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Guest list simple

Wedding Planning: Keep It Simple

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Wedding Planning: Keep It Simple

During the time of the pandemic, couples made the best of smaller weddings out of necessity. Then, extravagant weddings filled with entertainment, experiences, and desserts galore came next. While both of those weddings can be equally meaningful and special, we propose another option: simplicity. Here are the main areas of wedding planning you can simplify to keep your wedding planning stress-free.

Bachelorette/Bachelor Party

While elaborate vacations are fun, they are not necessary to have a great time. The most important element is not the location; it’s the people you are with! As a result, you should put extra thought into the guest list. Only invite those who you enjoy spending time with! Inviting people you don’t enjoy being around is a recipe for a bachelor/bachelorette party disaster. Once you determine the list, it’s important to choose a date on which you know they can come. Send a survey to your closest and best with two or three date ideas. Then spend the decided date having fun with your friends locally. You could go to your favorite restaurants or bars or hang out all day at your house watching Netflix. Whatever you do, do it with your favorite people and it’s sure to be a special day you’ll never forget.

Guest List

The guest list is easily the most stressful aspect of planning a wedding. That being said, your marriage is still valid whether you have ten people or 300. Once you have your allotted guest number that fits your budget, focus on ease. If going through and cutting people you are close to off the guest list stresses you out, then have a bigger wedding. Remember, we are focusing on simplicity, therefore less stress. Simple doesn’t have to mean small. However; if having a huge party stresses you out, have a small wedding. There is nothing wrong with keeping such a special day more intimate if that’s what feels best to you. People will have dissenting opinions no matter what you do, so take the stress out of it and stick with what simple means to you.

Guest list simple

Photo: MBD Wedding Photography, Venue: Heritage Prairie Farm, Wedding: Fatima and Nolan

Décor

We all can recognize the beauty of elaborate candelabras and giant floral arches everywhere, but there is also so much beauty in simplicity. The easiest way to simplify your wedding décor is to go to the venue and take a mental list of their existing décor, lighting, and color schemes first before you start buying décor. You may not have to decorate much if they already have a beautiful, standard setup. Instead of having details everywhere, think about where you want people’s eyes to go. Do you want them looking at each other at their tables? Choose lower, simple centerpieces. Do you want their eyes on you the whole night? Dress up the sweetheart table while keeping the rest of the venue more simple. If your venue has a bold color scheme already, use soft, simple colors and less ornate décor.

Simple wedding decor

Photo: MBD Wedding Photography, Venue: Riverside Receptions, Wedding: Missy and Dan

We hope these ideas will help you simplify your wedding planning and take the focus from the details and put it back on to getting married. The more you can simplify, the less stressful your wedding planning will be and the more meaningful your wedding can be. Happy Planning! Share this blog post with a friend who is beginning their wedding planning. For more wedding planning tips and inspiration check out more Chicago Wedding Blog posts below.

Wedding Lights photo

Lights as Wedding Décor

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Lights as Wedding Décor

If you walk into just about any store looking for wedding décor you will likely find an array of lights. Most venues have typical ceiling lights. If you add unique lights to your wedding décor it will create a warm and artistic atmosphere. From candles to string lights, there are so many options to choose from. To make designing your wedding décor easier we narrowed down the best lights to use as wedding décor.

Candelabras

Since the first time we saw Beauty and the Beast, we all saw the formality a candelabra can add to an event. If you are having a formal wedding, a candelabra is the perfect complementary lighting choice. You can introduce your wedding colors by using colored candles in the candelabra. If you prefer the classic, white candles you can have colored flowers draped around the bottom of the candelabra.

Modern Candelabra

Post: The Knot, Photo: Henry Photography

Fairy or Twinkle Lights

If you want a less formal lighting option, fairy or twinkle lights are a softer choice. Fairy lights are very thin lights on a wire that are easily moldable into or around shapes, such as mason jars or vases. Twinkle lights are essentially Christmas lights that come in many bulb colors and sizes. Twinkle lights can be hung from the ceiling or draped with tulle or other soft fabrics. Fairy lights tend to be done on a smaller scale such as being used in centerpieces. If you want to incorporate many different lights, fairy and twinkle lights are very complementary.

