Heartland Wedding Ideas Jan/Feb Issue 2024 (Winter)

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JAN/FEB 2024

VENDOR

lust

OUR PREMIER VENDORS FEATURING

FOOD & DRINK

STYLED SHOOT

A Dreamy Escape

IT'S MY BIG DAY REBECCA + MICHAEL KORI + ALLEN


Contents

HWI JAN/FEB 2024

6-13 ST Y L E D S H O OT: A DREAMY ESCAPE

16-17 EDITORS' LETTER

Happy New Year! We're so excited to start the year with a jam-packed issue full of inspiration and holiday flair. First, we are kicking off the issue with a beautiful styled shoot at Walnut Ridge. This wedding has tons of wonderful moments, from vintage cars to a romantic canoe ride, it's one you won't want to miss. Our first 'It's My Big Day' is in Eastern Iowa and features a NYE wedding celebration for Rebecca + Michael's marriage. Hotel Blackhawk provided all the glitz and glam that was fitting for a year-end party.

V E N D O R S P OT L I G H T: E V E R L AST I N G P H OTO

20-27 I T ’ S M Y B I G D AY : REBECCA + MICHAEL

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To close out the issue, we go to Central Iowa for Kori + Allen's wintry nuptials. Luckily, The Tea Room provided their guests with a place to escape the elements. The venue was decked out in evergreens, candles, and white florals for a romantic evening. Who knew there was a blizzard outside?!

I T ’ S M Y B I G D AY : KO R I + A L L E N

We hope that you find some inspiration and ideas for your upcoming wedding. And please continue to send us your beautiful photos and love stories for a chance to be featured in our 'It's My Big Day' section. Don't forget to visit us at heartlandweddingideas.com for additional content and wedding professionals. Until next time, Happy New Year!

V E N D O R LU ST: S P OT L I G H T ON FOOD & DRINK

38-43 Special thanks to this crew:

Kelly Visser

Copy Editor

X OX O,

A lesha & Lisa

CALL OR TEXT: 515.635.1608 | EMAIL: info@HeartlandWeddingIdeas.com WEBSITE: HeartlandWeddingIdeas.com

Marissa Sakakhanone

Designer + Digital Media Manager

Follow us!

We’re on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. For inspiring ideas, local weddings, events, and vendor spotlights, follow our feed: @heartlandweddingideas.

COVER: MEGAN ELAINE PHOTOGRAPHY PUBLISHER: HEARTLAND WEDDING PARTNERS PRINTING: SUTHERLAND PRINTING


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Historic Iowa City Event Venue Located in the Heart of Downtown 26 E. Market Street Iowa City, Iowa 52245

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oldbrick.org 319.351.2626

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Main Hall has a capacity of up to 300 guests


Kristin Imboden Photography

Nothing Compares TO A WEDDING AT THE FAIRGROUNDS

Celebrate your special day at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Historic buildings, modern facilities and picturesque outdoor settings await you and your guests. Enjoy free, close parking, an accessible location and a staff ready to assist you with every detail. To schedule your wedding at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, visit iowastatefairgrounds.org or contact Off Season Events at 515-262-3111, ext 282.

3000 EAST GRAND AVENUE | DES IAD|W515.262.3111 EXT H EMOINES, ARTLAN EDDINGIDEA S . C282 O M | IOWASTATEFAIRGOUNDS.ORG 5


EASTERN IOWA

STYLED S HOOT Walnut Ridge offers backdrops for every moment and the perfect space to say I-do!

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A Dreamy Escape Shall we just float away in love? We can’t get over this dreamy escape from reality curated by Carly from The Wedding Trailer at the elegant countryside venue, Walnut Ridge in Shellsburg, Iowa. Nature meets timeless romance inside and out, as the venue’s striking black design elements pair with soft florals, a serene pond and a vintage blue getaway car.

MEET THE WEDDING PROS DECOR & STYLING: The Wedding Trailer

COORDINATION: Ten Fifteen Events

THE CAKE: The Cake Stand

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Sailor Breez Photo + Film

BRIDAL DRESS: Jocelyn Taylor Bridal and Prom

VENUE: Walnut Ridge

HAIR & MAKEUP: Beauty Op by S. Mueller

MODELS: Carson McSorley (@carsssss_____) and Reno Cherri

FLORAL: Parrott Floral Co.

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Parrott Floral Co. created the freshest florals.

Thoughtful decor & styling was provided by The Wedding Trailer. Each delicate element added the perfect touches to the space.

