Check out parts one and two of this series, Green Rings Vol. 1 - Reduce and Green Rings Vol. 2 - Reuse.
One of our couples recently brought an amazing local resource to my attention. Maria and Peter, a May Bride and Groom, were looking for something more than a simple gold band. They had some big ideas about what they wanted, and they were able to find a unique opportunity to participate in the design and creation of their own wedding bands!
A Custom Commission by TAP Studios
A Custom Commission by TAP Studios
A Custom Commission by TAP Studios
A Custom Commission by TAP Studios
TAP Studios, known for its superior-quality custom design work (some of their commissions appear above), is making this opportunity accessible to everyone. In addition to designing and forging custom commissioned pieces, TAP Studios, located at 1667 East Fortieth Street, Suite Three B in Cleveland, offers a fantastic two-day make-your-own rings workshop called "Forging Your Own Way." Couples are able to actually forge their own gorgeous custom rings from beautiful recycled precious metals, conflict-free diamonds, and fair-trade gemstones, again reducing mining and pollution. How green of you!
The TAP Studio workshop and tools
This workshop is a perfect opportunity to incorporate heirlooms that may not quite fit your more modern style by restyling them into a setting that suits you better, or perhaps simply recycling cast-off of broken jewelry already in your jewelry box. Best of all, you can gift your new spouse with a unique and special reminder of your commitment to one another that you made yourself especially for him or her.
No experience with goldsmithing is necessary, though of course more advanced participants are certainly welcome. TAP Studios will provide all the tools you need, as well as advice and technical support. They offer a number of different approaches including beginning from ingots and using the lost wax technique.
For those worried about how "home made" rings will look, remember that these are professional instructors who will ensure that you achieve professional results. Rest assured that under the guidance of founders and instructors Debra Rosen and Todd Pownell, you will create couture-quality rings, extremely well-made and finished, even surpassing the quality of mass-produced rings. Just check out Maria and Peter's process below:
Stones from Mars, the Moon, and an Asteroid.
It all started with a vision.
In addition to recycled gold and conflict-free diamonds, Maria and Peter had some very special stones they wanted to incorporate into their designs -- a moon rock (yes, really!), a rock from mars (yes, really!), and a meteorite. Want some cool rocks from space of your own. Check out Wandering Star Meteorites online, e-mail Greg Catteron, or call 828-773-1864.
The two-day workshop begins with wax ring tube sized to fit each ring's destination finger. To hold the delicate engraving that Maria and Peter desired, they chose the hardest grade of wax tubing. Wax tubing comes in two other grades -- Purple, which is medium-hard, and Blue, which is soft and flexible. Depending upon your project, you might use one of these softer grades for your rings.
Green Wax Ring Tubes
Cutting the wax ring tube to width
The wax ring, after shaping
Peter begins engraving the wax ring
After the initial shaping, Maria and Peter checked the placement of the stones. Then, the wax ring is encased in a mold made of a fireproof material with a melting point higher than the precious metal being used, often a Chrystobolite solution. A wax "stem" is included extending from the rear of the piece in order to allow passage into the mold. The mold is then heated in a kiln until the wax itself is vaporized, and a hollow space remains. The molten metal is then poured into the mold and allowed to cool before being removed.
The engraved wax rings and placement of stones
The cast metal rings, before finishing
The cast metal rings, before finishing
Unfinished cast metal rings with stones placed
When the cast metal rings are removed from the mold, they often have a rough exterior and seams that still need to be finished. Holes for stones may also need to be deepened or shaped.
The finished product!
Engraving inside the bands.
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Ooooh. Aaaah. Impressive and totally unique!
After the ceremony.
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Catch a glimpse behind the scenes of a Something New Bride's Wedding in this interview with real-life Something New Bride Michelle Horton! Special thanks to Life's Moments Photography for allowing us to share some of the special moments of Michelle and Erik's day in photographic form! Thanks, Steve!
Justin, Missy, Anna-
We can’t thank you all enough for such a wonderful time at our wedding! We still keep thinking about how much fun it was! We can’t wait to see the video our videographer made because we know that it will bring a smile to our faces!
