For you, from

Don & Paula

Sealed envelope

Greenstead Hall  ·  Essex

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Don and Paula

We’re Getting Married!

22–25 July  ·  Halstead, Essex

Countdown

To our greatest adventure

A warm note to our family and friends,

We are so excited to finally share the details of our wedding day, but mostly, we are so blessed that we get to celebrate this special day with you. We’ve created this website to make things easier for you as all the details and information will be posted on here.

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Our Venue

The Georgian Mansion
Greenstead Hall, Essex

Greenstead Hall illustration

Greenstead Hall · Halstead · Essex · CO9 1QN

Paula and Don Paula and Don Paula and Don Paula and Don

The Details

Us, in Brief

Every love story starts somewhere. Ours started with a match. The full feature premieres July 2027.

How We MetHinge, matched 20 March 2022
First Date24 March 2022, botanical gardens then Noodle Street
First Week4 dates
Officially Together24 April 2022
First TripMexico
Holidays Together11 and counting

Most Memorable Date — Don

Afternoon tea in the Cotswolds

Most Memorable Date — Paula

The first time we saw each other

Proposal20 May 2025, Fuerteventura
Years Together--

Thursday 22 July 2027

The Traditional Celebration

Paula and Don in traditional Congolese attire
A NOTE FROM PAULA & DON

This evening is deeply personal to us. We are both Congolese, and the traditional wedding is where our roots, our families and our joy all come together. Whether you know our culture well or are experiencing it for the first time — you are so welcome here. Come ready to celebrate.

About the Tradition

A celebration as vibrant as
the people in the room

In Congolese culture, the traditional wedding — known as the dot — is a cherished ceremony that unites not just two people, but two families. It is a moment of deep meaning, wrapped in music, laughter and the kind of joy that fills a room and spills out into the night.

Family is at the heart of everything. Elders speak, blessings are given, and the union is celebrated in the presence of everyone who has shaped who we are. You being here is part of that.

Our traditional celebration begins at 5:00pm and goes well into the evening — expect music, dancing, incredible food, and moments you won't forget.

Dress Code

Come dressed in bold, beautiful colour

This is not a night for beige. Our colour palette is purple and Bordeaux — rich, deep and celebratory. We invite you to dress in bold, vibrant colours that match the energy of the evening.

Traditional attire from any African culture is warmly welcomed and celebrated. If you'd like to wear an outfit that reflects your own heritage or simply dress in the spirit of the evening — please do. The more colour in the room, the better.

Purple

Bordeaux

Deep Plum

Violet

Gold

Please avoid white, cream and ivory — those shades are reserved for the bride. Everything else goes. The bolder, the better.

The Evening Programme

Guests Arrive

Welcome reception &
drinks on arrival

5:00pm

👡

5:30pm

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Family Introductions

Meeting & presentation
of both families

Gift Ceremony

Official presentation
of gifts between families

6:30pm

🎁

7:00pm

👑

Bride & Groom Entrance

The couple enter
in traditional attire

Family Blessing

Elders speak & blessings
are given to the couple

7:30pm

🙏🏾

8:00pm

🎶

Dinner & Dancing

Eat, dance, celebrate —
until the music stops

Saturday 24 July 2027

The White Wedding

Our ceremony. Our vows. Everyone we love, in one room.

A NOTE FROM PAULA & DON

This is the day we have been dreaming of. We chose each other, and now we get to celebrate that in front of every person who has shaped who we are. We want you to feel every bit of the joy we feel — so come ready to witness something beautiful, eat something delicious, and dance until your feet give up before you do.

Dress Code

Formal Elegance

Smart formal attire. Floor-length or midi gowns welcome for guests. Think elegance with personality — this is a celebration, not a boardroom. Wear something that makes you feel extraordinary.

Please avoid white, cream and ivory — those shades are reserved for the bride.

Sage

Gold

Linen

Forest

Ink

Flats are perfectly welcome — the grounds include both paved and grassed areas.

Order of the Day

Guests Arrive

Please be seated by 1:45pm

1:30pm

🌿

2:00pm

💍

The Ceremony

Exchange of vows & rings

Drinks Reception

Celebrate on the grounds
with canapés & champagne

3:00pm

🥂

7:00pm

🍽️

Wedding Breakfast

Dinner & speeches

Dancing & Celebration

Until the very end

Evening

🎶

Friday 23 July 2027

The Sunset Soirée & Bachelorette

An intimate celebration — for the women who have held Paula up.

A NOTE FROM PAULA

This day is just for us — the women I love most in the world. No agenda, no formality. Just good company, good energy and a celebration of what it means to have people like you in my corner. I cannot wait to spend this day with you before the biggest weekend of my life.

