Autumn Romance: Becky & Steve | Historic Florida Wedding Location

It was mid-October and fall was just beginning to reach Southwest Florida.  The leaves didn’t change, but love was in the air.  Becky and Steve promised to love each other forever under 75 foot palm trees in Henry Ford’s Royal Palm Allee at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers.  Photographer, Krista Kowalczyk, of Impressions Photography was there to take these amazing shots.

It wouldn’t be a fall wedding without candied apple escort cards.

Steve steals a kiss in the Tea House at the Swimming Pool.

The water lily reflecting pool in the Moonlight Garden reflects more than just moonlight.

Mina’s Moonlight Garden is the best place to sneak away to!

The autumn theme was not lost on Becky’s bridesmaids, who wore long brown satin gowns. All ladies carried bouquets of oranges and yellows.

The vine-covered pergola between Edison’s main and guest houses is so perfectly romantic.

What’s more appropriate than a kiss at the Friendship Gate?

Becky & Steve enjoy their fist moments as husband and wife on the stairs inside the Ford House.

Royal Palm Allee

The sound of strings played Becky down the aisle.

Becky & Steve’s daughter couldn’t have been more perfect for the role of flower girl.

Before taking that long walk down the aisle, Becky takes a deep breath and composes herself in the Ford’s dining room.

The mysore fig tree is the perfect symbol of strength and unity, with over 90% of its roots above ground, they must work as a team to keep the tree upright.

The Estates boasts the largest banyan tree in the Continental U.S. – an irresistable photo backdrop!

Ceremony Location: Edison & Ford Winter Estates / 239.334.7419 / http://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/weddings-receptions / weddings@edisonfordwinterestates.org

Photography: Impressions Photography / 239.437.1838 / www.impress-photo.com / info@impress-photo.com

Flowers: JH Designs / 239.277.0544 / www.jhdesigns.invitations.com / jhdesigns@embarqmail.com

Ceremony Music: Vanderbilt Strings / www.vanderbiltstrings.com / janie@vanderbiltstrings.com

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A Classic Black & White Wedding: Amanda & Matt | Outdoor Florida Wedding Venue

Style and sophistication are the terms that come to mind when describing Amanda and Matt’s November wedding at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, FL.  The couple glammed things up with a classic black and white color palette, a jaw-dropping vintage inspired gown (paired with a cathedral length fishnet veil), and an antique Model T getaway car.  Jesse Netsch Photography was there to document the elegance.

Location: Edison & Ford Winter Estates / 239.334.7419 / http://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/weddings-receptions/ weddings@edisonfordwinterestates.org

 Photography: Jesse Netsch Photography / 239.691.6719 / www.jessenetschphotography.com / jnetschphoto@hotmail.com

Flowers: Libby’s Flowers / 239.278.1500 / www.libbysflowershop.com / muffy@libbysflowershop.com

Transportation: Model T Chauffeur Services / 239.694.3969 / www.modeltchauffeur.com / info@modeltchauffeur.com

Reception: Royal Palm Yacht Club / 239.334.2176 / www.royal-palm-yacht-club.com / rpycbqt@embarqmail.com

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New Ground Photography Finds Magic at the Estates | Fort Myers Wedding Venue

Last month, Naples photographers Gregory Zasinets and Alex Zankevich, of New Ground Photography, came out to the Edison & Ford Winter Estates for a bridal photo shoot.  The images they produced capture the magic and enchantment of one of Florida’s most beautiful wedding venues.  There are no words to describe how incredible these photos are.

Click the photos to enlarge:

Location: Edison & Ford Winter Estates / 239.334.7419 / http://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/weddings-receptions / weddings@edisonfordwinterestates.org

Photography: New Ground Photography / 239.449.8897 / www.newgroundphotography.com / info@newgroundphotography.com

Gown: Loretta’s Bridal Boutique / 239.984.3998 / www.lorettabridal.com / lorettabridal@embarqmail.com

Flowers: Libby’s Flowers / 239.278.1500 / www.libbysflowershop.com / muffy@libbysflowershop.com

Antique Car: Model T Chauffeur Services / 239.694.3969 / http://www.modeltchauffeur.com / info@modeltchauffeur.com

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Fort Myers Waterfront Wedding Venue | La Vie En Rose: Virginia & Cameron’s Wedding

When looking through the photos of Virginia and Cameron’s March wedding in the Coconut Grove at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, “Pretty In Pink” is what comes to mind.  There are elements that hint at an “Old Florida” theme and there are even a few references to birds, a play on Cameron’s last name, Byrd.  But the theme most important to the couple when planning their big day was “Fun.” 