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Check out the gold foil on this wedding cake by The Cake Stand. Isn't it the sweetest?!

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Makeup & hair provided by the artistic team at Beauty Op by S. Mueller.

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The Tux Shop can make sure your partner looks as good as you do!

From the modern interior to the captivating outdoors, discover a space at Walnut Ridge that breathes life into your dreams.

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Love the high-low ruffle cut of this dress by Jocelyn Taylor Bridal and Prom.

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Ten Fifteen Events coordinated the day flawlessly.

Sailor Breez Photo + Film captures the intricate details and frames each shot to breathe life into the couple's vibrant personalities.

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VE ND OR SPOTLIGHT

CAPTURING THE SPIRIT OF REBELS: EVERLASTING PHOTO In the world of photography, there's a space reserved for the rebels, the adventurers, and those who dare to be different. Everlasting Photo proudly stands as the haven for those who reject the ordinary and embrace an outlaw spirit. Meet MK (Mary-Kaitlin), the Owner and Lead Photographer of Everlasting Photo. Her mantra is not just about capturing moments, it's about enjoying the party – celebrating spirited personalities and a rebellion against the mundane. MK's goal – to be your ultimate hype-chick. Her dedication goes beyond photography; her and the team will make sure every need is met on your big day. And she's been known to kick a little a** to get the perfect shot. If you haven't figured it out yet, it's about capturing all the fun loving, beer drinking, laugh till your cheeks hurt moments that fill a real wedding day. 16

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Whether you call Iowa home or dream of an adventure at a distant destination, Everlasting Photo is ready to capture the essence of your day. Let them give you an experience as bold and unique as you are. Your search for a photographer ends here, and the journey of everlasting memories begins. Embrace the spirit of rebellion with Everlasting Photo, where each click is a testament to your extraordinary story.

BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE

Everlasting Photo everlastingphotoia.com See more at HeartlandWeddingIdeas.com

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IT’S MY DAY

Big

Lavishly large or quietly quaint. Boho, rustic, or modern. Small budget or unlimited. And everything in between. We know you poured your heart and soul into it. And we want to feature it!

KORI + ALLEN

Submit your wedding day photos for a chance to be in an upcoming issue at heartlandweddingideas.com.

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REBECCA + MICHAEL

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IT’S MY

Big

DAY

EASTERN IOWA

REBECCA + MICHAEL

RI N G I N T H E N EW Y E AR

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What a way to ring in the New Year! Rebecca and Michael’s glamorous wedding day delivered all the elegance, fun-loving feels, and sentimental details to kickstart a lifetime of love. Becky grew up in Davenport but was living in Chicago for a medical rotation when she and Mike first met. For their first date, they planned to go to a Chicago Cubs game ... unfortunately, Becky got tied up at the hospital and she didn’t arrive until the third inning – which was a big deal for Mike who is an avid sports fan. “He was a patient soul waiting for me to get there! Our friends still joke about it,” Becky explains. “But the Cubs won and we knew it was the start of something good.” The couple both lost their fathers while dating, a hardship that united them and shaped their relationship. After passing, Becky’s father was honored at the Vietnam War Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. While walking through the National Mall after the ceremony, Mike proposed by throwing a baseball to Becky that said, “Will you marry me?” When it came to planning, the couple knew they wanted New Year's Eve to be their big day! This meant all things glamorous, sparkly, and fun. Hotel Blackhawk with its amazing Gold Room in Davenport was the perfect setting for the celebration. They also worked hand-in-hand with wedding planner Casey Kane of Bright Design to pull the small details and NYE vibe together – can you say, disco ball drink stirrers, five-piece band, blow horn seating chart, and mirror photo booth?

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IT’S MY

Big

DAY

EASTERN IOWA

“The midnight countdown and confetti

important to have small reminders with

toss were so fun, special, and unique to

them all day – for Mike it was a lapel pin

our wedding! It was one of the parts of the

with his father’s picture, and for Becky it

reception I was looking forward to most,”

was an engraved gold bracelet with “love

Becky shares.

dad” in her father’s handwriting.