We want to recommend you to everyone we know, partly to ensure we will have a great time haha and more importantly so they can rest assured that they are getting THE very best.
Justin, I can’t tell you how many compliments/comments I received about how incredibly kind you were and so helpful. Whether it be you offering the wedding party drinks or keeping the party rolling, you ultimately impressed everyone. I can’t thank you enough for everything!
- Michelle
Just Married! Photo by Life's Moments Photography
Something New's DJ Missy P.: How did you first find out about Something New Entertainment DJ Service?
Michelle Horton: Being the crazy dancers that we are, we just so happen to win the Battle of the Grooms dancing contest at the Today's Bride bridal show in Akron at the Sheraton and won a fabulous gift bag from Something New. We went over to talk to Anna and Justin and just felt like they really cared about their clients and they just let off a great vibe.
SNE: What made Something New DJs stand out as the right choice for your wedding ceremony accompaniment and wedding reception disc jockey service/master of ceremonies (DJ/MC)?
Michelle: We saw that they were real people who viewed us the same way. They were always very concerned with our concerns and made us feel like they not only knew what they were doing but they also ENJOYED what they were doing. We knew this would show through on our big day.... I knew as soon as we walked in with our introduction song [(I Gotta Feeling by the Black Eyed Peas)] that it was really “GONNA BE A GOOD NIGHT”!
Dancing! Photo by Life's Moments Photography
I can honestly say I have never seen a dance floor so packed at a wedding and I believe that is not only because my friends and family are awesome but because Missy and Justin from Something New Entertainment really brought their A game and made the night a true hit. I may be biased but I’ve never had so much fun at a wedding.
Everyone says “You don’t even get to have much fun at your wedding because your running around all night” well all I can say is “ I feel sorry for those people because I could not have asked for a more fun time!!”
SNE: We hear all kinds of worries from concerned brides looking to choose the right DJ, and it seems like hiring a DJ can sometimes be a frightful process! When you first started planning your wedding, what were some of your biggest fears and DJ nightmares?
Michelle: Dancing is a BIG part of my family so my biggest fear was not being able to find a DJ that was in our price range but still does a great job keeping the party going. I’ve been to way too many weddings where there were only a few people on the dance floor and knew I didn’t want ours to be that way. We were also concerned that the DJ would possibly run the show without taking what we wanted into consideration.
SNE: What were the most important factors in choosing your DJ?
Michelle: Price was really important to us because we were paying for everything on our own. However, we didn’t want to be stuck with people telling us “you get what you pay for.” We wanted someone who was willing to take our ideas and expand upon them.
Michelle and Erik's beautiful indoor ceremony Photo by Life's Moments Photography
Michelle and Eric's ceremony at Lake Forest CC Photo by Life's Moments Photography
SNE: We thought it might hold out, but unfortunately, it rained and your ceremony could not be outside as originally planned. Was it disconcerting to make other arrangements on the fly?
Michelle: I believe Justin and Missy did great organizing and getting everything flowing to accommodate the change.
SNE: You and Erik requested to hear Maniac by Michael Sembello from Flashdance and went absolutely crazy on the dance floor when we played it -- what's the special significance of this song to the two of you?
Michelle: Erik and I are BIG goof balls and we like to dance silly and have fun. At his brothers wedding... the song came on and we apparently felt it from our feet to the top of our heads and fingers (haha) and just went crazy. We had people cheering for us and taking pictures and brought a light feeling... into the room... Every time after that night, when we hear the song we go nuts haha! When one of us [is] upset, all you have to do is start singing that song and we are popped back into reality.
Come on, ride the train! Michelle is the engine! Photo by Life's Memories Photography
The Cha Cha Slide by DJ Casper, Michelle's favorite! Photo by Life's Memories Photography
SNE: We saw you really rocking out for most of your reception. Tell us: which did you enjoy more, leading the train in Come on Ride the Train or dancing to the Cha Cha Slide?