Fun is definitely what they got when they hired wedding planners Kristi Edwards and Julie Johnson of Happily Ever After to make their dreams become reality.   Below is the proof  in photos taken by Luminaire Foto.

Click photos to enlarge:

What could be more fun at a wedding reception than a photo booth?

What started off as a sweet slow dance to “Isn’t She Lovely” quickly morphed into a hilarious ensemble including “Walk Like An Egyptian” and “Cotton Eye Joe” (seen here).

Virginia and her dad secretly took dance lessons and performed a choreographed routine to a medley of various tunes.

Mason’s Bakery created a classic white wedding cake adorned with pink roses.

The reception was pretty in pink with orchids, roses, and hydrangea centerpieces topped with jewel draped branches. The brown chivari chairs donned pink sashes and the tables were named after Florida birds.

Virginia and Cameron were whisked away in a 1926 Model T getaway car.

Cameron sweeps Virginia off her feet in front of the Mysore Fig Tree on Henry Ford’s Riverside Lawn.

The Moonlight Garden is especially beautiful in March as the bougainvillea is in full bloom.

Taking advantage of the exotic and oh-so-photogenic trees that populate the Estates, the bridal party is artfully arranged in the Lofty Fig.

Cameron’s groomsmen looked especially dapper with their navy vests and baby blue ties. Their boutonnieres were white roses.

Virginia’s bridesmaids wore strapless knee length dresses in baby blue with ivory sashes. Their bouquets were bright pink and white roses.

Virginia and Cameron chose Edison’s Coconut Grove overlooking the Caloosahatchee River and Thomas Edison’s Pier for their ceremony location.

A throwback to the laid back lifestyle of the old south, the rings were carried in on bamboo cane fishing poles.

White hydrangeas and pink roses were tied to the chairs and the aisle was lined on either side with rose petals.

The pink and orange invitation suite featured tropical frangipani flowers.

It was hard to resist references to our winged friends when the couple’s last name is Byrd.

Virginia’s gifts to her bridesmaids included pink satin robes with the girls initials embroidered, matching flip flops, funky sunglasses, and pearl necklaces.

The girls had a great time goofing off while getting ready at Virginia’s parents’ home.

Ceremony Location: Edison & Ford Winter Estates / 239.334.7419 / http://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/weddings-receptions/ / weddings@edisonfordwinterestates.org

Ceremony Chairs: Creative Events & Rentals / 239.768.6393 / www.creativeevents1.com / info@creativeevents1.com

Flowers: Libby’s Flowers / 239.278.1500 / www.libbysflowershop.com / muffy@libbysflowershop.com

Transportation: Model T Chauffeur Services / 239.694.3969 / www.modeltchauffeur.com / info@modeltchauffeur.com

Wedding Planning: Happily Ever After / 239.433.4625 / www.happilyeverafter4u.com / happilyeverafter4u@comcast.net

Photography: Luminaire Foto / 239.848.8926 / www.luminairefoto.com / karl@luminairefoto.com

Reception Location: The Edison Restaurant / 239.936.9348 / www.edisonfl.com / liana@edisonfl.com

Wedding Cake: Mason’s Bakery / 239.334.4525 / www.masonsbakery.com / chrisk@masonsbakery.com

Invitations: The Paper Mill / 239.437.2252 / www.thepapermill-florida.net / loveis@thepapermill-florida.net

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Florida Wedding Venue | Sunset Wedding at the Fig Tree: Geremy & Troy

Geremy and Troy are one of those couples that remind you of sunshine.  Everytime I run into these two, I can’t help but have a good time.  The details of their March wedding at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates  in Fort Myers, Florida truly reflected both their sense of style and their sense of humor.  The cermony took place at sunset under the great Mysore Fig Tree whose leaves were just beginning to sprout after a long Florida winter. 

