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
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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
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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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