Once Wed, headed by Emily Newman, features some of the most beautiful real weddings, DIY tips and tricks, and photos I've seen on the web. My recent favs are photos from Seattle-based photographer Ben Blood of a wedding located in Whidbey Island, Washington, and a vintage engagement session captured by Brandon Patoc, and post-processed by Yuri Manchik. 

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This year feels like it's the ultimate year to get engaged or married. Well, at least that's how I feel based on the number of my friends (both near and far) who have been proposed to or tied the knot. It kind of feels like the domino effect—one person starts and the cycle begins. And this year, it just happens to be friends within my network.

And in light of the wedding and engagement photos above, I'd also like to share similar phases from two of my friends: Rachel of Elephantine, a classy gal whom I met in college, just recently got engaged, and Sharleen of mmm-fruit, a wonderful young lady whom I've never met but have corresponded with via the web since our high school days, is getting married in February. 

These ladies' creative work is just darling, and not to mention they're both sweet as can be. So, congratulations to you both!