Showing posts with label Wedding Planning Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wedding Planning Tips. Show all posts

Friday, December 8, 2017

Tips for Planning Your Winter Wedding

There is something magical and romantic about a winter wedding. A winter wonderland, romantic fireplaces and candlelight, and holiday décor are a few reasons why winter weddings are popular. While there may be some obstacles to overcome, the end result is worth it for most brides. Here at The Historic Pinecrest, we wanted to provide you with some tips to keep in mind if you’re planning a winter wedding.


You can save money

Winter months can mean it’s off season for most vendors. Some venues offer discounts in the offseason to bring in extra business. Photographers and DJs usually offer discounts during the offseason as well. However, one thing you won’t save money on is flowers.

Helpful hint: Some types of flowers are extremely hard to find in the winter months. Check ahead of time to see what flowers are in season and which ones will work for your wedding. This will help keep your floral budget from skyrocketing.

Prepare for potential weather

Being winter time, you could end up with some treacherous winter weather or hazardous conditions. While nothing is guaranteed, it’s best to be prepared for all types of weather. Check with the venue and see if they offer free rescheduling due to unforeseen weather conditions.


People may say no

While no one likes the hear the word, no, especially when it comes to your wedding, you may receive a few no’s from guests you have invited. It’s nothing personal, some people just don’t like to travel during winter months. This is something you should be aware of when planning a winter wedding.

Invest in winter accessories

Having winter accessories will make all the difference in keeping you warm on your special day. You don’t have to wear a scarf and gloves. A long sleeve wedding dress, a cape or veil, or a matching cardigan are all great options.


Stay on top of your beauty prep

Dry skin and chapped lips are very common in the colder winter months. As a bride, this is something you should prepare for ahead of time. Chapped lips and dry skin do not look great in wedding photos.

Extra travel time

Bad weather can cause a lot of traffic and it doesn’t matter how close or far you are from the venue. Traffic is still traffic and it can cause you unnecessary stress. Plan accordingly and make sure you give yourself and your guests plenty of extra travel time.


Have your ceremony and reception at the same venue

Keeping both the ceremony and reception at the same venue reduces the amount of travel that will take place. This will reduce the chance of people getting stuck in traffic or not be able to travel due to a change in weather.

Winter décor

Using candles can create a very romantic atmosphere. Just make sure that your venue allows you to use real candles. Glitter is also a very festive option. You don’t have to overload your wedding with glitter, but it does make a great accent. It’s also a great idea to check the décor of your venue. They might have holiday décor that does not match your wedding decorations.


Coat Check

This is a great option to have. Have a coat check set up and make sure the coats will be stored in a safe place. The last thing a guest wants to worry about is having to hold onto or watch their coat during the ceremony and reception.

If you have your heart set on a winter wonderland wedding, keep these tips in mind during the planning process to help ease the stress and avoid any disasters. The Historic Pinecrest would be a wonderful place to host a winter wedding in Colorado Springs. If you want to schedule a private tour of our venue, give us a call or text 719-357-8613 today!

A Beautiful Wedding Awaits...

106 Pinecrest Way
Palmer Lake, CO 80133


Call or text for a private tour!
719-357-8613

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Friday, September 8, 2017

Tips for a Cocktail Hour Your Guests will Actually Enjoy!

Are you planning a cocktail hour between your wedding ceremony and reception? While many people enjoy this type of event, there are a few ways they can go wrong. Our wedding venue near Colorado Springs is here to help! Below The Historic Pinecrest has provided some helpful tips on how to host a successful cocktail hour.


Provide Adequate Space

You don't want to cramp all of your guests in a small space that makes them uncomfortable. If you are going to schedule a cocktail hour, ensure there is adequate space for this type of activity.

Strive for Seating and Standing Space

While the majority of people will stand and mingle with other guests, some may prefer to sit while they wait for the reception to start. Strive to provide both standing room and seating options during a cocktail hour.

Set the Mood with Music

Although many of your guests will chat with others, it is nice to provide a little background music during this time. It's recommended to have smooth and soft music to accommodate for easy conversation, should your guests prefer to visit with one another.

