Twitter is abuzz with the news that Judge Vaughn R. Walker has lifted a stay on his historic Prop. 8 ruling, meaning gay couples in California can once again legally marry beginning Aug. 18. Officials are standing by.

Update from the Los Angeles Times: “U.S. District Judge Vaughn R. Walker, who overturned the measure on Aug. 4, agreed to give its sponsors until Aug. 18 to appeal his ruling to the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. No new marriages can take place until then.”