Who Is This For

An intimate gathering of women only

The bridal shower and bachelorette is a ladies-only event — the bridal party, close friends and the women in Paula's life who have meant the most. If you have received a separate invitation to this day, you are one of them.

Details of the day's activities will be shared closer to the date. Come expecting joy, laughter and a celebration that is entirely Paula.

This event is separate from the main wedding weekend. If you are unsure whether you are invited, please reach out to us directly.

Dress Code

Garden Party Chic

Midi or maxi length. Think elevated and feminine — something you feel genuinely beautiful in. This is a garden party with intention. Florals, pastels, bold prints — all welcome.

Please avoid white and ivory — those are reserved for the bride.

Terracotta

Gold

Mauve

Sage

Blush

The Schedule

The White Wedding

Our wedding celebrations are going to span a few days, each with its own special character. Here is the full line-up of what we have planned. We can't wait to see you there!

Thursday

22 July 2027

The Traditional Wedding

Programme

Doors Open

From 5:00pm

Dinner & Dancing

Evening Celebration

Dress Code

This will be a traditional wear celebration. We will be sharing details on how to purchase the official event fabric closer to the wedding date.

Friday

23 July 2027

The Sunset Soirée

Programme

Open to All Guests

From 5:30pm

Details to Follow

Dress Code

Bright summer colours — cocktail chic with a sun-soaked twist.

Saturday

24 July 2027

The Wedding

Programme

Ceremony

From 2:00pm

Reception

Immediately following the ceremony

Dinner & Dancing

Dress Code

Elegant pastels and soft tones. Please avoid white, cream and ivory — reserved for the bride.

Sunday

25 July 2027

Farewell

And just like that, we are married! Thank you for the best weekend ever. This day marks the end of our wedding celebrations. We just want to say a huge thank you in advance for making the trip to celebrate with us. We wish everyone a smooth and safe journey home today.

Check Out

Check out will be according to your accommodation booking, so please make sure everyone checks out on time to avoid incurring any extra charges.

Joining us?

Please attend whichever celebrations you are able to. When completing your RSVP, simply let us know which events you’ll be attending.

Dress with Us

Dress Code

We want you to feel as beautiful and celebrated as the occasion itself. Each event has its own invitation.

A little note

Please avoid white, cream and ivory on both ceremony days — those shades are reserved for the bride. Flats are perfectly welcome; the grounds include both paved and grassed areas.

Thursday 22 July

Black Tie

Think rich purples, deep Bordeaux and plum tones. Floor-length gowns for guests, tuxedo or dark suit for gentlemen. Lean into the colour — the bolder the better.

Inspiration palette

Friday 23 July

Garden Party Chic

Midi or maxi length. Elevated and feminine. Ladies only — wear something you love and feel genuinely beautiful in.

Inspiration palette

Saturday 24 July

Formal Elegance

Smart formal attire. Floor-length or midi gowns welcome. As beautiful as Thursday, with a touch more personality.

Inspiration palette

Travel & Accommodation

Our Venue

The Georgian Mansion, Greenstead Hall

Halstead  ·  Essex  ·  CO9 1QN

To help you plan your journey, we’ve included the most convenient travel options for reaching the venue and nearby accommodation.

By Car

We recommend travelling by car. Complimentary parking is available on-site. The venue is approximately one hour from Central London via the A12 or A120.

By Air

For guests travelling by air, London Stansted is the closest airport. The surrounding accommodation and the venue are approximately a 30-minute drive from the airport.

By Train

If you would like to travel by public transport, the nearest train station is Braintree. Taxis from the station take approximately 20 minutes to the venue.

Where to Stay

10–15 mins

Essex Golf & Country Club

Hotel, spa and golf on-site. A relaxed and elegant option close to the venue.

Room-Only Rates · 22–25 July 2027

Double Room — £225

Deluxe / Deluxe Twin — £279

Deluxe Suite — £387

The hotel has kindly reserved 10 rooms that qualify for our discounted wedding rate. You’re welcome to book beyond these 10 as well, though further rooms will be at the hotel’s standard rate. To book at the discounted rate, please call them directly on 0300 373 5888, mention the date of 22 July and quote “Don & Paula’s Wedding”. You will need to provide contact and card details at the time of booking to secure your room.

SpaGolf Course

~20 mins

Holiday Inn Express Braintree

Free breakfast, free parking, free WiFi.

Family Friendly

~20 mins

Premier Inn Braintree Freeport

Hypnos beds, free parking, near Freeport Designer Village.

Family Friendly

~20 mins

Premier Inn Braintree A120

Modern and spacious, easy A120 access, on-site restaurant.

Family Friendly

~20 mins

Travelodge Braintree

No-fuss, well-located in Braintree town centre, easy parking.