String lights

Speaking of lights that can be hung, string lights have become increasingly popular in the last few years. If you are having an outdoor wedding, reception, or cocktail hour string lights add romance to the space. String lights also make for amazing after-dark photos. If you dream of having a beautiful kiss-in-the-dark wedding photo, string lights are a great addition to your wedding décor. As with any light that is hung, it’s important to check with your venue about your hanging options before you get your heart set on hanging lights.

Tea lights

Even the smallest touch of light can make a big impact. Tea lights can be burning or battery-operated candles. They can be used in so many ways from floating in water to placed in a floral centerpiece or table. If you already have a lot of wedding décor tea lights are a perfect, smaller option that will also highlight the existing décor.

Paper lanterns

Paper lanterns come in many shapes and sizes. These lights are soft but add drama to your ceremony, cocktail hour, or reception. Paper lanterns can be hung from the ceiling or placed on the ground to frame the aisle, patio, or dance floor. Similar to string lights, lantern lights are a great option if you are having any part of your wedding outdoors. The beauty of these lanterns comes not only from the color of the paper but also from the dramatic contrast of light.

We hope these ideas will make designing your wedding décor easier. Don’t forget, even a little light goes a long way! Happy Planning! For more wedding planning inspiration and tips check out more Chicago Wedding Blog posts below.

Recycled Wedding Rings

Ways To Recycle Wedding Items

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Ways to Recycle Wedding Items

It’s no secret that weddings generate a lot of waste not only in leftover or unused food, but also in items people won’t use again like favors, your dress, or wedding décor. We’ve got some great ideas on how to help the environment and recycle those wedding things!

You can re-purpose your dress.

If you’re not terribly sentimental and don’t mind parting with your wedding gown you can sell it. There are a lot of great stores that buy pre-owned wedding dresses. You could be helping someone else out whose on a tight budget. If you’d like to keep your wedding dress but don’t want it sitting in the back of your closet, you can tailor it. We love turning a wedding dress into a cocktail dress, Christening gown, or prom dress! Your daughter could go to her prom with a one of a kind dress or get baptized in something very special to you.

Another way to recycle wedding items is to give them to a secondhand shop.

Some places take gently used wedding décor to re-sell. If you are tight on your budget you can even consider getting your wedding rings from a family heirloom or secondhand shop. Keep in mind if you want to donate wedding decor it may be difficult to find a place for it if it has your initials all over it. Call around and see what stores take wedding décor.

Re-use those flowers!

It’s bittersweet that all the time and effort into decorating with flowers and they’ll just wilt and die within a few days. We love programs that use wedding flowers as donations to hospitals or nursing homes. You’ll be brightening someone else’s day with your pretty floral arrangements. If you and your bridesmaids have the time and desire, you can also take apart the bouquets at the reception. Then you can re-gather them into small favors for your guests to take home. This does require more work and attention when all you probably want to do is celebrate at the reception. So, it’s worth asking if your wedding coordinator or some very helpful family members would be in charge of that so you don’t have to worry about it.

It always feels good to contribute to a green environment. We love the idea of using your joyous wedding items and brightening someone else’s day too. Did you use recycled wedding decor for your wedding? We would love to feature your green wedding. E-Mail credited photos and vendors to hello@chicagoweddingblog.com . Happy Planning!

Wedding Decor Colors

How To: Choose Your Wedding Color Scheme

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How To: Choose Your Wedding Color Scheme

Often couples choose a trending color for their wedding color scheme. When wedding planning, there are no wrong choices. However, we do have some suggestions to choose your wedding colors in a different way. Trending colors come and go, but if you choose a color scheme that is so ‘you’, it’ll be timeless & unique. Here are five steps to choose a color scheme that is ‘you’!

First, Narrow Down Your Top Colors And Use A Layout App To Put Colors Together.

Start looking at color options. Then narrow down some of your favorites. Afterward, ensure all colors and textures knit together cohesively by using a layout app. You want to ensure the flowers, ties, suits, dresses, & shoes coordinate.

Second, Instead Of A Trending Color, Think Of Colors That Are ‘You’.