Becky absolutely shined in her detailed

Reflecting on the wedding planning

wedding dress, which she customized with

process, Becky says to enjoy the process.

the designer for a wintertime wedding

“Being states away and very busy at our

– adding a sheer sleeve and even more sparkle. The bridal party got dolled up at The Spa at Hotel Blackhawk, which made a day of hair and makeup so convenient – especially in the winter weather.

careers, it was very important to get our right team of professionals we could trust and who genuinely wanted to make our day perfect for us,” she explains. “Let the professionals do what the professionals do,

Incorporating their dads into their special

was a mantra for me and it made it much

day was a big priority for the couple. Even

more stress free!"

though they were there in spirit, it was

Maddy the pup made an adorable addition to the gorgeous cake!

A very cool momento to keep, the sketches of Becky's wedding dress!

V IS IT HEARTLANDWEDDINGIDEAS.COM TO SEE ALL OF REBECCA + MICHAEL'S BIG DAY! 24

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IT’S MY

Big

DAY

EASTERN IOWA

Guests left voicemails “after the tone” on this retro telephone guest book. Each voicemail was recorded to a vinyl record the couple can play again and again.

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REBE CCA + MI CHA EL

WEDDI N G M OOD W E DDI NG ST YL E NYE, ELEGANT, URBAN

CO LO R PA L ET TE

VE ND O R LU ST Photographer Fieldstone Photography | Videographer D. Barrett Studios | Invites Noted Designs | Wedding Planner Bright Design, Casey Kane | Ceremony St. Paul Lutheran Church | Reception Venue & Caterer Hotel Blackhawk | Ceremony Music St. Paul Church | Reception Music Tim Stop/Capital 4, Stopulos Music | Cake & Desserts Little Sweets Cake Design | Floral Hy-Vee Floral, Chris Crow | Décor Bright Design, Casey Kane | Rentals Unique Events Iowa, I Do Events | Transportation VIP Transportation | Jewelry Necker’s Jewelers, Lewis Jewelers | Wedding Dress Becker’s Bridal, Casa Blanca Bridal – Amare Couture | Tuxedos Men’s Warehouse | Bridesmaid Dresses Revelry | Officiant Max Franks, St. Paul Lutheran Church | Day of Coordination Kimberlin Richardson, Hotel Blackhawk | Hair & Makeup The Spa at Hotel Blackhawk | Bridal Shower The Up Bar | Rehearsal Dinner Me & Billy’s

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Officiant . DJ . Live Music We offer officiating, live piano/vocals, unlimited DJ hours, dynamic lighting, personal assistant and lasting friendship.

VowsAndVibes.com

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IT’S MY

Big

DAY

CENTRAL IOWA

The blizzard threw a wrench in some plans, but they tried not to sweat the small stuff!

BL I Z Z A R D BL I S S KORI + ALLEN

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There was nowhere else you’d want to be on

The gold, evergreen, and twinkly lights from

Kori and Allen’s wedding day! While a blizzard

the Christmas trees throughout the venue

raged outside, the couple joined their loved

provided a perfect jumping off point for the

ones in an all-out celebration of their marriage.

rest of the floral and décor, executed flawlessly

Kori and Allen first met during home

by Alex Jiminez at WildFlower.

economics class in high school. Ten years later,

“Alex is a literal genius, he made my dreamy

they were reconnected by a mutual friend

winter wedding come to life,” Kori says.

and knew they were destined to be together. After a four-year engagement – including an elopement, welcoming their daughter Rollins, and delays due to the pandemic – they finally had their dream Christmastime wedding celebration. And wow, was it worth the wait!

Kori wore a beautiful off-the-shoulder ball gown from Weddings by Design with a full-length veil. Her flawless makeup and flowing curls were absolutely stunning and accentuated her natural beauty. Adding an extra special touch to the ceremony, Allen’s

Kori grew up going to the Younkers Tea

mom made a boutonniere pin with a photo of

Room with her mom, so the space had a

his late father and a bouquet pin with photos

special place in her heart. The venue itself

of Kori’s late grandparents on their

provided much of the inspiration – elegant

wedding day.

and timeless – and it was made even better with the space’s gorgeous holiday decorations.

Kori walked down the incredible candlelit aisle with her father, led by their darling Rolli – the

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IT’S MY

Big

DAY

CENTRAL IOWA

cutest flower girl ever! The couple was married

The couple went above and beyond for

by their longtime friend Eric Marshall who also

their guests in every element of planning.

married them during their secret elopement

They chose to get married on a Thursday to

in 2019.

make sure many of their friends who are in

Because Kori worked in the service industry for years, she knew the right people to call to pull off a flawless event. While there were many, she especially calls out Brittney Campbell who is the general manager and chef for Full Court Press for nailing the charcuterie display for 175 guests and support with day of coordination. The entire day was captured by photographer Megan Elaine Photography, and videographer Scott Bruxvoort who turned around a sneak peek the very next next day!

the service industry could attend and gifted each guest a custom Christmas ornament to commemorate the special day. And when the forecast showed a -30-degree blizzard, they made quick plans to cover valet and overnight parking for all guests so they wouldn’t have to spend any extra time in the cold! “Seeing our friends and family together, celebrating our love under one gorgeous room during the holidays will live rent free in our heads forever,” Kori shares.

