WEDDING PLANNING GUIDE
Sun Valley, Idaho VOLUME TWO
sun valley wedding guide Volume two
idaho editor & digital content manager Bailey Richy
copywriter Savannah Reynolds Lauren Weller
u. s. editorial EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MONTANA & WYOMING Mackenzie Stevens COLORADO & NEW MEXICO EDITOR Brit Tucker-Kline UTAH & DIGITAL EDITOR Laura Osborn
canadian editorial EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Celynn Bowman ASSISTANT Carly Cooper
digital team CONTENT CREATOR - Liz Wytko
operations CLIENT RELATIONS MANAGER - Amy Wainess SALES & ACCOUNTING - Kelsey Comstock PUBLISHED BY RMB Media, LLC An Employee Owned & Operated Company
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carrie patterson photography
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Rocky Mountain Bride Magazine is published by RMB Media, LLC. All rights reserved. No portion may be duplicated, in whole or in part, without the written consent of its publisher. We greatly appreciate those who have contributed to this publication. Contributors’ opinions are their own and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Rocky Mountain Bride. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. The publisher assumes no responsibility for accuracy of information or omissions from the material provided. Rocky Mountain Bride cannot be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services rendered by the advertisers published in this magazine. We reserve the right to refuse advertising.
Sun Valley, Idaho and beyond. 208.860.2987 floretdesignstudio.com
Table of Contents
56.
28.
LOVE STORIES engagements
12.
madison + cody
16.
skyler + teagan
20.
natalie + quinn
weddings
28.
helen + jp
26.
mackenzie + brooke
44.
olivia + wooley
56.
jen + ben
44.
AREA INFORMATION 8.
inside scoop - Seasonal weather and activities
11.
make it official - Where to get your license
67.
rehearsal dinner & brunch locations
68.
venue guide - Best local spots to tie the knot
left to right, top to bottom: carrie patterson photography, jenny losee, christine marie photo, dear kodak photography, intimate adventures media
16.
12.
S U N VA L L E Y, I D A H O manorhousesv.com
@manorhousebridal
Sun Valley A perfect reflection of its name, Sun Valley is bathed in sunlight throughout all four seasons.
jeremiah and rachael leah dawson photo photography
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inside scoop AREA INFORMATION Sun Valley boasts spectacular outdoor activities year-round. Spend a day hitting the slopes on Bald and Dollar mountains in the winter, while taking advantage of the miles of mountain trails, equestrian routes and wildflower-filled meadows in the summer.
FAST FACTS Population: 1,814 Ski Area: 810 groomable acres, 2,054 skiable acres 120 out of 150 days of sunshine during the ski season Average Winter Temperature: 32 º F Average Summer Temperature: 77 º F
HOW TO GET THERE Travel to Sun Valley is simple and easy by plane or car, with one regional airport and a variety of ground transportation options. The Hailey’s Friedman Memorial Airport is located 14 miles from the resort and provides direct flights from six major hubs year-round.
By shuttle
by plane
by car
SUN VALLEY EXPRESS sunvalleyexpress.com
ALASKA AIRLINES alaskaair.com
ENTERPRISE RENT-A-CAR enterprise.com
DELTA AIRLINES delta.com UNITED AIRLINES united.com
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AREA WEATHER One of the best parts about the Rockies: the mountains! While the mountain peaks of Sun Valley bring spectacular views, they also bring unpredictable weather. Winters in Sun Valley are magical, but are often accompanied by lots and lots of snow, so make sure you check the weather before your big day and plan accordingly. The summers are cool and dry with the occasional summer rainstorm. They say rain is good luck on your wedding day! Whether you and your guests are staying in town or exploring the nearby trails, it’s essential to pack accordingly, check weather updates often, and expect the unexpected.
