Names: Madeleine Silva, Nicholas Papas (Now Mr & Mrs Papas) 😏
Wedding Date: 18 January 2025
Wedding Location: Athol Hall Mosman
Number of guests: 96
We love to know the back-story, how did you first meet? And how did he propose?
We met during COVID. Our connection was gradually filled as we spent time during lockdown over outdoor walks within a “5 km radius”, fish market dates, bike riding and a scenic kayak in the harbour.
We quickly discovered we had a lot in common. That encounter blossomed into a beautiful friendship, nurtured by shared experiences and late-night talks.
It only became official when Nich was “encouraged” to “Ask Maddie to be his Girlfriend” on September 18th, 2021. Amidst the whirlwind of lockdowns, vaccines, and the challenges of work, our relationship grew stronger. By the time lockdown had passed, we were, ready to embark on the journey that was to come.
One memorable evening, in Sydney, a select few turned a hotel room into a moment where we made a heartfelt promise to take the next steps in life together.
Tell us about the styling/theme for your wedding? What was the atmosphere like on the day?
Modern. Luxe. Bright and Airy. Timeless. We wanted something that would last the ages.
The dress code was all black, black tie while we both wore white. The day took place set against the lush greenery of Athol Lawn, with the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge as a breathtaking backdrop. Crisp white and verdant green tones created a timeless palette that harmonises with the surroundings while elevating the space with a sense of understated luxury. We hosted guests from 2pm when the ceremony commenced, right through to end of the reception. The celebrations consisted of cocktails, oyster shucking, lawn games, a giant personalised crossword, live cake station, cigar & whiskey bar. We had guest illustrations & permanent jewelry station in replacement of bonbonnieres.
What do you feel was the most unique/memorable part of your wedding?
The most memorable part of the day was spending it with everyone we love with the love of my love. It’s very rare there will be another time in your life every single person you love will be in one room together.
The most unique, I would say the permanent jewellery station. It was an absolute hit with the guests!
Tell us about your wedding dress & how you came to choose the perfect one:
My dress was actually one of the easiest decisions I made, I found the dress the first place I went to. Prior to going to Grace Loves Lace I had a Pinterest mood board with dresses I liked, as most girls would. I tried on 4 others before trying on Goldie which I instantly fell in love with. She is timeless, modern & elegant. I didn’t even want to try on more dresses after that.
I had asked Nich what he envisioned I would wear, and funnily enough he guessed exactly what I had already purchased. Almost thought about getting a different dress for a moment.
The reception dress was a last-minute, I wanted to change into cowboy boots at some point in the night & Goldie just didn’t work with that. That’s when I found Aston Bridal, they were able to pull some miracles & I received the stunning Darbi mini in post the next day (2 weeks before the wedding).
Wedding dress brand and style name:
Ceremony: Grace Loves Lace – Goldie
Reception: Aston Bridal – Darbi Mini
Name of Lolaknight pieces worn on the day:
Skylar Bridal Earrings. I have a raw diamond engagement ring so it was only fitting to pair with raw freshwater pearl earrings.
Is there anything you wish you had done differently?
Nothing at all. We honestly had the best day of our lives.
What advice would you give to future brides?
This was left in our advice station at the wedding & I think it is beautiful, so I’ll share that. Marriage isn’t always going to be 50/50, sometimes its going to be 80/20 or 60/40. Some days we have more than enough to give and other days we just don’t have it. Have each other’s days & pick each other up always.
Tell us about your suppliers:
We wanted our wedding to be more of a party than a wedding and the suppliers did an exceptional job doing this.
We had many exciting things going on:
- A live content creator to capture images on the fly: @themodernbridesbff
- Our AMAZING Stylist / florist / stationary @firstsundayevents
- Our DJs who curated the event and provided the goods during cocktail hour and the reception @djtellyp @movesamaze,
- Live oyster shucking @sydneyoystergirls
- 2 Live guest illustrators @anastasiatanuputri , @illustrated_by.sun
- Some live music which included Vocalist & Piano during the ceremony and cocktail hour and Saxophone for the reception @upbeat.social + Bouzouki to finish the night (wouldn’t be marrying a Greek without one) @Tassosbouzouki
- Sparkulars, dry ice & Co2 Guns was supplied by @sydney_fireworks_pyrotechnic
- Permanent jewellery station @albiamorejewellers
- We had an amazing comedian as the MC @anthony.locash
- Live Cake making @adri.chef85
- We had beautiful classic Mustangs provided by @classicmoments.au
Make up artist: @lydiasleimanmakeup
Hair: @Dodiejayhair
Celebrant: @brett_hookham
Florist: @firstsundays
Styling/furniture/decorations: @firstsundays , @optimumeventhire
Groom’s suit: @uminori.atellier
Musicians/DJ: @djtellyp, @movesamaze, @upbeat.social @Tassosbouzouki