“We chose The Edison & Ford Winter Estates because we were going for the historic look of Fort Myers.  You can’t get more historic than getting married at The Edison & Ford Winter Estates!  We had our reception at The Edison Restaurant to complete the historic feel.  We didn’t want to do the typical Florida beach wedding.  We loved the grounds at the Estates because of the scenery and just the overall beauty of the grounds.  We absolutely loved getting married in front of the big fig tree.  Just the way the sun was coming through the branches made it feel unbelievable!” says Troy. 

We agree!  Take a look at these magical photographs captured by Jamie Lee Photography and see if you feel the same way (click photos to enlarge):

The Bride, the Groom, the Maid of Honor, and the Best Man spell out LOVE in sparklers at the reception.

Before the end of the night, Geremy put on her Chuck Taylor’s and danced the night away with hubby, Troy at The Edison Restaurant.

The Groom’s cake was a silver and blue Harley Davidson gas tank.

This incredible black and white wedding cake was created by Vicki’s Sweet Things. Also, note the rhinestone encrusted servingware!

Fitting the black and white theme of the wedding, the couple gave favors of snow caps in little clear jelly jars.

The centerpieces on the reception tables were simple but elegant arrangements of white and purple flowers on a black and white linen surrounded by votive candles.

The Mysore Fig Tree is full of magic and wonder!

This photo really shows off the tropical paradise that is the Edison & Ford Winter Estates.

Jamie Lee Photography did a spectacular job catching the sunlight in these photos.

The sun sets on the Caloosahatchee River as Geremy & Troy enjoy the view from Edison’s porch.

The moonlight garden is too romantic to miss a photo opp!

Geremy & Troy take some time to enjoy the blooming bougainvillea in the Moonlight Garden.

The bridesmaids got their chance to tease Troy. It takes a lot of trust to let six women carry you!

Before the ceremony, Geremy & Troy wrote letters describing all the things they love about each other. During their wedding, officiant David Thompson of BareFoot We Wed, had them place their letters into a small box containing a single bottle of wine. “Keep this bottle in plain sight in your home. Should your marriage ever hit a rough spot, before you make any rash decisions, open the bottle of wine, pour each other a glass, and read your letters,” he said. This wine ceremony had everyone tearing up!

This was such a fun group of people! The groomsmen couldn’t resist the urge to joke about the cathedral length veil Geremy wore.

The leaves were just beginning to sprout on the great Mysore Fig Tree on Ford’s Riverside Lawn. The light peering through the branches set the romantic ambience of the event.

Whimsical tunes from the Hammered Dulcimer and Flute filled the air at this unique ceremony.

Signature Florals designed these beautiful flower “nests” that hung so beautifully from shepards hooks down the aisle.

Each of the groomsmen (and even the ringbearer) wore Converse Chuck Taylors as part of their wedding day attire.

Geremy’s junior bridesmaid wore a sweet white corsage and her flower girl carried an adorable white flower ball.

The six bridesmaids all wore knee length black dresses in different styles and carried simple white bouquets.

Ceremony Location: Edison & Ford Winter Estates / 239.334.7419 / http://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/weddings-receptions/ / weddings@edisonfordwinterestates.org

Ceremony Chairs: Creative Events & Rentals / 239.768.6393 / www.creativeevents1.com / info@creativeevents1.com

Officiant: BareFoot We Wed / 239.699.0426 / www.barefootwewed.com / info@barefootwewed.com

Photography: Jamie Lee Photography / 239.872.0419 / www.jamieleephotography.com / sales@jamieleephotography.com

Flowers: Signature Florals / 239.454.0653 / www.signature-florals.com / susan@signature-florals.com

Music: Richard Blasich Hammered Dulcimer / 989.370.3056 / rblasich@gmail.com

Reception: The Edison Restaurant / 239.936.9348 / www.edisonfl.com / liana@edisonfl.com

Wedding Cake: Vicki’s Sweet Things Ice Cream & Cakery / 239.462.8537

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2nd Annual Tropical Florida Bridal Fair

Thank you brides, grooms, sponsors and vendors for coming out to the 2nd Annual Tropical Foridal Bridal Fair at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates this past Sunday!  The show was a huge success with over 250 in attendance.  Below are just a few photos of how much fun we all had!