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WHAT TO DO ideas and recommendations for you and your guests to enjoy during your wedding weekend Horseback Riding | sunvalley.com/things-to-do/horseback-riding Pete Lane’s Mountain Sports | sunvalley.com Silver Creek Outfitters | silver-creek.com Sleigh Rides | sunvalley.com/things-to-do/sleigh-rides Sun Valley Resort | sunvalley.com
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON AREA ACTIVITIES, VISIT: VISITSUNVALLEY.COM
CARRIE PATTERSON PHOTOGRAPHY
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MAKE IT OFFICIAL Both parties must be present to pick up the marriage license at the county clerk’s office in Hailey. The marriage license must be used within 35 days and returned within 63 days of the ceremony. Appointments are not required, and licenses can be picked up anytime between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. The fee for the license is $28, payable in cash or check. Additional information will be required for both you and your partner, including: Date and place of birth Current address Your Social Security Number (If you don’t have a Social Security Number, your passport will qualify) You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to obtain a license Names and addresses of parents, living or deceased Mother’s maiden name Marital status: If divorced, the date and the court where the final decree was issued must be provided. If widowed, then the date you were widowed Address: 206 1st Avenue South Suite 200 Hailey, Idaho CHRISTINE MARIE PHOTO
Website: Co.blaine.id.us sun valley wedding guide - volume two / rockymountainbride.com
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Madison + Cody Madison will tell you that she and Cody first briefly met through a mutual friend’s end of season celebration at a ski resort in Sierra Nevada mountains, but Cody’s first memory of Madison seems to differ. He claims that he tried striking up various conversations with Madison throughout the ski season in lift lines, but it would be months before either of their first memories of each other before their paths crossed again. Fast forward through a few years filled with long road trips, plenty of camping trips and sharing a love for the mountains, Madison and Cody relocated to the Boise area with their dog Cooper in order for Cody to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor. While on a trip exploring the rugged wilderness of Montana, Cody decided to pop the big question during a private moment between just the two of them with Cooper in tow. Madison and Cody planned an intimate spring wedding at one of their favorite hiking spots back where their love story began in Lake Tahoe. They are prepared for the long road ahead of them while Cody finishes medical school and then residency, but cannot be more excited to navigate the unknown future together.
Photographer: Intimate Adventures Media intimateadventuresmedia.com Hair & Makeup Artist: Amanda Prather
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skyler + teagan Skyler and Teagan were introduced online by a mutual friend in middle school, but did not officially meet in person until their sophomore year of high school. They became fast friends, talking frequently, but never progressing anywhere past friends. Teagan eventually admitted his feelings for Skyler and that he wanted to spend time getting to know her more. At the time, he was visiting his dad in London, England, so Skyler agreed to meet in person with him when he was back in the States. Teagan, who knew Skyler loved tea, brought back Fortnum and Mason tea as a souvenir for Skyler from London. They met at a local coffee shop where they talked for hours and began a three year relationship before Teagan popped the question.
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Photographer: Dear Kodak Photography | dearkodak.com Rings: Ben Bridge Jeweler | benbridge.com
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natalie + quinn
Natalie and Quinn are defined by adventure. Their love story began at a bull riding competition during the Idaho Cowboys Association finals rodeo in Homedale, where Quinn was competing. Natalie, who recently moved from California to attend Boise State University, went to the rodeo with some girlfriends from school when she was introduced to Quinn. They instantly hit it off and spent the rest of the night talking for hours after the competition. They spent the next two and a half years exploring every inch of Idaho scenery and enjoying each other’s company. Quinn’s original plan for proposing to Natalie involved horseback riding, but he decided to take her hiking instead thanks to the unpredictable weather in the Rocky Mountains. They went on a picturesque hike in Idaho City where Quinn popped the question on a bridge along the trail. Natalie and Quinn stayed true to their hearts for adventure with a unique paddle-boarding engagement session captured by Intimate Adventures Media.
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Photographer: Intimate Adventures Media | intimateadventuresmedia.com Hair & Makeup Artist: TSG Artistry
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real weddings
Helen + JP
Helen and JP were encouraged by mutual friends to meet years before they officially “met” by matching on a dating app. Their whirlwind romance continued on for two years when JP decided to propose on an “impromptu” trip back to Helen’s hometown in Louisiana to assist in refurbishing her family’s hotel that had sustained damage from a tornado. During quarantine, Helen and JP found themselves frequently going for canoe rides, so Helen thought nothing was out of the ordinary when JP asked her on a canoe ride during their lunch break. He popped the question while down on one knee in the canoe and Helen had never genuinely been more surprised in her life. They had a very special moment alone on the water until she spotted her two younger sisters and dad hiding in the bushes across the pond. sun valley wedding guide - volume two / rockymountainbride.com
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Mid-century modern meets the mountains was Helen’s vision for her wedding to JP. They incorporated rich colors pulled from local wildflowers and made sure to create a wedding day filled with celebration. Sam of Sprout Design Wedding made sure that Helen’s vision was perfectly executed and made the planning process as effortless as possible.
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Both Helen and JP’s most anticipated wedding guest was a rainstorm turned hail storm. They made the most of the mountain rain showers by celebrating until the clouds moved away to reveal two gorgeous rainbows. Their favorite moment of the day was thanks to their wedding band, who made the reception turn into a concert. Family and friends gathered around Helen and JP to celebrate their love and spend time cherishing one another.