Offer a Signature Cocktail

A fun way to incorporate your favorite drink is to offer a signature cocktail during a cocktail hour. Whether it's the bride and groom's drink of choice or a fun new drink that fits your wedding theme, try to spice it up a bit with a signature drink.

Provide Non-Alcoholic Options

Not everyone is into drinking alcoholic beverages and it's best to provide non-alcoholic options during a cocktail hour, as well. Especially if your guests will be bringing children to your wedding, try to incorporate water, juice, or lemonade options too.

Don't Forget About the Food

Depending on the time of cocktail hour, it is nice to provide a few appetizer type food items for your guests to enjoy. This can help give them a little something to munch on before a full meal is served during the reception.

Keep it to an Hour

You don't want to keep your guests waiting too long. An hour (at the max) is recommended for cocktail time. After that, people start to get antsy and want to start celebrating the newlyweds at the wedding reception.

Offer Entertainment

Consider keeping your guests busy during this time of the wedding. From signing of the guest book to lawn games, there are a number of activities you can offer your guests to participate in. Kids especially love little games to keep them busy (and their parents will too!).

After you've read these helpful tips, you're ready to finish planning our your wedding day at The Historic Pinecrest. Our event center is the ideal place for a cocktail hour. We have a large deck offering breathtaking views and the perfect spot for your guests to mingle and visit, while you enjoy your first minutes as husband and wife! If you'd like to see our Colorado Springs wedding venue for yourself, please schedule a private tour today. We look forward to showing you around our stunning venue!

A Beautiful Wedding Awaits...

106 Pinecrest Way
Palmer Lake, CO 80133


Call or text for a private tour!
719-357-8613

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Thursday, August 17, 2017

First Steps when Planning a Wedding

Congratulations on your recent engagement! Now the excitement of wedding planning can begin. You and your fiance may be overwhelmed by the number of decisions that need to be made as you plan your Colorado Springs wedding. Don't worry - The Historic Pinecrest is here to help! Below we've provided some steps that need to be taken first. By planning the major decisions first, you won't feel so overwhelmed.


Pick a Date

The most important step to take, before moving on with the rest of your wedding plans is selecting a day for your nuptials. Consider contacting close family and friends to ensure the people you most care about attending can make it on that date. Once you have a date in mind, you can move forward with the next step in your planning.

Establish a Budget

Discuss your finances with your fiance and decide how much the two of you want to spend on a wedding. It's important to have exactly what you want on your wedding day, but a budget is also a great piece of information to establish up front. There are a number of estimated budget examples available to help you plan a number.

Find the Perfect Venue

Get ready for some fun when choosing a venue for your big day. Be sure to tour the venues in person to get a good idea of what the area has to offer for your wedding day. It can also be helpful to lock down a venue that has your date available as soon as possible. Whether you are after a rustic, natural wedding or a classy upscale venue, find a place to host your wedding early on in the planning process.

Select Your Wedding Party

You may have known who would stand by your side the day you get married for a long time or you may need to make a decision now. Many couples try to have the same number of attendants on each side for a symmetric look for the wedding. The fun part is coming up with unique ways to ask your bridal party to be a part of your big day!

Start a Guest List

It's important to know a rough estimate of the number of guests you plan to invite, especially when shopping around for different venues. Make a list of immediate family, extended family, friends, and other acquaintances that you wish to join you on your big day. This can also give you a good start when it comes time to make out invitations.

Now that you know what steps need to be taken first when planning a beautiful wedding near Colorado Springs, you can relax a little. Planning a wedding is a fun process and you shouldn't feel too intimidated - simply take it step by step and enjoy the adventure. This is a great bonding experience for you and your soon-to-be spouse. Planning a wedding together can help incorporate a little bit of both of your personalities together, truly creating a unique wedding for you. Contact our wedding venue near Colorado Springs to schedule a private tour in which you can see what we have to offer for your big day!

A Beautiful Wedding Awaits...

106 Pinecrest Way
Palmer Lake, CO 80133


Call or text for a private tour!
719-357-8613

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Friday, July 14, 2017

Top 10 Questions To Ask Your Wedding Photographer

There are a lot of things that need to be lined out in advance, for your big day. From the venue to entertainment to photography, many of these professions book up quickly. Whether you have a certain photographer in mind or are working with a company for the first time, you may want to ask some specific questions before you book. We can help provide a breathtaking wedding venue near Colorado Springs, making the perfect place for your wedding photos! Take a look below for questions you should ask your wedding photographer.