Next, from all those options think about which options are very ‘you’ and nix the excess options. We all can easily tell the year most weddings were by the color of wedding they chose. Navy, blush, burgundy, & gray/blue are all beautiful trending colors that have been widely used. That being said, if you love to wear black every day, black can be a great color for your bridesmaids. You do not have to choose a trending color. If you have a favorite color, say green, that is a color choice you know you’ll love for years to come. Choose colors that can complement each other and reflect your personal style.

Third, Check With Bridesmaids & Groomsmen Attire Designers To Ensure Your Colors Are Possible.

This is often a step brides/grooms forget. Not every designer has fabric in every shade of color you can imagine. Some colors are rotated in and out by year. So before you announce your color scheme; ensure it’s easily accessible to your bridal party. It’s not worth going on a wild goose chase for a color that doesn’t exist. That being said, there are hundreds of color options. You are sure to find at least one of your favorites from step two that you love.

Fourth, Gather Your Decor Ideas.

Now that you’ve narrowed down your colors, choosing coordinating decor is your next job.  When choosing decor you can use one of the coordinating colors you may have eliminated to be a pop of color, contrasting with your bridal party color. Looking at your wedding decor options will also help you solidify your overall color scheme as you keep in mind your venue and wedding flowers.

Fifth, Put It All Together.

You’ve chosen your ‘you’ color, found your bridal party’s attire, and put together your decor ideas and pops of color! Now it’s time to put it all together. At this point, it helps to print everything out so you can see it on paper. You can cut out pictures from magazines, or just print out the final version of the layout we discussed. Then you can present your scheme to your vendors so they can help you bring your ‘you’ wedding color scheme vision to life!



For more wedding planning tips and inspiration, check out more Chicago Wedding Blog posts below! Happy Planning!

Sustainable Wedding Decor

A Sustainable Wedding

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A Sustainable Wedding

More and more couples are becoming aware of how their big celebration will impact the earth. This year we will see an in increase in sustainable weddings. While it’s perfectly alright to want a big celebration; it’s also great to keep in mind everything that goes into it. From the caterers to florists, there a lot of waste that goes on with weddings. We have a list of things to consider if you’re going to have a sustainable wedding.

Choose your wedding venue wisely.

A destination wedding means a lot more carbon footprint from airplanes or car rides. Think about who you want to invite and perhaps pick a location that’s not too far for everyone to reduce the amount of travel involved. We’re all about getting married wherever you want, but if you’re thinking of the sustainability, keep travel costs/emissions in mind.

Ask your venues what their processes are for waste.

You have every right to ask potential venues about their green initiatives. How do they dispose of waste? Where do you source your food – is it local? What is your plastic policy? What kind of cleaning products do you use?

Find an eco-friendly caterer.

In this day it shouldn’t be too hard to find a caterer or venue that will be able to create a “green” menu. Ideally they will source local, organic produce and ethically produced ingredients. A vegan or vegetarian menu would also the environmental impact but we’re realistic and if that’s too much perhaps try at least half the menu be vegetarian. Getting your alcohol from local distilleries is also a great way to reduce your carbon footprint.

Limit stationary.

You can completely side-step this by going digital and only do email wedding invites, but we love just one statement wedding announcement piece. You can ask that it be printed on recycled paper. It’s also worth trying to get the printer to add extra signage like seating arrangements and directions/schedule to save paper.

No matter how you celebrate your big day it’s possible to have a sustainable wedding! You will not only feel great surrounded by your closest friends and family, but also love knowing you’re helping sustain the environment for future generations.

Spring Blue Table Inspiration

Blue Spring Wedding Inspiration

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Blue Spring Wedding Inspiration

One way to get out of the winter wedding planning blues is to look forward to spring. You have heard of the proverbial something blue, but this blue spring wedding inspiration goes further. Here is some unique blue spring wedding inspiration that will get you spring wedding ready!

Blue Marbled Trends

You can incorporate this design to save the dates, invitations, wedding cake, or flowers. A marbled design brings together multiple hues of blue. For the more indecisive couples, you don’t have to choose choose one shade of blue if you go with this marbled trend!