Outdoor Wedding Reception Tent Designed by Studio 6xi, Linens by Connie Duglin Specialty Linens, and Reception Flowers by Libby’s Flowers

The Reception Tent

Outdoor Wedding Furniture by Creative Events & Rentals

Bagpipes by Sound O’ The Pipes

Unique Fondant Cakes by Vicki’s Sweet Things

Live Steel Drums and Reggae Music by Cruzan Vibes

Dance Performances by Rhythm In Motion

Mason’s Bakery offers samples of their wedding cake

Hummer Limousine by LIMOtions

Beautiful skewer presentation by Mad Cuisine

Jamie Lee Photography

Charlene’s Classic Carriages

Hammer Dulcimer and Flute by Richard Blasich

Delicious appetizers made onsite by Catering by Pignoli

Bridesmaid Dresses by Lace & Roses Bridal Salon

Audrey Snow Photography

Antique Car Transportation by Model T Chauffeur Services

Fashion Show Flower Balls by JH Designs

Bridal Gowns from Lace & Roses Bridal Salon

SPONSORED BY:

Creative Events & Rentals / 239.768.6393 / www.creativeevents1.com / info@creativeevents1.com

Studio Six Eleven Events / 239.561.2741 / www.studio6xi.com / info@studio6xi.com

Participating Vendors:

Hilton Garden Inn / 239.790.3500 / www.fortmyers.stayhgi.com

Best Western Waterfront / 239.997.5511

Lace & Roses Bridal Salon / 239.489.2845

Mason’s Bakery / 239.334.4525 / www.masonsbakery.com / chrisk@masonsbakery.com

Norman Love Confections / 239.561.7215 / www.normanloveconfections.com / info@normanloveconfections.com

Vicki’s Sweet Things / 239.462.8537

Boston Culinary Group / 239.337.7577 / www.bostonculinarygroup.com / kevin.mitchell@centerplate.com

Catering by Pignoli / 239.541.0800 / www.pignolicapeharbour.com / pignoli@comcast.net

Mad Cuisine / 239.693.8646 / www.madcuisine.com

Rene’s Custom Catering / 239.489.4424 / www.renescustomcatering.com / renescatering@earthlink.net

Royal Palm Yacht Club / 239.334.2176 / www.royal-palm-yacht-club.com / rpycbqt@embarqmail.com

Rhythm In Motion Dance Academy / 239.542.3500

Aace Entertainment DJ Services / 239.466.0077 / www.aaceentertainment.com / patrick@aaceentertainment.com

Sounds Unlimited DJ Services / 239.898.6426

Beautiful Wedding Ceremonies / 239.561.8380 / www.beautifulfloridaweddings.com / christinabowmanunity@comcast.net

Extraordinary Eventz / 239.282.9526 / www.extraordinaryeventz.com / lisa@extraordinaryeventz.com

Wedding Vows by Earth, Air and Sea / 239.209.4822 / www.floridaweddingvows.com / jannetteadams@msn.com

JH Designs Florist / 239.277.0544 / www.jhdesigns.invitations.com / jhdesigns@embarqmail.com

Libby’s Flowers / 239.278.1500 / www.libbysflowershop.com / muffy@libbysflowershop.com

Costco / 239.415.3812

Red Salon & Spa / 239.437.0405 / www.redsalonandspa.com

Ideal Image Laser Hair Removal / 239.275.4624

American Laser Centers / 877.252.8922

Take Shape for Life Weight Loss System by Brad Henry / 239.850.4867

Key West Express / 888.539.2628

Connie Duglin Specialty Linens / 239.593.0389

Hammer Dulcimer & Flute by Richard Blasich / 989.370.3056

Cruzan Vibes Reggae Band & J. Robert / 239.297.5733

Sound O’ The Pipes Bagpipes / 239.481.6524

Mary Kay Cosmetics by Faby Nouhaili / 239.464.3476

Audrey Snow Photography / 239.334.7669 / www.audreysnowphotography.com /audrey@audreysnowphotography.com

