Don & Paula · July 2027 · Essex
The Georgian Mansion · Greenstead Hall · Essex
A weekend of celebration
22 — 25 July 2027
Don & Paula · July 2027 · Essex
Engaged · Fuerteventura 2024
Don & Paula · July 2027 · Essex
Golden light · Fuerteventura 2024
For you, from
Greenstead Hall · Essex
That doesn’t seem right — please check your invitation
Your code was sent with your save the date.
Paula & Don
22–25 July · Halstead, Essex
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.
Our Venue
Greenstead Hall · Halstead · Essex · CO9 1QN
The Details
Every love story starts somewhere. Ours started with a match. The full feature premieres July 2027.
Most Memorable Date — Don
Afternoon tea in the Cotswolds
Most Memorable Date — Paula
The first time we saw each other
Thursday 22 July 2027
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
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
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
Our ceremony. Our vows. Everyone we love, in one room.
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
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
An intimate celebration — for the women who have held Paula up.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
We want you to feel as beautiful and celebrated as the occasion itself. Each event has its own invitation.
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 TieThink 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.
Friday 23 July
Garden Party ChicMidi or maxi length. Elevated and feminine. Ladies only — wear something you love and feel genuinely beautiful in.
Saturday 24 July
Formal EleganceSmart formal attire. Floor-length or midi gowns welcome. As beautiful as Thursday, with a touch more personality.
Our Venue
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
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.
~20 mins
Free breakfast, free parking, free WiFi.
~20 mins
Hypnos beds, free parking, near Freeport Designer Village.
~20 mins
Modern and spacious, easy A120 access, on-site restaurant.
~20 mins
No-fuss, well-located in Braintree town centre, easy parking.
Local Area
There are a number of Airbnbs available in and around the local area. We recommend searching early as July is peak season.
Find Your Way to Us
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.
Paula & Don
A few moments from our love story — captured in golden light in Fuerteventura, 2024.
With Gratitude
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?
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.
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.
Loading guest list…
Tick each event every named person on this invitation will attend. It’s fine to save now and come back to finish later.