The best images tell stories, and they make you feel something. It has been our enormous privilege to see and share so many breathtaking images over the past five years, and we’re delighted to review a selection of our favorites today. Selection, because we just couldn’t narrow this category down to ten…

From Nicole: This one gives me warm fuzzies. I am most looking forward to spending quality time with my sister before the ceremony for her own big day, and always think of this image when I imagine it. I love this one, too! Photo by Rylee Hitchner from Holly + Chase’s wedding.

Lara loves this one so much she made it a full-page image in V5. I love the hint of a smile you can just see at the edge of the frame, and all that glorious tulle. Photo by Lauren Larsen from Hailey + Rhet’s wedding (here and here).

From Kristin: This image of our own Emily Thomas took my breath away when I saw it for the first time. I think she looks magical. The light and the way the veil is flowing make for an unforgettable moment. She is the nicest, guys. Photo by Tanja Lippert from my wedding (here and here).

From Marissa: There is just something about this image that makes my heart sing! I remember sitting in the office in Chapel Hill and Lara showing me this shoot for the first time, and I just couldn’t get over this image. Photo by Amelia Lyon from this editorial.

Marissa also loved this capture, calling it powerful and touching. Photo by Cassidy Brooke from Natalie + Shobie’s wedding.

We published this wedding and image around the same time I hired Tanja for my own wedding, and I remember getting giddy every time I looked at. She is amazing, y’all! Photo by Tanja Lippert from Paige + Adam’s wedding (here and here).

From Marissa: “I love how this image represents everything that the South is about: family, friends, food, and the tradition of sharing life together.” Photo by Joey + Jessica from this editorial.

It doesn’t matter how many times I see this image, the utter joy on this father’s face never gets old. For me, it sums up so much of what a wedding day is about. Photo by Robyn Van Dyke from Ali + Austin’s wedding.

I still think that the images from Katharine’s wedding are some of the most beautiful and timeless we’ve ever published. The anticipation captured in these two is so memorable for me. Photos by Bryan Johnson from Katharine + Kyle’s wedding (here, here, and here).

From Lara: “This shot captured my heart. There is such a quiet intimacy between the newlyweds as they enjoy their glowing reception.” Another photo by Bryan Johnson, from Catherine + Ben’s wedding (here and here).

This one is a favorite of Lara and Marissa. The joy, energy, and movement is contagious! Photo by Jonathan Canlas from Annie + Jimmy’s wedding (here and here).

Finally, Nicole described this photo as “what all celebrations should look like,” and I tend to agree. Photo by The Nichols from Stacy + Adam’s wedding.

Belles, do you have a photo that sticks out in your mind from over the years? We’d love for you to share!

We’ve produced many an editorial shoot for our print editions over the years. (Y’all, we can’t wait to show you what we’re cooking up for V6!) Though there are significantly less editorials to choose from than our 500+ real weddings, it’s still difficult for us to choose just a couple features from the many that have stolen our hearts. However, we prevailed! And we bring you some of the most darling photos from our favorites.

Carolina On My Mind, photographed by Joey + Jessica‘s for the V3 Cover!

Kristin: Hands down my favorite. I have been a loyal SW reader since sometime before V3 hit shelves. I remember when I saw the V3 cover for the first time and fell head over heels. It just shouts ‘Southern goodness’ to me. The images radiate freshness and simplicity and joy and of course I LOVED the peaches. The fact that this shoot was called “Carolina on My Mind’ probably didn’t hurt either. This shoot inspired a few details of my own wedding. The texture in her bouquet was the inspiration for my bridesmaids bouquets. The freshness and comfort of the setting played a big role in my decision to make our wedding reflect our favorite things.

Lara: I will never forget seeing the V3 shoot from Joey and Jessica for the first time. It was love at first sight! The bride’s casual sweet braid combined with the beautiful blooms and her relaxed joy made for a magical cover!

Sweet Love, photographed by Amelia Lyon.

Marissa: For some reason this shoot has always stuck with me. It’s different than our traditional aesthetic (and different than what I personally always fall for), and the BIG image of the model with the red lips is absolutely stunning!

Up, Up and Away (The Hot Air Balloon Shoot), photographed by Jose Villa.

Emily: There was definitely something magical about the hot air balloon shoot we put together for V3. Even though I am NOT an early bird and would almost never say anything positive about getting up at 3am (seriously, I am not kidding – 3am), I will admit it was absolutely mesmerizing to see the sun rise over the Blue Ridge Mountains while I stood in the middle of an empty field wet with dew and a hot air balloon inflated next to me. Plus, the shoot was over by 9am, which is a much shorter shoot day than I’m used to!!

South Carolina Polo Prep, photographed by A Bryan Photo.

Emily: Despite horrible red ants and blazing heat, I have such fond memories of the polo shoot because for me, it was a rare chance to step into another world for a day. We were embraced by the family who runs the polo farm where we were shooting, and it was so neat to see the daily pattern of their life from the inside out. Plus, one of my favorite things about shoot days is getting to work alongside talented and inspiring vendors, and this shoot had some of the best of the best! It doesn’t hurt that the final images are some of our most enduring.

Kristin: Preppy green goodness from the Polo Prep shoot. The gingham, the stripes, the simplicity of the flowers – I loved every detail and there were so many amazing things to take in. I loved the monogrammed linens and the miniature food. The bride’s capped-sleeved gown was so elegant and dainty! If I could get married again, I think the fresh and clean green/white/cream color palette might be the winner.

Paper, Cotton, Flour, photographed by Joey + Jessica.

Marissa: While this shoot is stunningly gorgeous, the memories from this shoot are by far some of my favorite SW memories to date. Must have been something about that Southern heat!

