P & M
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Together with our families

P & M

Paschal & Maryanne

October 24, 2026  ·  12 Noon CT

From Ede to Forever

Counting down to noon Central Time on Saturday 24 October 2026

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Our Story

Welcome, dear friend

We're getting married — and we still can't quite believe we get to say that. This little corner of the internet holds our story, the details for the day, and everything you'll need to celebrate alongside us.

Thank you for being part of our forever.

RSVP The Day
&

How it began

Before there was a wedding, there were two strangers in a small Nigerian town — and a year neither of us saw coming.

Our Story

From Ede to Forever

Paschal and Maryanne during their NYSC service year in Ede

2019 · The Posting

Where two paths crossed

Far from home and freshly posted for NYSC service, we met in Ede — two corps members who had no idea a shared assignment was about to rewrite both our lives.

2020 · Falling

Friendship, then everything

It started with long talks and longer laughs. Somewhere between shared meals and Sunday Mass, friendship quietly became something neither of us could name — until we both did.

Paschal and Maryanne together
Paschal and Maryanne on an evening out

2025 · The Question

One knee, one yes

He had a whole speech planned. He forgot most of it. She said yes before he could finish anyway — and that was the easiest decision either of us has ever made.

2026 · Forever

And now, the altar

From a corps lodge in Ede to a church in Emporia, the road has been longer and lovelier than we imagined. On October 24th, we say forever — and we want you there for it.

Paschal and Maryanne by the lake

Every yes leads somewhere. Ours leads to an altar in Emporia — and we would be honoured to have you there.

The Day

Saturday, October 24, 2026

A Catholic Nuptial Mass & reception · Emporia, Kansas

The Ceremony

12:00 Noon

Catholic Nuptial Mass
Emporia, Kansas

Address for invited guests ↓

The Reception

3:00 PM

Dinner, toasts & dancing
to follow the Mass

Address for invited guests ↓

Dress Code

Formal

Black-tie optional. Suits, tuxedos, floor-length and formal midi dresses are all right at home. Our colours are evergreen, gold and warm neutrals — lovely, but never required. A wrap or jacket helps in the church and after dark.

Order of the Day

11:30 AM Guests arrive & are seated
12:00 PM Nuptial Mass
1:30 PM Cocktail hour for guests · couple's photos
3:00 PM Reception & dinner
5:00 PM Toasts & first dance
7:00 PM Dancing until late

A Note on the Mass

For our guests who aren't Catholic — you are so welcome here.

A Nuptial Mass runs a little longer than a typical ceremony — usually about an hour to an hour and a quarter. You'll be invited to sit, stand, and kneel along with everyone; please feel free to simply remain seated whenever you'd prefer. During Communion, all are welcome to come forward for a blessing (cross your arms over your chest) or to stay in your pew. There's nothing to prepare — just come as you are and celebrate with us.

For our invited guests

Where to go, where to stay

Addresses, parking, hotels and the wedding-day phone number. Enter the code from your invitation to see them.

Dashes and capitals don't matter.

Haven't had your invitation yet? It's on its way — everything will be here waiting.

&

We know many of you are crossing state lines and time zones to stand with us. Let us help you find your way to Emporia.

Travel & Stay

Getting to Emporia

Nearest Airports

Kansas City Intl.

MCI

≈ 110 mi
2 hr drive

Wichita Eisenhower

ICT

≈ 95 mi
1 hr 30 min

Getting Around

Hire a car

There's no airport shuttle to Emporia, and rideshare cover is thin — a rental car is much the easiest way.

Hotels & room block

Rates, booking links and the group code are with the rest of the details — enter your invitation code.

Driving

Emporia sits where I-35 meets the Kansas Turnpike (I-335), about an hour southwest of Topeka. The Turnpike is a toll road, so allow a little for tolls. If you're renting a car, ask the rental company how they handle tolls before you set off.

Time zone

Emporia runs on Central Time. Noon here is 6:00 PM in both Lagos and London on our wedding day — British clocks don't go back until the following morning.