VISIT HEARTLANDWEDDINGIDEAS.COM TO S EE ALL OF KORI + ALLEN'S BIG DAY!

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IT’S MY

34

Big

DAY

CENTRAL IOWA

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KO RI + ALLEN

WED DI N G MOO D W E DDI NG ST YL E HOLIDAY, ROMANTIC

CO LO R PA L ET TE

VE ND O R LU ST Photographer Megan Elaine Photography Videographer Scott Bruxvoort | Invites Ephemera | Venue The Tea Room | Ceremony & Reception Music The Known Group, Taylor Gonzalez | Caterer Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse Cake & Desserts Cake Baby DSM, The Bake Shoppe | Floral, Décor & Rentals WildFlower, Alex Jiminez | Jewelry Anglo Diamond, Prescott Wedding Dress Weddings by Design, Madison James | Tuxedos The Tux Shop | Alterations Hands to Hearts Custom Sewing, Paula Casket Officiant Eric Marshall | Day of Coordination Casey Burt, The Rewind Hotel; Brittney Campbell and Simon Sharp | Hair Karina Bruce Hair | Makeup Breiyan Lanea Makeup by Breiyan Reed | Tanning Ember Glow Tanning | Nails 4S Nails | Hotel The Rewind Hotel | Bridal Dinner Des Moines Golf & Country Club | Rehearsal Dinner The Republic on Grand

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Bare Tones

Breaking news

#1 Rated Spray Tan Salon in Cedar Rapids, IA! Bare Tones owner, Katrina, has been mentored by the industry's leading Celebrity Spray Tan Artists! With an emphasis on skin hydration, and organic ingredients! Being orange is a thing of the past! We custom match your unique undertones and add colors that correct and block any brassy colors that come through.

Real clients, fake tans.

Another preventative is customizing solution blends that best meets your skin color, without over exposing you! Check our our REAL Bridal Clients on our website! Ask about the Bridal Party Package!

baretonescr.com

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Pella Opera House

Historic. Elegant. Affordable.

Book a Tour

Celebrating Love’s Sweetest Moments

515.255.2253

641-628-8625 events@pellaoperahouse.org 611 Franklin St., Pella, IA 50219

thebakeshoppe.org University Ave. in Windsor Heights

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VENDOR

lust

Meet our Heartland Premier Wedding Pros

SPOTLIGHT ON FOOD & DRINKS Planning your dream event means curating a delicious meal and getting ready to pop the champagne! Now’s the time to discover what different businesses offer.

Bash

Plated meals are timeless choice that add an elegant touch to your celebration. While it may come at a higher price point, caterers can work within your budget to deliver not just delectable dishes but also impeccable plating and service. Food stations and buffets are ideal for a social and interactive atmosphere, allowing guests to serve themselves while mingling. Consider your venue space, as these options require thoughtful planning to ensure a seamless flow. And more than just a late-night snack, food trucks can take center stage as your main caterer, sparking conversations and adding a unique touch to your event. It will definitely be a conversation piece! And what pairs perfectly with that meal, but a great glass of wine, beer, cocktail, or mocktail! Many caterers also handle drinks and bartending, so be sure to bring up that special signature drink you're considering. If your venue doesn't offer in-house bartending or maybe you've gone for a tented/outdoor reception, then a mobile bartender is just what you need. They bring the bar to you, handle any liquor license need, and they'll be ready to serve! Some set up a stand along bar, some serve from a trailer with taps, there are all kinds that fit your vibe.

