MM YIAYIA | MARIA
MARIA VOURIS
Introducing a new chapter to The Journal that is very close to our hearts. A series of imagery & interviews with the people most special to us and those that have influenced our journey with Mountain & Moon in the greatest ways possible. Our family & loved ones provide countless support, advice and inspiration, and we would not be who we are today without them.
Essentially, this is an ode to those who we adore, and we hope you love to delve deeper with us into our lives and the stories of those who have helped shaped MM alongside us from the beginning.
Meet Maria Vouris, Audrey's yiayia. Yiayia is greek for grandmother, and Maria is the matriarch to a large mixed family of Greek and Australian heritage. Growing up in a small village called Andronyiannos, Maria came to Australia for the first time on a ship at the age of 23 for an arranged marriage. She didn't speak any English and she had only seen one photo of her soon to be husband. She began her life here as a housewife, within a year became a young mother and also helped run their family fish and chip shop.
Meet Maria Vouris, Audrey's yiayia. Yiayia is greek for grandmother, and Maria is the matriarch to a large mixed family of Greek and Australian heritage. Growing up in a small village called Andronyiannos, Maria came to Australia for the first time on a ship at the age of 23 for an arranged marriage. She didn't speak any English and she had only seen one photo of her soon to be husband. She began her life here as a housewife, within a year became a young mother and also helped run their family fish and chip shop.
A mother of 3, grandmother of 7 and great grandmother of 2 (soon to be 3!), the sometimes quiet yet always sassy and strong woman loves her family, gardening, cooking delicious food, sparkly outfits and watching her favourite show Home & Away every night. A beautiful role model, headstrong yet humble, who constantly amazes her whole family with her incredible energy and never give up attitude.
Ashton photographed and Audrey interviewed her yiayia in her gorgeous little home and thriving garden on a sunny afternoon in December. When we arrived at her house she feigned shyness but as soon as we got the camera out Maria went into instant model mode and posed up a storm. We were fed all of the greek sweets and she made us laugh til we cried with her hilarious but also touching anecdotes. Yiayia we adore you, and you make our jewels look damn stunning!
Maria wears the Tijana Necklace, Rachael Necklace, Maria Hoops, Venus Necklace and the Celine Earrings
You can head to our IGTV @mountainandmoon to explore the video interview with Maria discussing her love for gold jewellery since she was a young girl and how jewels make her feel now.