Adelaide influencer, author, and event manager Taydam Knowles, 25, revealed that she recently converted to the Greek Orthodox Christian faith before marrying George-Alexander Mamalis, founder of The Adelaide Set and newly appointed state coordinator of Turning Point Australia.
The couple, who met five years ago after exchanging messages online.
“He likes to joke it was a well-timed pink bikini post that drew him in,” she laughs, will wed this weekend in a traditional Greek Orthodox ceremony in Adelaide.
“I’m super excited about that moment when I walk into the church and see George, it will be super special,” Knowles told The Advertiser in an interview shared widely on social media. “Being in this spiritual walk with my fiancé is just magical to me.”
A personal and spiritual journey
Knowles said her conversion was a gradual process that unfolded over two years of study and reflection.
“My decision to be baptised was very slow-burning and organic,” she said. “George didn’t push me, it just deepened our connection. I’ve always been open to faith and personal growth
The influencer described discovering the “ritual and symbolism” of Orthodoxy as deeply meaningful. “There are so many saints whose stories remind you of strength and redemption. Understanding what they overcame helps you believe that you can too.”
Faith, roots, and new beginnings
Raised without a church background, Knowles has spoken candidly about her early life, including the challenges of growing up with parents who battled addiction. “My parents are so proud, we have the best relationship we can,” she said.
Now, she says, faith has given her grounding. “I truly believe a lot of us have walked too far from our roots,” she reflected. “We can’t change the world overnight, but we can live more fruitfully be deep with people, take care of people, be there for each other.”
Her forthcoming wedding at Carrick Hill, in the Adelaide foothills where Mamalis proposed in 2023, will combine Orthodox tradition with modern elegance. She’ll wear an Audrey Hepburn-inspired ivory gown and walk down the aisle accompanied by her eldest brother, John.
After the ceremony, the couple will celebrate with a glitzy reception before departing on a two-week honeymoon to a surprise location.
As she prepares for married life, Knowles says her baptism and wedding mark both a personal transformation and a public affirmation of faith.
“I think the biggest blessing of being baptised as an adult is that you remember it forever,” she said. “It’s like coming home after a long journey.”
