Pearls of 30a

This photoshoot was one of our favorite shoots to date. Lauren Athalia, the photographer, is based out of Nashville and came up with the conceptual idea for the shoot, using her lens to interpret the metaphor of ‘mythological origins of the pearl’ in such a uniquely creative and intellectual presentation.

Pearls so commonly represent southern femininity, conjuring images of sorority sisters and high-society functions; however, Lauren visually brought our attention back to the origins of this ‘born in the water’ concept – as viewed mythologically.

On her website laurenathalia.com, Lauren writes of this shoot as a journey:

“This series is inspired by the worldwide mythological origins of the pearl. The ancient Japanese believed that pearls were created from the tears of mythical creatures, such as mermaids, nymphs, and angels.

Ancient Greek legend thought that pearls were the tears of the gods. They also believed that wearing pearls would prevent women from crying on their wedding day.

Hindu folklore speaks of pearls as dewdrops that fell out of the night, into the moonlit sea. One of the earliest accounts of pearls and weddings comes from the Hindu story of Krishna (or Vishnu), who plucked the first pearl from the depths of the ocean and gave it to his daughter Pandaia on her wedding day as a symbol of love, union, and purity.

And so our story begins.”

Photographer: Lauren Athalia 
Model: Piper Arielle
HMUA: Rachel Christine
Wardrobe Styling and #3 Dress: The Southern Atelier
Dress #1 and #2 available at Sirens at the Beach
Shell by Kathryn Alexandria
Assistant: Josh Wood

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