Dick Parrish Photography / 239.677.1040 / www.dickparrishphoto.com / dick@dickparrishphoto.com

Jamie Lee Photography / 239.872.0419 / www.jamieleephotography.com / sales@jamieleephotography.com

Micheal Shapiro Photography / 239.770.6860 /www.shapiro-photography.com / mike@shapiro-photography.com

Mielke Photography & Video / 239.770.6860 / www.mielkephotography.com / rosemarymielke@hotmail.com

MM PhotoVideo Productions / 239.541.2927 / www.musicmanpro.com / flny12@aol.com

Model T Chauffeur Services / 239.694.3969 / www.modeltchauffeur.com / info@modeltchauffeur.com

LIMOtions Limousine Service / 239.645.4878

Charlene’s Classic Carriages / 239.543.2290

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Lovebirds: The Wedding of Rachel & Steve

You may recall earlier this year when we posted Rachel & Steve’s Save-the-Dates and Wedding Invitations.  The two tied the knot last month, and the photos are in.  They are every bit as vibrant as their printed materials promised.  The wedding was held on a perfect November afternoon in the Royal Palm Allee on the Historic Ford Property.  The details are spectacular – take a look:

You know your wedding reception is a hit when there are this many guests on the dance floor.

Rachel & Steve enjoyed their first dance as a married couple under colorful paper lanterns at the Royal Palm Yacht Club.

The wedding cake from Mason’s Bakery was as colorful as every other detail. The topper is the chinese symbol for double happiness.

Rachel & Steve had caramel apples as wedding favors and escort cards.

The Eventz, Inc. centerpieces on the reception tables carried the colorful theme through the reception. Also pictured are the matching love bird table cards printed and designed by Mama’s Sauce Print Shoppe.

Another peek at the invitations from Mama’s Sauce Print Shoppe that set the theme of the wedding.

Sunsets on the Caloosahatchee River are unmatched. Here the newlyweds take it in from the pier at the Royal Palm Yacht Club. In the background is the sillhouette of the Edison Pier.

Jamie from Jamie Lee Photography has a great talent for catching the sunlight at just the right angle to produce images as breathtaking as this one of Rachel & Steve under the canopy of the Banyan Tree.

Rachel & Steve each wrote their own emotional vows to one another.

Color was everywhere in sight during this perfect November afternoon in the Royal Palm Allee.

The incredible Royal Palm Allee stretches from the back porch of the Ford House to the Caloosahatchee River, making the perfect wedding aisle.

Rachel’s veil blows in the wind as she is escorted down the aisle by her father.

Rachel & Steve are perched (like birds) atop the winding roots of the Mysore Fig at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates.

Rachel shows off her sassy red shoes hidden beneath her beautiful wedding gown.

Steve steals a kiss as Rachel’s veil blows romantically in the breeze.

The bridal party was dressed in purple bridesmaid dresses, and purple striped groomsmen ties. Here they pose for a group photo in the bamboo at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates.

Rachel’s bouquet was loaded with brightly colored tropical flowers.

Steve’s boutonniere was a bright green orchid paired with a white tie.

The groomsmen donned purple striped ties, and double yellow orchid boutonnieres.

Rachel & Steve get a private moment to see each other before the wedding.

Rachel & Steve decided to take all their photos before the ceremony, but they didn’t want to miss that magic moment where they see each other for the first time. So we gave them the opportunity to have that moment alone in the Moonlight Garden at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates.

Just as The Beatles on the cover of Abbey Road, the groomsmen strolled across McGregor Boulevard. In true John Lennon fashion, the groom took off his shoes.

Six groomsmen pose asa symbol of support behind Steve under the largest Banyan Tree in the continental United States.