Photo Credit: Shayla Velazquez Photography


1) What percent of your business is spent shooting weddings?

It is great to find a photographer who specializes in event photography. If that is not your photographer's sole responsibility, inquire about how much time they actually spend doing events or weddings. This can help you narrow down which company you want to go with.

2) Have you worked at the venue we chose?

While this should not be a make or break your decision, it would be nice to know if they are familiar with your venue. From great photography shots to ideal backgrounds - they have likely figured out the sweet spots on the property for great shots. This can help give you more time with the photographer, versus them finding the right location for a shoot.

3) Will you be photographing our wedding? Do you have a backup if needed?

Many photography companies have more than one photographer. It's best to meet with the individual who will be shooting your big day. Also inquire about emergency fill ins, if needed. Whether there is a family emergency or an illness, it's nice to know that someone will be there to fill in, during your big day.

4) Can we look at your recent work?

It's always a good idea to look at a photographers work, before booking. This can help give you a good idea of their style and see if it matches up to what you are looking for on your wedding day. After all, these images will be looked back upon for a lifetime.

5) Will you follow a shot list, if we provide one?

Most wedding photographers will follow a shot list, if requested. It's best to double check and see if that setup works for the both of you. You can ask how detailed of a list you want. Whether it's a list for family & bridal party photos or they want shots described for the entire event, it's best to be upfront about your expectations.

6) How do you describe your photography style?

By asking the photographer this question and looking through their previous work, you can get a good feel for what they like to capture in photos. It's best to know your styles match up, before you get locked in.

7) What are your photography package options?

Many photography companies offer a wide range of packages and/or custom options for your big day. Be sure to ask about these options up front. It's best to know what you are getting into so you are both on the same page as far as expectations. Also inquire about the pricing options that go along with these packages.

Photo Credit: Shebli Nikkole Photography

8) Do you provide prints or digital copies?

This question can help you narrow down a photographer, as well. Whether you're looking for a photographer who provides prints versus digital images may help you make your decision. If you have a specific expectation, it's important to inquire about it first.

9) How many hours of photography coverage do you offer?

While the various packages may lend to this answer, it's best to double check and inquire about the time commitment you are expecting. It's important to allow adequate time to capture the moments you want. Whether you want shots of the bridal party getting ready at the beginning or plenty of reception images of your family and friends enjoying the party, or both - be sure to ask about this ahead of time.

10) When can we expect to see the photos from our big day?

This is an important question to ask. It's good to have upfront knowledge about the expected time of completion, when it comes to your wedding photographs. This can help give you an idea of when the images will be ready and help your photographer avoid a daily phone call asking if they are complete yet.

Now that you have seen some of the things to inquire about when meeting with a potential photographer, you're ready to start your search. If you haven't locked down your venue for your big day, The Historic Pinecrest can help! Our beautiful wedding venue in Colorado offers spectacular mountain views outside and a breathtaking space inside. If you want to schedule a private tour of our venue, give us a call or text 719-357-8613 today!

A Beautiful Wedding Awaits...

106 Pinecrest Way
Palmer Lake, CO 80133


Call or text for a private tour!
719-357-8613

Follow us on

Thursday, June 8, 2017

Key Tips for Planning Your Big Day

Planning a wedding can be a little overwhelming for some brides. Here at The Historic Pinecrest, we want to help make the planning process as easy as possible! One of the first steps in the planning process is to choose a venue. Our beautiful wedding venue near Colorado Springs offers the ideal backdrop for your wedding day. If you've already booked your big day with us, take a look at the tips provided below to make your wedding planning experience a little less hectic!

Estimate Guest Count

Before you can even book a venue, it's important to get a good idea of the number of guests you plan to invite. This number can actually help you narrow down which wedding venue is going to work for your big day. While there is no guarantee, about 30% of the guests you invite will not be able to make it to help you celebrate.

Create a Wedding Binder

A notebook or binder filled with everything wedding can help keep all of your plans and ideas in one place. From to-do lists to service provider contracts, it's important to have all of this documentation handy, for planning your big day.