Family Friendly

Local Area

Airbnbs

There are a number of Airbnbs available in and around the local area. We recommend searching early as July is peak season.

Countryside

Find Your Way to Us

Travel & Directions

The Georgian Mansion is nestled in the North Essex countryside. However you arrive, we are so glad you’re coming.

🚗

By Car

Greenstead Hall, Halstead, Essex CO9 1QN. Ample parking on-site. Approx. 1 hour from Central London via the A12 or A120.

🚆

By Train

Nearest station: Braintree (Greater Anglia from Liverpool Street). Taxis from Braintree to the venue — approximately 20 minutes.

✈️

By Air

Stansted Airport is closest — approx. 30 minutes by car. Heathrow and Gatwick are both under 2 hours away.

🚕

Taxis & Transfers

We recommend pre-booking local taxis. A list of recommended firms will be shared closer to the date.

With Gratitude

A Note on Gifts

Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift we could ask for, and we are so grateful to be celebrating with you.

For those who have kindly asked if we have a gift list, we’ve created a registry with Prezola. We’ve included a selection of items we’d love for our home together, along with the option to contribute towards experiences and future plans if you prefer.

There is absolutely no expectation to give a gift, simply having you with us is more than enough.

Thank you for your love, generosity, and support as we begin this new chapter together. 🤍

Honeymoon & First Home Fund

You can now send your contribution directly using the button below.

Contribute to Our Honeymoon & First Home Fund →

Our Gift Registry

Browse our full wish list on Prezola and reserve something special for our home together.

View Our Full Registry on Prezola →

Any Questions?

Frequently Asked

Everything you need to know. If we’ve missed something, please just reach out — we’d love to hear from you.

Guest Information

Unfortunately not. As we’re keeping our celebrations intimate, invitations are limited to the guests named on your invitation.

Absolutely! Your little one(s) are very welcome. We simply ask that you help us keep the ceremony as peaceful as possible. If they need a little break, there will be plenty of indoor space where you can comfortably step away for a moment.

Please RSVP by 1 December 2026. We kindly ask that you respond by this date so we can finalise all arrangements for our celebrations.

We completely understand that plans can change. Please let us know as soon as possible so we can update our arrangements.

Celebration Details

Not at all. You are more than welcome to attend just the Traditional Reception and the Wedding Day if that works best for you. However, we would love to celebrate with you at the Sunset Soirée too!

Our Sunset Soirée is a relaxed welcome evening with food, drinks, music and good company. Starting in the late afternoon and continuing into the evening, it will be the perfect opportunity to gather, celebrate and spend time together before the wedding day.

Please refer to the Schedule page for the dress code for each celebration. For the Traditional Reception, we will be selling fabric for guests who would like to wear traditional attire.

Yes. Kindly avoid wearing white or ivory on the wedding day, as we would love to keep those colours reserved for the bride.

Yes, weather permitting! We all know the British weather can be unpredictable, but we are praying for beautiful weather (and we would love for you to join us in that prayer!). Some parts of the celebrations will take place outdoors.

Yes. We kindly ask that our ceremony is an unplugged moment. We want everyone to be fully present and enjoy the emotions of the day without distractions. We have also invested in professional videography and photography to capture these special moments for us, so we kindly ask that guests refrain from using mobile phones, iPads or cameras during the ceremony. Thank you for helping us create the atmosphere we have always dreamed of. 🤍

On The Day

Definitely! We want you to enjoy every moment, especially on the dance floor, so comfortable shoes are highly recommended.

Yes! A selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will be available throughout the celebrations.

We will have a dedicated wedding coordinator available on the day to assist with any questions or requests. Further details, including their contact information, will be shared closer to the wedding date.

We do! Please use #TheFinalMatch when sharing photos from our celebrations — we’d love to see them.

Travel & Accommodation

Uber operates in the area, but availability may be limited, particularly later in the evening. If you are staying at one of our recommended hotels, the reception team will be able to assist with arranging taxis to and from the venue.

The hotel has reserved 10 rooms at a discounted wedding rate — you’re welcome to book beyond these 10 too, though further rooms will be at the hotel’s standard rate. To book, please call 0300 373 5888 and quote: Don & Paula’s Wedding, Date: 22 July 2027. The team will then apply the discounted rate to the first 10 rooms (subject to availability).

Gifts

Of course. If you would still like to celebrate with us from afar, please visit the Gifts section of our website for more information.

RSVP & Attendance

This is incredibly important to us, please let us know if you will be attending. Please RSVP by 1 December 2026. Kindly note that if we do not receive a response by this date we will sadly have to count you as not attending.

Whether you can make one day or all three, we are so glad that you are in our lives. Please fill in as much detail as you can so we can make everything perfect for you.

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