Ceremony Location: Edison & Ford Winter Estates / 239.334.7419 / www.efwefla.org/wedding.asp / info@efwefla.org

Ceremony Chairs: Creative Events & Rentals / 239.768.6393 / www.creativeevents1.com / info@creativeevents1.com

Flowers: Eventz, Inc. / 239.415.2581 / www.eventzinc.com / sales@eventzinc.com

Photography: Jamie Lee Photography / 239.872.0419 / www.jamieleephotography.com / sales@jamieleephotography.com

Reception Location: Royal Palm Yacht Club / 239.334.2176 / www.royal-palm-yacht-club.com / rpycbqt@embarqmail.com

Wedding Cake: Mason’s Bakery / 239.334.4525 / www.masonsbakery.com / chrisk@masonsbakery.com

Invitations, Table Cards, Save-the-Dates: Mama’s Sauce Print Shoppe / 321.251.5445 / www.mamas-sauce.com / nick@mamas-sauce.com

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Modern Wedding in the Royal Palm Allee: Mandy and Chris

Last month, Mandy & Chris of Fort Myers got married in the Royal Palm Allee on the riverside of the Ford House at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. Mandy with her five flower girls walked down an aisle of 75′ royal palms.  Behind them was an arch of bamboo framing the Caloosahatchee River.   The light blue and brown theme was carried throughout the event with program fans and a unity sand ceremony.  Check out these spectacular photographs from Jamie Lee Photography (click to enlarge):

Ceremony Location: Edison & Ford Winter Estates / 239.334.7419 / www.efwefla.org/wedding.asp / info@efwefla.org

Photographer: Jamie Lee Photography / 239.872.0419 / www.jamieleephotography.com / sales@jamieleephotography.com

Ceremony Chairs: Creative Events & Rentals / 239.768.6393 / www.creativeevents1.com / info@creativeevents1.com

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Tropical Wedding in the Coconut Grove: Mary Lee & Larry

Mary Lee & Larry, a cheerful Chicago couple, said, “ I do” this October at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates.  The ceremony took place in Edison’s tropical Coconut Grove on the Caloosahatchee River.  Click on the images to enlarge:

The ceremony took place late afternoon in Edison’s Coconut Grove under a tropical arbor decorated with roses, lilies, hydrangeas, and palms.

Mary Lee & Larry poured colored sand into a glass keepsake container to symbolize their union.

The ring bearer carried the wedding bands tied to ribbons in a large shell.

The wedding party poses for photos in the Mysore Fig Tree on the Ford Riverside Lawn.

Mary Lee & Larry share a moment in Mina Edison’s Moonlight Garden.

The newlyweds take in the beautiful sunset over the Caloosahatchee River with Edison’s Pier in the background.

The happy couple holds up a JUST MARRIED sign as they are delivered by Golf Cart to their reception at the Royal Palm Yacht Club.

Sand dollars in a treasure chest act as escort cards.

Wedding guests sign names and well wishes on a matted photo of the couple.

The tropical seashell cake is accompanied at the reception by the unity sand.

No detail was overlooked, even the cake knives sported orchids.

The tables were named after islands in Southwest Florida.

Ceremony Location: Edison & Ford Winter Estates / 239.334.7419 / www.efwefla.org / info@efwefla.org

Reception Location: Royal Palm Yacht Club / 239.334.2176 / www.royal-palm-yacht-club.com / rpycbqt@embarqmail.com

Photography: Images Wedding Photography / 239.283.9811 / www.imagesweddingphotography.com / jdean0001@hotmail.com

All Flowers, Arbor, & Centerpieces: JH Designs / 239.277.0544 / www.jhdesigns.invitations.com / jhdesigns@embarmail.com

Ceremony Chairs: Creative Events / 239.786.6393 / www.creativeevents1.com / info@creativeevents1.com

Table Linens: Connie Duglin Specialty Linen / 239.784.9733 / www.connieduglinlinen.com / naplesdiv3@connieduglinlinen.com

Cake: Mason’s Bakery / 239.334.4525 / www.masonsbakery.com / chrisk@masonsbakery.com

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