OUR PREMIER FOOD & DRINK VENDORS: Apres Bar Co. // Baratta's // Bash // Cedar Ridge Distillery // Christiani's Catering & Event Design // The Iowa Taproom // Your Private Bar 38

Cedar Ridge Distillery

Christiani's Catering

ALL OUR PREMIER VENDORS

ATTIRE & TAILORING Skeffington's Formal Wear DES MOINES, IA

skeffingtons.com

BEAUTY & WELLNESS Bare Tones

Organic Spray Tanning Bar CEDAR RAPIDS, IA

baretonescr.com DSM Salon DES MOINES, IA

dsmsalonandspa.com

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VENDOR

OUR PREMIER WEDDING PROS

CATERING Baratta's

DES MOINES, IA

lust

Baratta's

Iowa Taproom

Apres Bar Co.

barattas.com Bash

DES MOINES, IA

bashdsm.com Cedar Ridge Distillery SWISHER,, IA

cedarridgedistillery.com Christiani's Catering DES MOINES, IA

christianiscatering.com The Iowa Taproom DES MOINES, IA

Des Moines Wedding Show

iowataproom.com

CENTRAL IOWA

CAKE & DESSERT Glorious Desserts

Eastern Iowa Wedding Show IOWA CITY / CEDAR RAPIDS

WINDSOR HEIGHTS, IA

gloriousdesserts.com The Bake Shoppe

easterniowaweddingshow.com Era Events & Design DES MOINES, IA

WINDSOR HEIGHTS, IA

thebakeshoppe.org

DRINKS & BARTENDING Apres Bar Co.

eraeventdesign.com Mostly Becky Event Group CENTRAL IOWA

mostlybecky.com Shelly Sarver Designs

DES MOINES, IA

PELLA, IA

apresbarco.com

shellysarverdesigns.com

Your Private Bar

FLORAL

yourprivatebar.com

Bella Flora Event Design

WEST DES MOINES, IA

EVENT PLANNING & DECOR Bella Flora Event Design URBANDALE, IA

bellafloraeventdesign.com Beyond Elegance Party Rentals WEST DES MOINES, IA

beyondelegance.com Complete Weddings + Events CLIVE, IA

completewedo.com

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desmoinesweddingshow.com

URBANDALE, IA

bellafloraeventdesign.com Shelly Sarver Designs PELLA, IA

shellysarverdesigns.com

MUSIC Complete Weddings + Events CLIVE, IA

completewedo.com DJ DAS Entertainment DES MOINES, IA

dj-das.com

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CELEBRATE AT A TRULY UNIQUE VENUE IN SWISHER, IOWA

CedarRidgeDistillery.com | Events@crwine.com

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VENDOR

OUR PREMIER WEDDING PROS

MUSIC (CONTINUED)

lust

Your Private Bar

VENUES

DJ TFH

Barnes' Place

djtfh.com

barnes-place.com

Vows & Vibes

Bash

vowsandvibes.com

bashdsm.com

ADEL, IA

ANKENY, IA

DES MOINES, IA

DES MOINES, IA

Cedar Ridge Distillery SWISHER, IA

OFFICIANT

cedarridgedistillery.com

Vows & Vibes DES MOINES, IA

vowsandvibes.com

The Chateau CAMBRIDGE, IA

whiteoakchateau.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

Curate

Complete Weddings + Events

curatedsm.com

CLIVE, IA

completewedo.com

DES MOINES,, IA

Hotel Millwright AMANA, IA

Everlasting Photo

hotelmillwright.com

CENTRAL IOWA

everlastingphotoia.com Jewel Boudoir Photo MILO, IA

jewelboudoirphoto.com Midwest LifeShots Photography DES MOINES, IA

midwestlifeshots.com SnapXP – Photobooth WEST DES MOINES, IA

snapxp.com

Iowa State Fairgrounds DES MOINES, IA

iowastatefairgrounds.org The Iowa Taproom DES MOINES, IA

iowataproom.com Old Brick IOWA CITY, IA

oldbrick.org Pella Opera House PELLA, IA

STATIONERY

pellaoperahouse.org

TandemHart Paperie DES MOINES, IA

tandemhartpaperie.com

Scottish Rite Consistory DES MOINES, IA

dmscottishrite.org

TRAVEL

Sherwood Forest Event Center

Mosaic Shores Travel Co.

sherwoodforesteventcenter.com

DES MOINES, IA

mosaicshores.com

DES MOINES, IA

World Food Prize - Hall of Laureates DES MOINES, IA

halloflaureates.org 42

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Contact us to mix and match our services to meet your needs and budget. Let’s get the party planning started!

515.266.1355 • Sue@CompleteDesMoines.com

COMPLETEDESMOINES.COM PHOTOGRAPHY • VIDEOGRAPHY • DJ PHOTO BOOTH • COORDINATION

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