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-VENDORSPlanner: Sprout Design Wedding | sproutdesignwedding.com Photographer: Jenny Losee | jennylosee.com Venue & Catering: Sun Valley Resort | sunvalley.com Music/Entertainment: New Soul Brigade | newsoulbrigade.com Bridal Boutique: En Blanc LA | enblancla.com Gown Designer: Half Penny London | halfpennylondon.com Bride’s Jewelry: Jacque Aiche | jacqueaiche.com Bride’s Ring Designer: Lindsey Leigh Jewelry lindseyleighjewelry.com Bridesmaids’ Attire: Anthropologie | anthropologie.com Groom’s Suit: John Pickens | johnpickens.com Groom’s Accessories: Mandujour Feather Bowties | mandujour.com Groomsmen Attire: The Black Tux | theblacktux.com Hair & Makeup Artist: TSG Artistry Officiant: Mark Inouye | pcbw.org Florals: Two Hands Floral | twohandsfloral.com Invitations: Glenn Avenue Calligraphy glennavenuecalligraphy.com Lodging: Limelight Hotel Ketchum | limelighthotels.com Honeymoon: Cuixmala | cuixmala.com
WHY THE ROCKIES? “JP was originally born and raised in Sun Valley. Knowing how magical this town is, we wanted to welcome our closest friends and family to share its beauty and experience our new life together.”
Tara Bella Flowers Arranging Blooms since 2002
Sun Valley, ID and Beyond www.tarabellaflowers.com
Mackenzie + Brooke Mackenzie and Brooke met as freshman year roommates at the University of Toledo in Ohio. They both came to Toledo on running scholarships and were paired as roommates by their head coach due to them both being light sleepers and not wanting a roommate. They were instantly best friends and roomed together for the next five years before they realized they had a connection much greater than just friends. Both Mackenzie and Brooke claim their proposal was boring. When picking out engagement rings, they decided to mutually start wearing their rings full time. They intended on planning surprise proposals for each other, but ultimately felt that was silly and put too much pressure on themselves.
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They planned a bohemian wedding with hints of sage and blush at Redfish Lake Lodge in Stanley, Idaho. Both Mackenzie and Brooke share the same favorite moment from their wedding day: reading their handwritten vows to each other. There wasn’t a dry eye during the ceremony as Mackenzie and Brooke pledged their love to one another.
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ADVICE TO FUTURE COUPLES “Marry your best friend…seriously.”
Everything about their day came together seamlessly thanks to the professionalism of Redfish Lake Lodge and the other vendors who contributed to Mackenzie and Brooke’s wedding vision. From the breathtaking backdrop of the Rockies to the intentionally intimate moments woven into the day by Mackenzie and Brooke, they could not have dreamed of a better way to enter into this new chapter of their lives.
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-VENDORSVenue: Redfish Lake Lodge | redfishlake.com Day-Of Coordinator: Audra Clegg | redfishlake.com Photographer: Emily Hanson Photography emilyhansonphotography.com Florals: Jen Hettum Entertainment: Anderson Mobile Music | djidaho.com Bridal Boutique: Mimi’s Bridal Boutique mimisbridalboutique.com Gown Designer: Allure Bridal | allurebridals.com Brides Jewelry: Borcik Jewelry | borcikjewelry.com Etsy | etsy.com Brides Ring Designer: Broer Freeman Jewelers broerfreemanjewelers.com Bridesmaids’ Attire: Birdy Grey | birdygrey.com Hair & Makeup Artist: Primadonna Makeover primadonnamakeover.com Cake & Desserts: Marsh Cakes | marshcakes.com Officiant: Andrew Chojnacky
FOLL O W AL O N G W I TH
ROCKY MOUNTAIN BRIDE /rockymountainbride
@rockymtnbride
@rockymtnbride
rockymtnbride
IN ORDER FROM TOP LEFT TO RIGHT @carlybutlerphoto | @haileylarsonphoto | @crystalcousinphoto | @carrie_patterson @mathildebresson | @lesleeuribephotography | @annaclairebeasley | @jacdodgephoto | @forthewestandwildphoto
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Olivia + Wooley
Olivia and Wooley were both living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania when they met on Bumble. Once they started talking, they realized that they are one degree removed from each other through family friends. They dated for one and a half years before Wooley proposed on a trip to Umbria, Italy. Wooley’s godmother owns a vineyard in Umbria, so Wooley asked Olivia to test grapes in the vineyard to see if they were ready for harvest on the morning of their engagement. On a grape testing break, Wooley led Olivia to a bench overlooking the vineyard with a bottle of his godmother’s sparkling rosé where he popped the question. Olivia was so shocked at the proposal that she too got down on one knee! They spent the next few days celebrating their engagement before returning home as a newly-engaged couple.
