We cherish this Cup of Jo community, so we invited readers to send us their beloved personal photos from 2025. We received an array of stunning snapshots — it was unbelievably hard to choose! — but here are 11, featuring a surprise wedding and a victorious Wordle attempt…
Above: “Reaching 100 days is a significant milestone for Korean infants. I was ecstatic to honor our cherished baby — and also relieved myself for surpassing the ‘fourth trimester’ stage. Motherhood is both the toughest and the most joyful journey, and I’m thankful for having a community that celebrates our baby’s milestones just as much as her umma and appa.” — Joanne
“This snapshot from a weekend getaway shows how my sister and I are usually: laughing through life. Two years ago, I ended a 20-year marriage, and earlier this year, my sister lost her boyfriend to cancer. It’s not always easy, but we’re grateful to have each other.” — Keely
“This picture is from my first experience skating on ‘wild’ ice on Kenai Lake, Alaska. I intended to visit Alaska for a February trip, but I ended up falling in love with the untamed wilderness and relocated here in June!” — Emily
“This was our initial visit to the beach last summer, six months after I gave birth to our second child. We reside in Sweden, and after a whole winter spent nursing indoors, I felt revitalized! My daughter was thrilled to swim, and the baby had never felt the sand. Even now, seeing that hand on my leg brings tears to my eyes.” — Morgan
“Soon after childbirth, my sister flew in from England to lend a hand. It was during Ramadan, and we were trying on outfits for Eid. When I had to nurse my baby, my sister sat down to finish her Quran reading, and my daughter joined her. It wasn’t a staged photo, but when I saw them, I thought STOP! DON’T MOVE! This picture captures the wonderful bond between an aunt and niece. In our culture, we say ‘the mother’s sister is as the mother,’ which is so lovely.” — Sumaya
“My favorite photo is bittersweet. In the summer, we found out my dear grandfather ‘Hoppi,’ who was under hospice care, might not make it to our autumn wedding. My grandmother and I arranged a secret ‘wedding’ at their Florida residence, with relatives flying in from across the nation and my sister serving as the officiant (ordained by the Universal Life Church, naturally). It was a real mitzvah for someone I loved for 31 years. He passed away peacefully weeks before our official wedding, and I’ll always treasure this memory.” — Morgan
“My husband snapped this photo of me this spring — in the preceding months, I had a bilateral mastectomy and radiation for breast cancer treatment. During radiation, I began knitting this sweater using the brightest yarns available — all dyed by my friend! I was elated to wear it for the first time, going to lunch with my husband, and enjoying a day of feeling like myself again.” — Allison
“Some years ago, I enrolled in nursing school after years as a stay-at-home mother of two boys. Nursing school was extremely challenging, but I met fantastic people. We graduated in May, and now we all work at the same hospital. To celebrate, we embarked on a 10-mile hike in the Adirondacks. The hike was tough but rewarding — an apt metaphor for our nursing school experience.” — Lyndsey
“This photo — taken on January 1st at my community garden plot with my 4-week-old daughter — captures my very first solo outing with her, the start of a fresh new year, and the beginning of what felt like reclaiming my sense of self. This garden trip nourished my soul and reminded me of how far we’d come in those wild initial weeks. I felt proud, hopeful, and peaceful — just me and my girl.” — Erica
“This snapshot was taken on Halloween at a dress-up venue in Salem, Massachusetts. It’s me (top left) and my older sister (top middle) with my two girls and her two girls. My sister’s family resides across the country, so cousin time is a major treat. The girls made lasting memories, like a Hocus Pocus movie night and a train ride to Salem during spooky season. We are officially a coven now, and the cousins are already planning their next visit.” — Liberty
“I always play Wordle beginning with whichever random word enters my mind at that moment (I used to use the same opening word each time but found it dull). After I guessed correctly, I actually screamed and punched the air, and although I was alone in my room, I looked around wildly for someone to high-five. Despite knowing it was sheer luck, it feels like an achievement, where’s my trophy y’all?” — Katie
What’s your favorite snapshot from the year? We’d be happy to know…
P.S. Twelve readers reveal their preferred photos and more amazing reader remarks, including their joyful moments and favorite winter attires.
Title: Capturing Moments: Readers Share Their Favorite Photos of the Year
Introduction:
As the year approaches its end, we welcomed readers to share their most treasured photos taken throughout the past twelve months. Each of these images, with its unique narrative, offers insight into our community’s varying experiences and viewpoints. From breathtaking landscapes to heartfelt family occasions, these top photos of the year reflect the beauties and complexities of life.
1. Nature’s Splendor:
Numerous readers submitted striking photos of natural landscapes, showcasing the awe-inspiring wonders of the world around us. One memorable image portrays a serene sunrise over a mist-shrouded mountain range, the sky imbued with shades of orange and pink. Another displays the ocean’s raw force, with waves crashing against rugged cliffs beneath a stormy sky. These photos remind us of the importance of conserving our planet’s natural wonders.
2. Urban Escapades:
The rapid pace of city life served as ample inspiration for photographers this year. A captivating black-and-white photo of a bustling city street at night, highlighted by neon signs and headlights, captures the energy and vibrancy of urban life. Another reader presented a photo of a peaceful moment in a city park, where a solitary musician performs a soulful melody on a bench, offering a brief escape from the chaos.
3. Honoring Milestones:
Personal achievements and celebrations emerged as popular themes among our readers’ entries. One heartwarming photo shows a couple embracing joyfully at their wedding, surrounded by loved ones. Another captures the pure joy of a child’s first birthday, featuring colorful balloons and a cake-smeared face. These pictures spotlight the joy and affection that characterize our most cherished memories.
4. Wildlife Marvels:
Wildlife photography admirers shared enthralling images of animals in their native environments. A close-up shot of a majestic eagle soaring, its wings fully extended against a clear blue sky, highlights the grace and strength of these magnificent creatures. Another photo displays a playful group of otters enjoying a river, their antics bringing smiles to viewers. These pictures remind us of the vibrant biodiversity that inhabits our planet.
5. Everyday Splendor:
At times, the most meaningful photos are those capturing the beauty of everyday existence. A reader sent in a photo of a steaming coffee cup on a windowsill, illuminated by the gentle morning light, evoking warmth and comfort. Another picture shows a group of friends gathered around a table, sharing laughter and stories over a homemade meal. These photos rejoice in the simple pleasures that make life unique.
Conclusion:
The top photos of the year, as shared by our readers, weave a tapestry of moments defining the human experience. Whether capturing the grandeur of nature, the energy of city life, or the intimacy of personal milestones, these images remind us of photography’s power to narrate stories and evoke emotions. As we look forward to the next year, may these images inspire us to cherish the beauty in every moment and continue creating memories that will endure for a lifetime.