Fifty Shades Of Gray/Blue

A pretty way to soften a blue color scheme is to add grays, whites, and different shades of blue. We recommend you choose a few areas to add strong color. Then, you can balance the more pungent colors with soft grays and whites. The easiest way to do this is with the bridal party or flowers. Men can wear any blue, gray, or black color to coordinate.

Light Blue Spring Bridesmaids Dresses

One trend we love for 2020/2021 spring weddings is a return to light blue bridesmaids dresses. A soft blue says spring without being too overdone. Your bridesmaids love that many shades of light blue are flattering on all skin tones. We all look forward to lighter hues of spring clothes after a long midwest winter. Don’t you?

Blue Spring Wedding Decor

We love dramatic tablescapes with mixed textures and shapes. This past year hanging canopies of glass baubles and flowers have been popular. You can use different shades of blue fabric as a table runner. There are plenty of light blue glass ornaments that can add a whimsical touch to your wedding. Another trend for this year is velvet. You could tie blue velvet ribbon to a lantern, or centerpiece. Keep in mind it is important your guests can see each other to speak across the table. Avoid going too big or tall with centerpieces. Sometimes the simpler the better.

Are you having a blue spring wedding? We would love to share your photos! If you would like to share, please e-mail us (at hello@chicagoweddingblog.com) your photos with vendors credited. In the meantime, share this post with your engaged friends to inspire them! Happy wedding planning!

White wedding

Return To A Classic Wedding

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Return To A Classic Wedding

For 2019 we are going to see a return to classic wedding! We’ve seen so many rustic and bohemian themed weddings that it’s a breath of fresh air to return to classic elegance. What should you keep in mind for a classic wedding? We can help.

First, the color white.

Weddings are usually symbolic of the white (in various shades), but a classic wedding keeps white flowers. If you want a pop of color stick to greenery. The classic wedding is clean and elegant. Choose clean and classic  flower arrangements, and avoid a floral crown. It’s best left to the flower girls.
A simple décor with white flowers is classic. Too much decoration is distracting for your guests. This will create stunning photos with clear crystal chandeliers or sleek draping.

Second, you’ll want to wear a more traditional dress with a long veil.

A classic style also utilizes long sleeves on the wedding dress. There are several styles right now that are stunning, even a little Victorian. Keep the accessories minimal. You want be the center of attention and not your baubles. Your groom and the groomsmen should also keep things simple with dark suits or tuxes. The boutonniere’s should be simple florals as well.

Third, the wedding cake will complete your classic wedding.

A multi-tier white cake with tasteful décor and topper are perfect for the return to classic. The flavors inside can be where you get adventurous and bold!

The classic wedding also pays homage to tradition. You can re-create an old wedding photo of your parents’ day. Think clean lines, elegant refinement and a neutral color palette for your classic wedding!



Are you going to have a classic wedding? Did you apply this classic wedding style to your wedding? E-Mail us your photos with credited vendors to hello@chicagoweddingblog.com

Circus Wedding

Wedding Themes

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Wedding Themes

If you’re a bride who wants a traditional white wedding, no need to stress on your wedding theme. An ongoing trend, however, is to have a wedding theme. It’s often easier to plan a wedding if you have a central, unifying idea. So, if you don’t know which wedding themes to choose from; we’ve got some unique ideas!

Vintage theme like Ancient Greece:

This wedding theme will give you all the fun of gold filigree, huge centerpieces and dainty arm cuffs. You can go simple or elaborate with this theme. Think candelabras, white sheer materials, big flowers in the wedding bouquets and fountains! Vintage theme can also transfer to any period of time like the eighteen hundreds too.

Mid Century Modern theme:

This wedding theme is retro! You can go very minimal with a few cogs and gears or add in a lot of greenery for a garden feel. If you want to choose a unique wedding theme with many options, a Mid Century Modern theme may be a great choice! You could apply this theme to the decor, cake, your attire, flowers, or even colors! The skies are the limit with this wedding theme!

