This past year, we profiled extraordinary couples who triumphed and overcame all odds to get married, as well as those who opened their hearts and helped those in need. Their kindness, resilience and unwavering courage serves as a reminder of what's truly important on the wedding day.

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12. Sailor marries high school sweetheart in Reno Airport
After being stationed overseas in Syria, Navy sailor Dylan Ruffer couldn't stand to waste another moment being apart from Madison Meinhardt — they wanted to get married right away. When he landed at Reno-Tahoe International Airport on Nov. 19th, he was shocked to realize that his wish had been granted.

His fiancée planned a surprise wedding with the help of airport employees, who were so touched by the couple's story that they even decorated the reception area for them (which was held at the baggage claim), complete with catering, a cake and a DJ.

While classic weddings will always have a special place in our hearts, we couldn't stop buzzing about so-weird-they're-awesome nuptials in 2013 (bring on the celeb wedding crashers and Photoshop memes!). Check out the most unusual headlines that crossed our desks this past year.

10. Husband creates corn maze of wedding photo for wife on 50th anniversary
Some couples commemorate their golden anniversary by exchanging gifts, taking a romantic getaway or hosting a party with their family members and friends. Paul Derthick took a more unconventional approach — he constructed a maze through 17 acres of golden corn that resembled his 1963 wedding portrait!

"He did it with the kids. They kept it a secret," his wife Marie told Good Morning America. "It was at the end of June that I finally did find out. I thought they were nuts, but it's actually turned out very well." 
Photo courtesy of Derthick's Corn Maze

Earlier this week, we asked our Facebook followers to take a look back at some of the amazing pictures we've featured as our Photo of the Day over the past year and cast their votes for 2013's Photo of the Year. Here, see the top 25 photos!

25. Because one photo of that first moment in your gown just isn’t enough:

Photo Credit: CINEMATICbyDavidM

24. Sunlight peeking through the trees adds such a magical element:

Photo Credit: Lightedpixels

23. Looking for a creative guest book idea? Set up a photo area, and provide a chalkboard and chalk for guests to leave you photographed messages:

I hope everyone who celebrates had a Merry Christmas! Not to sound like the Grinch, but I am so happy the holidays are almost over. I had a great beginning of the month in December, but I'm ending on a not-so-great note. Unfortunately, I'm not going to reach my 10-pound weight-loss goal this month. But I am down four more pounds. It was much harder than I expected to make time for my workouts and eat healthy during this month. 

I did not work out every day like I was doing last month (though I certainly would've liked to), but I made sure to get workouts in at least three times a week. Rene and I spent time at the gym together when we could and did workouts at home when our schedules got in the way.

Highlights from the past two weeks:

1. Mini-vacation to Atlantic City
Two weeks ago, Rene and I went to Atlantic City for the night with another couple who are good friends of ours. We made sure to do a lot of cardio the night before we left so that we could enjoy the food and drinks there. I knew I was going to eat a big dinner at Carmine's (it was so good!), so during the day, I opted for chicken and brown rice at lunch. And even though I really wanted frozen margaritas, I stuck with margaritas on the rocks and vodka. I know the little smart choices I made helped, but I still ate fattening foods that I wouldn’t have eaten at home.