Yellow Rose of Texas, photographed by Ryan Ray.

Kristin: I left off the Yellow Rose of Texas shoot at first because I know it is a favorite of many. I fell in love with all the little children and loved the bright yellow against the Texas rolling hills and big blue sky. Oh my, those children and those bright yellow roses.

Lara: This shoot embodies what our core is — true love and joy!

Blue Ribbon Bounty, photographed by Joey + Jessica.

Nicole: For a lover of all things pie-related, this was a no-brainer. It was the gorgeous family-style table setup and the addition of beautiful china patterns that took this concept over the top for me.

Freshly Squeezed, photographed by KT Merry.

Nicole: Citrus and bright colors? How could I not love this shoot? With punchy patterns and a sweets table straight from heaven, I find inspiration in this shoot daily.

Family Heirlooms, photographed by Eric Kelley.

Lara: This is definitely my favorite shoot of all time for a billion reasons. Read the article in V5 for more on why this shoot carries my heart!

Now that’s a lot of gorgeous editorials! Be sure to pick up your copies of the magazine here to see more.

Even though we featured a whole bunch of surcees on Tuesday, we have one more for you today! This one definitely embodies a thoughtful gift given unexpectedly or for no reason — one of my favorite kinds!

Says Amber Housley, the designer and stylist:

I love this time of year because the packaging and supplies in stores are in such cheerful hues! These take-out boxes from World Market in wide range of Easter egg inspired colors would make perfect vessels for a sweet treat such as these confetti pretzels. You can whip up a large batch of these in no time at all, and they’ll make a great gift for your spring gatherings and friends.

What you’ll need:
– large snack-size pretzels
– white vanilla candy melting chips
– candy confetti sprinkles
– mixing bowl
– cookie sheet, lined with wax paper
– microwave or double boiler to melt the vanilla candy chips
– colorful take-out boxes and stuffing to gift the finished pretzels (in addition to World Market, we like checking out the Container Store, Michaels, and Target for fun vessels! Online, Shop Sweet Lulu is a treasure trove!)

Step 1: Melt the candy chips in a bowl by using the microwave and stirring every 30 seconds or using a double boiler until chips are melted.

Step 2: Dip the pretzels until covered then hold over bowl, allowing the excess coating to drip off.

Step 3: Place the pretzels on the wax paper covered cookie sheet in a single layer. Sprinkle with candy confetti as desired then place sheet in refrigerator for at least 15 minutes or until set.

Step 4: Carefully pull pretzels up from wax paper and package in take-out box containers for gift giving!

Amber Housley is a delightful member of our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!

With the promise of a sweet Southern spring around the corner, we thought it was time to dust off our Southern Stems column! So far we’ve covered south of the Mason-Dixon Line favorites camellias, wisterias, and Texas blue bonnets, and today, it’s the gardenia’s turn.

Though I have many loves, gardenias are without a doubt my favorite Southern flower. Aside from their gorgeous looks, their smell is absolutely divine. (Strong, but divine.) I also love how something so precious is at the same time so common, at least in the South. Almost every house in my neighborhood has a bush, and I snapped this perfect bloom — one of many we passed! — on a walk one evening last June.

Elizabeth Messina via Mindy Weiss, Martha Stewart Weddings, Beaux Arts Photographie

The most common variety of gardenias, gardenia jasminoides, is native to Southern China and Japan, but has found a happy home in the American South. No surprise, since they are a majorly heat-loving plant! Gardenias are also known as Cape Jasmine.

Elizabeth Scott Photography via Southern Weddings, Eric Kelley via Wedding Chicks

Another reason gardenias are perfect for the South? They represent grace and hospitality — perfect for planting beside your front porch! Gardenias are actually a species of evergreen, so they keep their gorgeous glossy dark green leaves all winter. The leaves are beautiful to include in wedding arrangements, too!

Kallie Brynn via Southern Weddings, Kate Harrison via Style Me Pretty, Simple Color via Elizabeth Anne Designs, Brookelyn Photography via The Bride’s Cafe

Gardenias were particularly popular in weddings in the ’60s and ’70s, and are still a favorite with classic brides today. A few tips if you’re planning on using them in your own celebration: Make sure you like the smell! As noted above, gardenias have a strong scent, so even one bloom in a bouquet can make an impact.

Ashley McCormick via Southern Weddings, Eclectic Images, Elizabeth Messina via Style Me Pretty, Laura Gordon via Southern Weddings

Also, while gardenias’ petals are delightfully creamy, they’re also exceptionally fragile, and too much handling can cause the petals to turn brown quickly. If you’re planning to pin a bloom in your hair, reserve two blossoms with your florist — that way, you can change it out post-ceremony to keep things fresh for the reception. Or, opt for a faux version — DK Designs makes a clay beauty we love!

Nancy Ray via Southern Weddings, White Loft Photographie via Style Me Pretty, Martha Stewart Weddings

Speaking of faux gardenias, sugar flowers are a perfect option on a wedding cake!

A Bryan Photo via Martha Stewart Weddings and unknown

Do you love gardenias as much as I do? Anyone out there who can’t stand the smell? Will y’all incorporate them into your wedding? I’d love to hear!

Nancy Ray is a delightful member of our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!

Surprise! We have an extra Valentine’s treat for you this morning. Nancy Ray and Caroline Joy recently completed their fourth Branches & Light photography workshop at the Winfield Inn in Texas, and this is the set-up the lucky attendees got to practice on. So happy we get to share it with you today!

Beautiful bouquet by Sweet Sunday Events!

Hope y’all are still feeling the love this weekend!

Nancy Ray and Caroline Joy are delightful members of the Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!