Book Blackout Dates Early

If you plan to get married on a highly sought after date, book your wedding as far out as possible. This can help you ensure you get the venue and service providers you wish for. It's important to get your major wedding providers lined out, to ensure they are available for your date.

Block Off Hotel Rooms

As soon as you set your wedding date and get a venue locked down, try to reserve a block of hotel rooms at a nearby hotel. This can help give your out-of-town guests a good idea of where to stay, especially if they are not familiar with the area. Try to keep price in mind when blocking off rooms - take the budget of your wedding guests into consideration, when selecting a hotel.

Allow Time to Set Up

Plan ahead for set-up time prior to your wedding. Whether it's the day before or the morning of your big day, make sure you have plenty of help to decorate your wedding ceremony and reception space for your big day!

Enlist the Troops

Be sure you have plenty of friends and family members on hand to help with your entire wedding process. Whether your bridesmaids want to help create decorations for your big day or your family members want to help you decorate and set up at your wedding venue, ensure you have plenty of hands on deck to allow your wedding to go off without a hitch!

Now that you know all these ways to make the process of planning a wedding a bit easier, you're ready to get started! When you book your wedding with The Historic Pinecrest, you can rest assured that our venue will provide a breathtaking backdrop for your ceremony, reception, and everything in between. We look forward to helping you make your big day just how you've always imagined!

A Beautiful Wedding Awaits...

106 Pinecrest Way
Palmer Lake, CO 80133

Call or text for a private tour!
719-357-8613

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Tuesday, April 25, 2017

How To Organize Your Wedding

Are you recently engaged? You may start to feel the pressure of planning your wedding - but don't worry - we're here for you! Since Wednesday, April 26th is Get Organized Day, we've dedicated this week's blog to just that - getting your wedding plans organized. From our breath-taking chapel to our large event center, our venue in Colorado Springs offers a great place for your big day. If you're starting to feel overwhelmed, when planning your Colorado Springs wedding, take a look at our tips, provided below.


Make a List

To start, make a checklist of decisions that need to be made, as well as other tasks that should be accomplished, before the big day. You can get some great wedding planning ideas on Pinterest! There are also a number of time frame lists that can be found, to help with your checksheet of tasks. This list can help you stay on track, for what you need to do, at what time you need to do it.

Divide & Conquer

Once you have your checklist made up, it's time to take action! Divide your list into a time frame, to get a good idea of what needs to be complete by what time, depending on how far out your wedding day is. Recruit reinforcement to help you accomplish your upcoming tasks. Whether it's help the day of the wedding or a craft session with friends beforehand, to get your decor made, your friends and family will be eager to help you prepare for your big day.

Stick to Your Schedule

Once you've nailed down a schedule of when certain tasks should be completed by, try to stick to that closely. This can help avoid a pile-up of items that need to be completed, at the last minute. Your schedule should allow adequate time for all tasks to be accomplished, to help reduce your stress level, as your big day approaches.

Stay Organized

As the theme of this blog, organization is key, when planning a wedding. From making decisions about your big day to orchestrating your bridal party to making it all flow smoothly on the day of, staying organized can help a TON! Having your plans organized can also help you feel more at ease, about your upcoming event. Many brides will have a notebook or binder(or two!) dedicated to wedding planning. This can help keep all of your decisions, timelines, and other wedding information all in one place.

Ready to get to planning? Making decisions and planning for your big day should be a joyous time. To make it a little easier, we can help you nail down your Colorado Springs wedding venue today! Schedule a tour of our vast property, to decide exactly where you want your ceremony and reception, as well as any other accommodations you may want to explore. Contact us at 719-357-8613 to book your private tour of The Historic Pinecrest today!

A Beautiful Wedding Awaits...

106 Pinecrest Way
Palmer Lake, CO 80133

Call or text for a private tour!
719-357-8613

Follow us on

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

5 Tips for Choosing Your Wedding Cake

Choosing your wedding cake can be a fun - and tasty process! From the type of cake you want to the style, colors, and textures of the decorating, there are many aspects to choose. While modern weddings can incorporate different desserts instead of cake, a wedding cake is still a very popular way to approach the dessert at your wedding. Here at the Historic Pinecrest, we have seen many different flavors and styles being served up in our Colorado Springs event center, so we wanted to give you a few ideas to help make the choosing process easier.