Circus theme:

What’s more fun than a circus? With the bright colors and bold patterns, this theme is sure to catch everyone’s eye. You can have a lot of fun with this one and have stilt walkers or jugglers at your reception. A circus theme is also a great choice for a kid friendly wedding. You can even go high-class vintage circus with long gowns and tophats!

No matter what theme you choose from be sure it reflects you and your partner! You can even combine a few themes if you both want different things. Enjoy choosing your wedding theme! For more advice and wedding planning inspiration check out the blog posts below!

stylish halloween wedding

A Tasteful Halloween Wedding

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A Tasteful Halloween Wedding

Perhaps you’re planning a fall wedding and want to not only embrace the season, but also Halloween theme! You may be afraid such a spooky, dark theme is too over the top. Because of this, we have great ideas to keep the haunted spirit without exactly saying it’s entirely a Halloween themed wedding.

For starters:

Not all Halloween themed weddings have to be tacky with fake blood and zombies. We love the idea of a masquerade ala the Italian Renaissance or any Victorian era! You can have the ambience of decadent, sophisticated and elegant, with a touch of spookiness.

Halloween Wedding Venue:

The venue can certainly pull of a Halloween themed wedding, more than simply decorating with pumpkin and colorful leaves! We love the idea of a mansion for the reception or a Gothic looking church for the ceremony. When the venue is gorgeous it can double for amazing pictures too! If you want a more overt spooky tone, have your reception at a haunted location. A great example is The Stanley Hotel in Colorado was where Stephen King was inspired to write The Shining. A lot of local historical buildings have their own ghost lore you can capitalize on as well.

Halloween Wedding Decorations:

In tune with venue are the decorations for your wedding. We love huge chandeliers and long drapes. You can also arrange bare branches if the venue has a fireplace all the better for throwing shadows and light. Candles dripping wax are a nice touch. You can also use decorated skulls (picture Dia de los Muertos) on the tables as centerpieces with your wedding theme slogan “until death do us part.” This gives it a fun, slightly macabre feel that your guests will enjoy!

These are just some ways you can throw a tasteful Halloween themed wedding. We love the autumn wedding season because there’s so much variety in how you can show off your big day! For more fall wedding inspiration check out the recommended blog posts below!

Audrey Hepburn Wedding Planning InspirationImage: Magda Fou via Unsplash

Audrey Hepburn Wedding Planning Inspiration

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Audrey Hepburn Wedding Planning Inspiration

Are you stuck in a wedding planning inspiration rut? The first step is to look elsewhere for inspiration, such as celebrities. Audrey Hepburn is an iconic actress known for her style. If you are looking for a classic style wedding, look no further! You can certainly gain inspiration from her simple elegance and incredible life. Here are three ideas of Audrey Hepburn Wedding Planning Inspiration to get you started.

First, Audrey Hepburn Style Inspiration

Audrey Hepburn’s style was simple and timeless. She never wore busy clothing or accessories. Her style made her beauty and personality shine through. She kept her attire simple choosing just one statement piece. In contrast to this, often brides feel they need to wear sparkle from head to toe. However, in bridal attire less is more. If you choose a simple gown, you will draw people’s eyes up to your beaming face. If you choose a simple wedding dress, then you can choose more dramatic decor. It’s all about balance.

Second, Add A Humanitarian Aspect To Your Wedding Planning

 Audrey nearly starved to death in WWII. As a result of this, Audrey committed herself to Humanitarian Aid. Audrey’s charity of choice was UNICEF. You can donate to a charity in lieu of wedding gifts. What better way to start your married life together than giving to others? You can do a donation in lieu of favors as well. There are many pretty ways to notify your guests you prefer charitable donations in place of wedding gifts. 

Third, Incorporate Your Hobbies Into Your Wedding Theme

Theme your wedding around your favorite hobby or sport. Audrey Hepburn is most well known for her acting, but her dream and hobby was ballet. Hobbies add fun to our lives. They are also easy wedding theme ideas. Do you like baseball? Then have a baseball themed wedding reception. Similarly, if you are a movie buff theme your wedding around your favorite films. Have fun choosing a theme you both enjoy. There are many options for sports themed weddings if that is more you.