Michelle: I LOOOVE any type of line dancing so I have to say the Cha Cha Slide was my favorite! I like that everyone does the same moves (for the most part) and everyone has fun!
Michelle wearing Maggie Sottero's Monalisa Royale Photo by Life's Moments Photography
SNE: You were wearing a pretty fantastic gown with an equally gorgeous headpiece. Who designed those?
Michelle: My dress was the Monalisa Royale, Maggie Sottero gown... I felt like an absolute princess in it! The veil was borrowed from my sister and was a Jessica McClintock veil. I got a beautiful hair piece to wear when I wanted to let down and have some fun and that was purchased in Akron at Coming Attractions.
SNE: Did you fall in love with the first dress you tried on or was it a perilous journey to find “the perfect dress?”
Michelle: I was certain I found “THE DRESS” about 10 times haha.
When I first put on the one I actually got I thought.. hmm not so much. After about an hour of me still having on the dress I thought okay I must really like something about it because I haven’t gotten out of it yet.
I can say I never really got stressed over any of the dress shopping experiences because I always found one that was perfect I just couldn’t fully commit.
I am lucky my best friend loves me so much and was willing to go anywhere and everywhere with me until I was certain I had “THE ONE”. I ordered my dress so far in advance that I almost changed my mind because I had forgotten what it looked like. It was tough because I had to guess what size I needed and pray that I liked the White one I ordered because I only was able to see it in Ivory.
When I walked into my first fitting, tears came to my eyes and I knew I made the right choice!
SNE: Your flowers were also really beautiful. What was your inspiration? Tell me about your process of working with them.
Michelle: I actually did the flowers myself along with help from my bridesmaids. We went to JoAnn Fabrics on numerous occasions for hours at a time but in the end it was less then a week before my wedding when we finally got everything we needed..and the day before until we had it all actually put together! But boy it was fun and memories in the making! I knew I really wanted something bright and my only requirement for flowers was I had to have hydrangeas because I think they are so elegantly classic yet pretty!
Aww. Aren't they sweet? You'd never suspect... Photo by Life's Moments Photography
...what happens next! Well - they're still SWEET! Photo by Life's Moments Photography
SNE: You had a really classic cake (and we know you had a great time cutting it, LOL). Which bakery created it for you, and what flavor(s) did you choose?
Michelle: We knew to look no further than good ole Giant Eagle! We love their cake and get it quite often... We gave them a picture of what we wanted and they told us what they could do. We had a 3 tier cake so we had a full cake layer of white cake and 2 of chocolate with the butter cream frosting. It was delicious and we were happy with our decision. We def did love smooshing it in each others faces!
SNE: How did having your ceremony followed directly by your reception work out without the traditional cocktail hour photo sessions?
Michelle: Looking back, we did not like having the ceremony lead right into the reception. We didn’t get to get enough pictures and we even had to see each other before the ceremony so that we could get pictures. We felt really rushed around (which could have to do with the weather we saw coming in) but we just really wish we had more time to breathe and relax. It was convenient for our guests which was important for us, but we needed to think about ourselves too since it was our big day.
SNE: How did you and Erik first meet and what made him the "keeper?"
Michelle: Erik and I met at Kent State University. We had a speech class together and apparently I impressed him with my introduction speech because he went home and Facebooked me.
Now this was at the beginning of Facebook days and I couldn’t figure out who this kid “befriending” me on Facebook was. He mentioned we had a class together and while I was a little leary of him we talked and ended up hanging out.
He felt our friendship was blossoming into something more, however I wasn’t convinced and went my own way. After not talking much for about a year, Erik expressed to me that he missed me and couldn’t go out with anyone else because he always thought of me. I thought wow maybe I’m missing something and I realized I was ready for a nice, caring, kind person.
We started dating and I knew that I would never find anyone else who was as great, loving, and fun to be with! The rest is history!
SNE: Dish: tell us about the proposal!
Michelle: Well, about 6 months in I knew that I wanted to marry Erik and build our lives together. We were inseparable and just perfect for each other.