Finalize Your Guest List

This may not seem like the first step in getting your wedding cake, but the bakery will want to know exactly how many guests they will need to serve when they create your masterpiece. Once you've narrowed down your guest list, you can get prices from local bakeries and see how much they charge for a cake.

Taste Away!

After you've chosen your baker, you'll want to start thinking about flavors that you like. Talk to your bakery and see if they have recommendations based on your location or the season of your wedding. If you are having a summer wedding, you may want to choose fruity and fresh flavors, versus a fall wedding where you may want rich and spicy indulgences. After you've narrowed down a few flavors, as your bakery if you can taste them, and don't forget to bring a friend! Whether you're bringing your groom, mother, or maid of honor, let someone else's tastebuds help you make the final decision.

Think About Colors and Styles

Your bakery may have a book of cakes that they can make, or they may be willing to take photos from your Pinterest account to guide them in your style. Think about the colors that you'll be using in your wedding, as well as flowers, decor, and style. All of these can be incorporated into the design of your wedding cake to make it look fabulous.

Remember Your Location

While it may not seem important, where you have your wedding can also impact the type of cake you choose. If you'll be getting married outside on a warm day, certain frostings are prone to melting. Your bakery can suggest and let you try frostings that can handle a warm day and hot sun without turning into a disaster. You can also use your location as inspiration. Whether you want to decorate with wildflowers from the area or use a flavor that is common to the area, you can use this for inspiration.

Don't Forget Alternatives

If you aren't the type of bride who goes with the same old, same old, there are some fun options for you as well! From using homemade pies to having an ice cream buffet, or even a s'mores bar - many couples are opting for desserts that match their personality and tastes. You can still do a cake cutting ceremony, too! Just ask your bakery for a small "topper" sized cake to be decorated and you can cut that at your reception.

Your Colorado Springs Wedding

This tasty aspect of your wedding can be fun to plan, and especially delicious! As you're making plans for your wedding in Colorado Springs, we would love to assist you in the planning process. Our breathtaking wedding chapel in Colorado would be a beautiful place for you to celebrate your day. Visit our website to learn more about our wedding packages or give us a call at 719-357-8613 to schedule your private tour.

A Beautiful Wedding Awaits...

106 Pinecrest Way
Palmer Lake, CO 80133

Call or text for a private tour!
719-357-8613

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Wednesday, February 22, 2017

The Cut of Class: The Difference Between Diamond Cuts

The moment that many women wait for is to see the sparkling ring on their finger after being asked one of the biggest questions in their life. There's something romantic, pure, and timeless about diamond engagement rings, and no matter what shape or size - they become prized possessions after they are given. At The Historic Pinecrest, we have seen many, many engagement rings - and every single one is as unique as the woman wearing it. If you will be helping your fiance pick our your ring, we want to tell you a little bit about the shapes of diamonds - and help you make the selection easier!



The Round Diamond

The round, brilliant cut is one of the most popular diamond shapes of all. In fact, about 75% of all diamonds sold are round. The round shape provides the proper reflection of light, which maximizes the potential brightness.

The Princess Cut

The princess cut is a "fancy" cut, and one of the most popular fancy cut and especially popular for engagement rings. Like the round cut, the princess cut is a good choice because of the flexibility in working with many styles of rings.


The Emerald Cut

The emerald cut has unique step cuts that lead up to the large open table on the top. Instead of the sparkle that you see in a brilliant-cut, the emerald cut produces a hall of mirrors effect with the interplay of light and dark planes.

The Asscher Cut

This cut was first produced in 1902 by the Asscher Brothers of Holland. It is a forerunner to the emerald cut and is quite similar. It's different in that it's a square shape with larger step facets, a higher crown, and a smaller table.


The Marquise Cut

The marquise cut is football-shaped, and a modified brilliant-cut. The marquise diamond is long and narrow, and can also create the illusion of greater size. Carat for carat, this diamond has one of the largest surface areas.

The Oval Diamond

Because the oval diamond is a modified brilliant-cut, this diamond shape possesses a fire and brilliance as other round cuts. However, the oval cut diamonds have the added advantage of the long shape, which can make it appear to be larger.