We hope this Audrey Hepburn Wedding Planning Inspiration helps inspire you as you plan you wedding! In short, there are many different ways to gain inspiration for your wedding planning. Look to celebrities, photos, activities you enjoy, and colors you love. It will make wedding planning more enjoyable. Now soak in the inspiration and make it your own! Do you need more wedding planning inspiration? Scroll below for more helpful wedding planning blog posts.

Guest list simple

Wedding Planning: Keep It Simple

/0 Comments/in /by

During the time of the pandemic, couples made the best of smaller weddings out of necessity. Then, extravagant weddings filled with entertainment, experiences, and desserts galore came next. While both of those weddings can be equally meaningful and special, we propose another option: simplicity. Here are the main areas of wedding planning you can simplify to keep your wedding planning stress-free.

Read more
Wedding Lights photo

Lights as Wedding Décor

/0 Comments/in /by

If you walk into just about any store looking for wedding décor you will likely find an array of lights. While most venues have typical ceiling lights, adding unique lights to your wedding décor creates a warm and even artistic atmosphere. From candles to string lights, there are so many options to choose from. To make designing your wedding décor easier we narrowed down the best lights to use as wedding décor.

Read more
Recycled Wedding Rings

Ways To Recycle Wedding Items

/0 Comments/in /by

It’s no secret that weddings generate a lot of waste not only in leftover or unused food, but also in items people won’t use again like favors, your dress, or wedding décor. We’ve got some great ideas on how to help the environment and recycle those wedding things!

Read more
Wedding Decor Colors

How To: Choose Your Wedding Color Scheme

/0 Comments/in , /by

Often couples choose a trending color for their wedding color scheme. When wedding planning, there are no wrong choices. We do, however have some unique suggestions to choose your wedding colors in a different way. Trending colors come and go, but if you choose a color scheme you love, it’ll be timeless in your eyes.

Read more
Sustainable Wedding Decor

A Sustainable Wedding

/0 Comments/in , , /by

More and more couples are becoming aware of how their big celebration will impact the earth. This year we will see an in increase in sustainable weddings. While it’s perfectly alright to want a big celebration; it’s also great to keep in mind everything that goes into it. From the caterers to florists, there a lot of waste that goes on with weddings. We have a list of things to consider if you’re going to have a sustainable wedding.

Read more
Spring Blue Table Inspiration

Blue Spring Wedding Inspiration

/0 Comments/in , , /by

One way to get out of the winter wedding planning blues is to look forward to spring. You have heard of the proverbial something blue, but this blue wedding inspiration goes further. Here is some unique blue spring wedding inspiration that will get you spring wedding ready!

Read more
White wedding

Return To A Classic Wedding

/0 Comments/in , /by

For 2019 we are going to be seeing a return to classic wedding! We’ve seen so much rustic and bohemian themed weddings that it’s a breath of fresh air to return to a classic elegance. What should you keep in mind for a classic wedding?

Read more
Circus Wedding

Wedding Themes

/0 Comments/in , , /by

If you’re a bride who wants a traditional white wedding,  no need to stress on your wedding theme. An ongoing trend, however is to have a wedding theme. It’s often easier to plan a wedding if you have a central, unifying idea. So, if you don’t know which wedding themes to choose from; we’ve got some unique ideas!

Read more
stylish halloween wedding

A Tasteful Halloween Wedding

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Perhaps you’re planning a fall wedding and want to not only embrace the season, but also Halloween theme! You may be afraid such a spooky, dark theme is too over the top. We have great ideas to keep the spirit of Halloween without exactly saying it’s entirely a Halloween wedding.

Read more
Audrey Hepburn Wedding Planning InspirationImage: Magda Fou via Unsplash

Audrey Hepburn Wedding Planning Inspiration

/0 Comments/in , /by

Are you stuck in a wedding planning inspiration rut? The first step is to look elsewhere for inspiration, such as celebrities. Audrey Hepburn is an iconic actress known specifically for her style. Audrey Hepburn would be a great icon to help you inspire your wedding style. You can certainly gain inspiration from her simple elegance and incredible life. Here are three ideas of Audrey Hepburn Wedding Planning Inspiration to get you started.

Read more
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