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They planned a lively ranch wedding on Wooley’s family ranch in Stanley, Idaho with 75 of their closest friends and family. Thanks to COVID-19, their wedding plans continually changed for three years before they were able to finally tie the knot. Olivia’s favorite moment of their wedding weekend was not during the wedding itself, but instead was their rehearsal dinner at Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch. Seeing everyone share a meal together and bask in the beauty of the weekend with heartfelt speeches made it all so real and touching.
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ADVICE TO FUTURE COUPLES “Try not to sweat the small stuff! It’s easy to get lost in the little details and feel like everything has to be perfect for your guests to have fun, but the truth is that you’re going to be the only one who notices the imperfections. Focus on creating an experience that’s authentic to you!”
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-VENDORSPlanner: Bluebottle Events | @bluebottleevents Venue: Rodeo Grounds Ranch Photographer: Christine Marie Photo christinemariephoto.co Music/Entertainment: The Junebugs | thejunebugs.net Gown Designer: Amsale | amsale.com Bride’s Veil: Natasha Nicole Studio natashanicolestudio.co.uk Bride’s Shoes: Alexandre Birman | alexandrebirman.com Bride’s Jewelry: Borrowed from Mom! Bride’s Ring Designer: Wooley’s Grandmother’s ring reset by Bario Neal | bario-neal.com Groom’s Suit: Bruno Cucinelli | shop.brunocucinelli.com Groom’s Shoes: Ariat | ariat.com Hair: Shawna Hines | shawnahines.com Makeup: Ash Aesthetic | ashaesthetic.com Cake, Desserts & Catering: Raspberry’s Catering raspberrys.net Bar: Roadbars | roadbars.com Officiant: Kat Bacon Florals: Bloom Theory Studio | bloomtheorystudio.com Invitations: Bride’s mother! Paper & Calligraphy: Maple Shade Press mapleshadepress.com Rentals: That’s Entertainment | thatsentertainmentsv.com Flying China Events | flyingchinaevents.com Casa De Perrin | casadeperrin.com Studio 11 | stagingstudio11.com Rehearsal Dinner & Lodging: Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch | idahorocky.com Transportation: Northside Transportation nosidebussxo.qwestoffice.net
ADVICE TO FUTURE COUPLES lorem ipsum
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find your vendors
www.rockymountainbride.com/vendors
ALICIA RINKA PHOTOGRAPHY
THE BEST VENDORS IN THE ROCKIES!
Jen + Ben
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Perhaps it would be poetic if there was one moment when Jen and Ben knew they were perfect for each other, but poetry is so often fleeting. This story is familiar, long-lasting and only just beginning. Starting as friends, colleagues, and even kickball teammates, they had no idea the next step in their relationship would be truly life-changing. Their first meeting took place in a conference room in Los Angeles, California, and their first date at a wine bar their relationship has now outlasted. Through the years, they have traveled the world, embarking on adventurous journeys both near and far, but soon realized they never felt more at home than when they were together. What was always clear to them was that being perfect for each other was never about a single moment, but rather the entire story they were writing together and all the pages left to fill. The celebration kicked off with a Cowboy Cocktail themed Rehearsal Dinner at the River Run Lodge. Jen even handmade custom leather napkin rings that had been hand stamped with their wedding crest. That crest would make multiple appearances throughout the weekend, adorned on napkins, custom glassware, hats, and even a custom cornhole game! The wedding ceremony took place at a private ranch outside of Sun Valley, in a field against a beautiful fall backdrop of mountains & trees. sun valley wedding guide - volume two / rockymountainbride.com
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Throughout their relationship, the couple had many trips to Sun Valley, even an extended stay during COVID where their love for the place deepened. Sun Valley has always been a special place to Jen and her family, who have been spending time there since the 70s. Ben joined the fun when the two of them got together and fully embraced the mountain lifestyle. It was no surprise that the couple chose to get married in their favorite place! When it came to wedding planning, the bride had a vision that mirrored her own personality. As a girl who loves to play dress up, but also is most comfortable in jeans and a t-shirt, she pictured a black-tie formal wedding, but set against a rustic backdrop of a wide open field. She loved the juxtaposition of formal with rustic cowboy. Working for Pinterest, Jen had no shortage of inspiration, and found herself focusing mostly on the smaller details of the event, where she could infuse the couple’s personalities (and their weenie dog, Wallace!) into the entire weekend.
