnatus House the next day. Despite his efforts hunting it down, he and Trixie agree that it’s not the right fit for the wedding in the end. Matthew confesses that he thinks the tiara is hideous, and Trixie tells him that she appreciates the sentiment behind her new hat from her friends and would feel guilty if she didn’t wear it. Additionally, she doesn’t want the tiara to be a distraction from what’s really important: getting married to the man she loves.

Nancy’s Secret Exposed

With Tiaragate done and dusted, on to the next issue! The following day, Trixie starts her morning by opening her wedding mail before the women head off to do their district rounds. While they’re all in the medical room together, she accidentally opens a letter addressed to Nancy and reveals to the group that not only has Nancy applied to the job at Netherditch but that her application has been successful. Nancy attempts to downplay the hospital’s offer but ultimately exclaims that she’ll make a decision about the job after the wedding.

Change for Nonnatus House

Phyllis is overcome with emotion as the possibility of Nancy leaving for a new job and Trixie’s eventual move into a new home become more real. On top of all that, Cyril arrives at Nonnatus House on behalf of the council to do a structural audit on the building, and this causes her to spiral over the fate of her own future.

Everything is changing and not only is she sad that everyone seems to be leaving the nest, but she’s worried she’ll be left behind. She confides in Sister Julienne who reassures her that won’t happen and also reveals exciting news. Not only is the Order reinstating their midwife training program through St. Cuthbert’s, but Matthew also secretly bought Nonnatus House from the council! As it turns out, Cyril’s inspection was part of the big surprise and was the green light for Matthew to purchase the building. For now, the women no longer have to worry about the threat of demolition, and Nonnatus House is here to stay!

The Last Hurrah

It’s good news for all, but of course, it doesn’t make Trixie’s last day in the house any less emotional. Trixie, Nancy, Colette and Geoffrey head off to the Ormonde Hotel, and we’re only crying a little bit as her friends set off fireworks for her departure. That night, Nancy discusses her job dilemma with Trixie and admits that, for the first time in her life, she feels that she and Colette are part of a family. With all the people she loves, and who love her, in Poplar, the decision about the position at Netherditch is that much harder. Though Trixie doesn’t persuade her to choose Poplar or Surrey, she does acknowledge the challenge of having to choose between two great opportunities. However, with Trixie’s wedding only hours away, they table the conversation as a Future Nancy problem.

Wedding Drama

The next morning, the day begins with both excitement and absolute chaos – as is the Call the Midwife way. Suits aren’t fitting quite right; Colette keeps having nose bleeds; flowers are delivered to the wrong location; Dr. Turner is still on call. Sister Monica Joan also chooses to stay home and because of this, Sister Veronica must stay with her and miss the occasion.

Tragedy Strikes

In the midst of all of the wedding drama, Lizzie Yu begins to experience contractions. Both Arnold and Lizzie’s mothers bicker over who will go to the hospital with her, but Arnold puts his foot down and tells them that he’ll drive his wife while the others stay at home. When he and Lizzie make it down to their car, they burst into laughter, revealing that they planned the elaborate act all along to prevent their mothers from joining. Rather than going to the hospital, they make their way to the Turners’ maternity home and happen to drive by Dr. Turner, Shelagh, and Timothy, who are on their way to Chelsea for the wedding.

Only seconds go by before the Turners hear the Yus’ car crash just around the corner. They immediately rush over to the scene and find Arnold injured, crying out for help. When they’re able to pull Lizzie from the car, they quickly discover she has died, either from head trauma or a heart attack. However, Shelagh realizes that Lizzie’s baby still has a heartbeat and, with no other option, knows that they have to operate on her (right there on the street). It is TRAUMATIC for all involved. While Timothy takes care of Arnold, who is in shock, Shelagh and Dr. Turner make quick work to retrieve the Yus’ daughter. She is alive and healthy, and they immediately send her and Arnold to the hospital in an ambulance. Afterwards, the trio makes a quick outfit change and continues on to the wedding.

The Show Must Go On

They arrive just in time to catch the latter part of the ceremony, and also hear breaking news over their car radio that the Ormonde Hotel is on fire. This is fine. Everything is fine. They run into Sister Monica Joan (who rallied and snuck out of Nonnatus House on her own) with Sister Veronica right behind her.

As they enter, Sister Monica Joan announces her presence to those in attendance before they take their seats and later delivers her reading as planned. Well, sort of. She decides to go off script and reads an entirely different passage instead with a bit of improvisation on top of it. Despite Trixie’s initial anxiety over the sudden change, the reading is heartwarming, reflects on loved ones past and leaves everyone emotional in a good way.

Poplar Saves the Day

The wedding ceremony is beautiful, and Trixie is an absolutely stunning bride, handmade pillbox hat and all. At long last, Trixie and Matthew are Lord and Lady Aylward. Following the ceremony, Geoffrey eventually informs the newly married couple of the incident at their reception venue, and everyone heads over to Nonnatus House for celebratory drinks instead. After some last minute calls and quick work from their friends, Trixie and Matthew receive one last surprise, and fortunately, it’s a good one.

Dr. Turner asks for the bride, groom, and their guests to join him outside of Nonnatus House where the community has come together to supply them with food, music, decor, and more. Though it’s not the grand reception they initially planned, it’s the East End wedding that Trixie had secretly hoped for all along. Despite the numerous fire drills (and actual fires) that the group had to put out throughout the day, the evening is successful and shows just how important they are to the people of Poplar. It’s a perfect celebration and the best way to end Season 12.

Forgot how we got here? Catch up on Call the Midwife with the Season 12, Episode 7 GIF Recap.