He knew it too, but was too broke to buy a ring haha. I liked to sing “Put a ring on it” [from Single Ladies by Beyonce] to him all the time and hint at it every chance I got. I even would drag him to the jewelry stores and try on rings to show him.
Then, as cliché as it is, Erik bought a ring and had everything set to propose on Valentines day 2009 while we were out at dinner.
Me, being the weirdo that I am thought it would be great to eat at my favorite resturant Don Pablos..forget it being Valentines Day and not romantic I just wanted to go there. Erik started to panic and realized he was NOT proposing at a Mexican resturant so he decided to do it right at home in our living room.
We decided to exchange presents before dinner and he gave me some chocolate and a stuffed animal. I was quite disappointed because I had a feeling it was coming yet it didn’t appear that way. He handed me a cute mushy card and at the end was “Now I have one more surprise..look up..” and it was then that he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.
I thought it was a joke until he said “look: it's even the ring you asked for!” haha. I knew I had no doubts in my mind and I was one LUCKY girl!
Thank you so much for nominating Something New Entertainment as one of the Akron Beacon Journal's "Beacon's Best!"
Thanks to you, we are again competing within the Weddings section for Best DJ Company. If you would like to show your support of Something New Entertainment by voting for us, simply visit the Beacon's Best voting page within OhioVerticals.com. You will need to complete a brief registration process which asks exactly three questions -- your name, e-mail address, and chosen password.
You can vote as often as once every 24 hours until September 3, 2010. If you would like to begin voting early and often, please subscribe to our Vote Something New Entertainment for Beacon's Best DJ Facebook group to receive reminders. And, hey -- while you're there -- why not become a fan of Something New Entertainment, too?
Want to help us campaign? If so, please pass this information on to your friends and family! We appreciate your help and love! You know we think you're pretty darn great, too!
To read part one of this series, Green Rings Vol. 1 - Reduce, click here.
Re use is, of course, by far the most ecological approach in most situations, including the purchase of wedding and engagement rings, since it requires no mining nor any energy of any kind to melt down metals, cut stones, transport materials, etc., so choosing to re use is a particularly earth-friendly choice. How green of you!
If your wedding style is more traditional, consider an heirloom or antique ring as a green alternative to mass-produced wedding bands. You may well have a relative or close family friend who has been hoping to be able to pass down a cherished piece, so make sure to ask around. If you feel uncomfortable, recruit a trusted relative or friend to spread the word that you're interested in an heirloom piece for your wedding bands or engagement ring.
However, if you don't happen to have a family wedding or engagement ring available that suits you, local antique shops, pawn shops, flea markets, and online auction sites such as eBay are abounding with gorgeous wedding and engagement rings in a variety of styles from quirky and classic looking for a new home on the finger of your new spouse!
Online auctions or antique brokers can be found all over the internet. If you're new to eBay, don't be afraid! Buying online does not have to be a scary process. Just remember to check out your seller's feedback and number of sales before you bid to ensure a smooth transaction, make sure to double-check everything about the piece, ask your seller questions before you bid, and pay with PayPal for extra protection.
If online auctions are not your thing, don't sweat it, because we Northeast Ohio Brides are lucky -- there's a booming local antique and estate jewelry community with tons of retailers to choose from. Here are a few suggestions, but be sure to ask your family and friends if they've noticed anything special, as well. The ring of your dreams may be waiting just around the corner!
Here's some info about a few local destinations near Akron, but there are many, many more in Cleveland, so be sure to check around to see if there might be some cool locations closer to your home!
If you're looking for a wide selection, check out the Medina Antique Mall located at 2797 Medina Road in Medina. This is not your usual flea market experience. The Medina Antique Mall is indoors, well-lit and climate-controlled (that means heat and AC, people!), over 50,000 sq ft, and houses over 500 different antique dealers. In addition to jewelry, you'll find just about everything else you can imagine from fossils to furniture, including vintage china, glassware, silver, and crystal. For more information about the Medina Antique Mall, visit their website (above) or call (330) 722-0017.