The Radiant Cut

This cut is the first rectangular cut to have a complete brilliant-cut facet pattern on the crown and the pavilion. This creates a vibrant and lively diamond! It's a modified square shape, which is a good bridge between a cushion and a princess cut.

The Pear Cut

The pear-shaped diamond is a combination of a round and marquise shape and it comes to a tapered point on one end.




The Heart Cut

This cut is a unique and unmistakable symbol of love. It's most popular in solitaire pendants, but it's also popular in rings as well. If you want the heart shape cut, you need your diamond to be at least .5 carats due to the complexity of the shape.

The Cushion Cut

If you combine a square cut with a round cut, you will find the cushion cut. It's square but has the rounded corners, similar to a pillow (that explains the name). This cut is a classic and has been around for almost 200 years. For the first century of its existence, it was the most popular diamond shape, and it's beginning to make it's way back again.

A Girl's Best Friend

While many may joke that diamonds are a girl's best friend -  we know that your real best friend is the person you are so excited to marry. At the Historic Pinecrest we love hearing all of your love stories, and watching you both take your next steps in life together. If you are recently engaged (or will be soon!) we would love to meet with you and show off our beautiful event center in Colorado Springs. Visit our website to learn more about our wedding chapel in Colorado Springs - and don't forget to call or text 719-357-8613 for your private tour!

A Beautiful Wedding Awaits...

106 Pinecrest Way
Palmer Lake, CO 80133

Call or text for a private tour!
719-357-8613

Follow us on

Monday, February 13, 2017

Keeping Love Alive In the Midst of Wedding Planning

It comes at no surprise that wedding planning can quickly take over your life and consume your every waking thought (even your dreams, too!). While you may think stress is related to all of the planning, it is also a huge life change - which is why marriage is actually one of the top ten most stressful life events. At the Historic Pinecrest, we know how stressful planning your wedding can be, so we have a few ideas to help you keep the love alive even in the midst of planning your huge wedding in Colorado Springs.


Be Intentional

Just like you have to be intentional about planning your wedding, and getting tasks checked off your list - you have to be intentional about each other. Set aside a fixed time to spend time together. When you set these dates, be purposeful about keeping them, and don't ditch at the last minute. This can be one night a week, or an entire weekend depending on your schedules.

Don't Make Date Night Wedding Planning Night

Make this time an opportunity to NOT talk about wedding plans. You can even set your phones aside so there are no distractions. Plan something fun, like a board game, a movie night with snacks and cuddling, or a hiking trip. There are so many other times when you can discuss wedding details, take some time to focus on your relationship.


Try Something New

When you were first dating, did you try to come up with fun dates and do things you had never done before? Bring that same type of planning into your engagement season! Think of what your significant other loves to spend their time on and plan a surprise date around that activity. It can be a fun way to show them how much you love them and plan a fun date at the same time.

Plan the Honeymoon

Sure, you don't want to plan the wedding on your date nights - but planning the honeymoon is a whole different story! Get excited about this fun getaway with your future spouse, and take some time to plan every detail. If you're going on a road trip, start planning out the stops you'll be making. If you're going on a cruise, you can book your land adventures. If you're planning on cuddling up in a cabin for a snowy week of relaxation, think about the games and movies you want to bring. It can be a fun way to get excited and spend time together.

Small Ways to Show Your Love

Love doesn't have to be a huge fanfare, parade, or fireworks. Sometimes it's a sweet note written on the bathroom mirror with a dry-erase marker or letting them watch their favorite TV show even when you think it's boring. Take time to show love in the small things, especially as you start to plan your new life together.



Planning Your Colorado Springs Wedding

Wedding planning can be tough, but it will all be worth it when you get to your wedding day and can spend forever with the love of your life. Take some time this week (and every week) to invest in your relationship. Don't forget, if you're one of the people who gets surprised with a ring this week - we want to be the first to congratulate you! Visit our website to learn more about our Colorado Springs wedding venue, and don't forget to schedule a showing and come see it in person.

A Beautiful Wedding Awaits...

106 Pinecrest Way
Palmer Lake, CO 80133

Call or text for a private tour!
719-357-8613

Follow us on

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