October weather

Mid-October in Kansas is usually 60–70°F (16–21°C) in the daytime and can fall to around 40°F (4°C) once the sun goes down. Bring a jacket or a wrap for the evening — and for the church, which runs cool.

Addresses & parking

Kept for invited guests. Enter your code for the venue addresses, a map, parking instructions and the wedding-day phone number.

Registry

Your presence is the present

Truly — having you with us is the only gift we're hoping for.

We've kept things simple. If you'd like to help us begin this new chapter, we've gathered a few things in one place.

Good to Know

A few gentle answers

When do you need my reply?

By 1 September 2026. That's when we give the caterer our final numbers, so a reply before then is a real kindness. RSVP here.

Can I change my answer afterwards?

Yes — right up to 1 September. Go back to the RSVP page, enter your code again, and your previous answers will be there to edit.

I've lost my invitation code.

It happens. Reply to the message we sent you, or email us, and we'll send it straight back over. Please don't use someone else's — the code is what tells us which seats are yours.

May I bring a guest?

Your invitation names everyone we've saved a seat for, and the RSVP page will show you exactly who that is. If it includes a plus-one, there'll be a space for you to give us their name. We've had to keep numbers tight, so we can't add seats beyond that — we hope you understand.

Are children invited?

We love your little ones. If your invitation includes them by name, please do bring them — there's a children's meal on the RSVP form. If it doesn't, we've kept that celebration adults-only, and we'd be glad to help you find a sitter for the evening.

What should I wear?

Formal — black-tie optional. Suits, tuxedos, floor-length and formal midi dresses are all at home here. Our colours are evergreen, gold and warm neutrals; you're welcome to echo them, but never obliged. We'd gently ask you to leave white and ivory to the bride. Shoulders covered in church is appreciated, and the evening turns cool, so bring a wrap or jacket.

Are the ceremony and reception in the same place?

The exact addresses are with the rest of the details — enter your invitation code and you'll see both, with maps and parking. If a drive is involved between them, we'll say so clearly there.

What time should I arrive?

Please be seated by 11:30 AM Central. The Mass begins at noon and the doors close as the procession starts, so anyone arriving late will need to wait for a break to be seated.

I'm not Catholic — what do I do?

Come exactly as you are; there's nothing to prepare. A Nuptial Mass usually lasts about an hour to an hour and a quarter. You'll see people sit, stand and kneel — join in or stay seated, whichever you prefer, and nobody will mind. At Communion you're warmly welcome to come forward for a blessing with your arms crossed over your chest, or simply stay in your pew.

Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?

Both the Mass and the reception are indoors, so the Kansas weather can do as it likes. Photographs may take us outside briefly if it's fine.

Can I take photographs?

During the Mass, please put your phone away and simply be with us — our photographer has it covered, and a raised phone in the aisle ends up in every shot. From the reception onwards, please take all the photographs you like.

Can I post photos online?

Yes, and we'd love to see them — after the ceremony, please. We'd only ask that you don't post pictures of the bride before she walks down the aisle.

Will there be a livestream?

We're hoping to stream the Mass for family who can't travel. It isn't confirmed yet — as soon as it is, the link will appear here and we'll send it round.

Is parking free? Is the venue accessible?

Parking, step-free access and accessible seating are all covered in the invited-guests section. If you need anything specific — a reserved seat near the front, a wheelchair space, help getting from the car — just tell us on your RSVP or message us, and we'll arrange it.

Will there be a bar?

We won't be hosting a bar, but our reception venue has one where you're welcome to buy drinks, so do bring a card if you'd like one. If you plan to drink, please arrange a safe way back to your hotel.

Is there a Nigerian element to the day?

There is, and we can't wait. Paschal's family is Igbo and Maryanne's is Edo, so alongside the Catholic Mass you'll find touches of both through the celebration — music, colour and the odd moment that will make sense to some guests and delight the rest. No preparation needed: follow the room, and someone will happily explain.

Who do I call on the day?

There's a wedding-day phone number in the invited-guests section — please use that rather than calling us. If you're lost, delayed or need anything at all, that's the number that will actually be answered.