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Both Jen & Ben wrote custom vows to each other and asked their guests to participate in a Warming of the Rings, allowing each guest to feel a part of the ceremony itself. Of all the details, the couple’s favorite was the escort card display, which featured gold-painted horseshoes and handwritten notes to each guest thanking them for making the trip to celebrate. The note cards introduced the symbolism of a horseshoe and how lucky they were to be surrounded by such loving friends and family.
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-VENDORSPlanning: Heather Minor Events | heatherminorevents.com Venue: Private Residence in Sun Valley Photographer: Carrie Patterson Photography carriepattersonphotography.com Florals: Floret Design Studio | floretdesignstudio.com Rentals: xowyo on the range | jacksonholeeventrental.com That’s Entertainment | thatsentertainmentsv.com Studio 11 | stagingstudio11.com Paper & Calligraphy: xowyo paper and events | xowyo.com Bar: Roadbars | roadbars.com Catering: At Your Place | atyourplacecatering.com Sweets: Hank & Sylvies | hankandsylvies.com Gown Designer: Oscar De La Renta | oscardelarenta.com Hair: The Feathered Flip | thefeatheredflip.com Makeup: Bare Sun Valley | baresunvalley.com Music & Entertainment: Georgia Bridgewater Orchestra | jordankahnmusiccompany.com Travis McDaniel | @travismcdaniel_music Valley Ensembles | valleyensembles.com Rehearsal Dinner: Sun Valley River Run Lodge | sunvalley.com
christine marie photo
dining rehearsal dinner & day-after brunch
Step into luxury and enjoy delicious eats with those you love the most. Celebrate the start of your wedding weekend or the final farewell before your guests depart at one of these local rehearsal dinner and brunch restaurants. Elegant fine dining and carefully hand-crafted cocktails await for your arrival!
Restaurants Rehearsal Dinner Limelight Hotel Ketchum | limelighthotels.com The Grill at Knob Hill | grillatknobhill.com Trail Creek Cabin | sunvalley.com The Boho Lounge | theboholounge.com Warfield Distillery & Brewery | drinkwarfield.com Whiskey Jacques | whiskeyjacques.com
Brunch Aroma Restaurant & Bakery | aromasv.com Bigwood Bread Bakery & Café | bigwoodbread.com The Kneadery | kneadery.com
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HOTEL GOLF CLUB
SUN VALLEY SUN VA LLEY
BARN
R ES TA U R A NT
INN
CH UR C H
RANCH
PA RK
CO U NT RY CLU B
R A NCH
ES TAT E
G A R D EN
G LAMPING SKI RESORT
LO D G E
H O TEL GREENHOUSE
RESTAURANT LODGE
URBAN
BARN R ES O RT
S K I AR EA
I NN
Diamond D Ranch
Park Creek Ranch
STANLEY Redfish Lake Lodge
Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch
y 75 ID Highwa
Wild Horse Creek Ranch
SAWTOOTH CITY Galena Lodge
Trail Creek Pavilion Sun Valley Club
SUN VALLEY KETCHUM Knob Hill Inn
Duck Pond
Dollar Lodge
Sun Valley Lodge Sun Valley
River Run Day Lodge Limelight Hotel
oute 26
Ketchum The Sawtooth Club Roundhouse Restaurant Sawtooth Botanical Garden
S. R
The Valley Club
GANNETT U.S. Route 20
Mountain View Barn
U.
HAILEY Cloverly Ranch The Inn at Ellsworth Estate Lava Lake Ranch
CAREY
VENUES Best local spots to tie the knot Diamond D Ranch | diamonddranch-idaho.com Galena Lodge | galenalodge.com Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch | idahorocky.com Knob Hill Inn | knobhillinn.com Limelight Hotel Ketchum | limelighthotels.com The Sawtooth Club | sawtoothclub.com Mountain View Barn | mountainviewbarnidaho.com Park Creek Ranch | sawtoothvista.com Redfish Lake Lodge | redfishlake.com Sawtooth Botanical Garden | tsbgarden.org Sun Valley Ski Resort | sunvalley.com The Inn at Ellsworth Estate | ellsworthestate.com The Valley Club | thevalleyclub.com
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ROCKY MOUNTAIN
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