Another great Akron-Area resource for estate jewelry of all kinds (since 1946!) is Sam's Emporium on East Exchange Street near the University of Akron. Sam's Emporium is a pawn-shop-style store with a wide variety of high-quality estate pieces from a range of time periods. They also do custom designs and sizing right on site, have an entire room just for bridal jewelry, and they are renowned for their customer service. For more information about Sam's Emporium, visit their website (above) or call (330) 535-1911.
If you've driven from Downtown Akron to Fairlawn or vice-versa down West Market Street, you may have noticed Stagecoach Antiques' overflowing 449 West Market Street store. There always seems to be something interesting on the sidewalk in front of their doors, and there's even more cool stuff inside! I got an amazing personal tour last month by the owner, who I found out coincidentally happens to be one of our Mothers of the Bride (hi, Heidi!)! Small world, huh? For additional information about Stagecoach Antiques, visit their website (above) or call (330) 762-5422.
Whether you choose to buy online or offline, many sellers both on the web and locally offer returns and/or certification services, but always consider double-checking your certification. Learn the lingo about gemology and appraisal credentials, and consider paying sixty bucks or so to have the ring re-appraised by a local independent gemologist both for insurance purposes as well as for your own peace of mind.
I have personally worked with and recommend Mitchell Dustin (GIA Independent Certified Gemologist Appraiser, American Gem Society Certified Member, National Association of Jewelry Appraisers) of Northern Appraisal Services out of Columbus who sometimes visits the Northeast Ohio Area for "appraisal day" and select local retailers. For more information about Northern Appraisal Services, you can contact Mitchell at (614) 898-7927. He's a straight-talker with a great eye for gems and the necessary technology to provide an accurate appraisal.
Stay tuned for the final installment of this series, "Recycle," featuring a recent Something New Bride and Groom who made their own rings (yes -- you read right!) out of recycled gold, diamonds, and some other -- shall we say -- extra-terrestrial materials that are positively out of this world. (Maria and Peter, I hope you are laughing right now at this teaser).
I'll give you the scoop how you can do it, too, at a cool Cleveland jewelry studio specializing in guiding novices through this process in a fun two-day workshop, show you some photos of Maria and Peter's creations, and (as always) praise you for how green you are. 
The New Mr. and Mrs. Mark and Heather Padgett share a slow dance with friends and family Photos by Callie Mercury and Travis Bukach of 831 Photography (limited photos by DJ AJ9)
On Saturday, May 29, 2010, DJ Justin, MC Squared, and I (DJ AJ9) had the pleasure of providing wedding ceremony music and sound support, as well as wedding reception disc jockey and master of ceremonies services for the wedding and wedding reception of Heather and Mark held at Happy Days Lodge located at 500 West Streetsboro Road (Rt 303), in Peninsula, Ohio, a beautiful rustic venue that is part of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The event was photographed by Callie Mercury and Travis Bukach from 831 Photography.
Heather's "so her" cowgirl boots Photo by 831 Photography
The bride wore a gorgeous sleeveless V-neck sheath gown with an embellished lace overlay by Emerald Coutouriers (style number 8118), as well as -- fulfilling what seems to be becoming a Something New Bride theme -- fabulous footwear that very much fit her individual spirit (see photo). The bridesmaids wore J. Crew's "Gracen", a short, strapless silk taffeta dress, in the color "spiced wine." The wedding ceremony was held on the Lodge's lovely screened-in porch area and was officiated by Pastor Joe Cameneti of Believers Christian Fellowship. Also true to a Something New Bride's style, Heather had some very specific and innovative ideas about music for the ceremony. Preludes included A River Flows In You by Yiruma, the song originally rumored to be the first choice for "Bella's Lullaby" in twilight, as well as The Rain by Shane Walsh, and instrumental versions of Franz Schubert's Ave Maria as played by the O'Neill Brothers, and I Will be Here by Steven Curtis Chapman. The parents were seated to an instrumental version of The Wedding Song by Noel Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul, and Mary. Many of these songs were chosen by the bride from a compilation CD called A Day to Remember by the O'Neill Brothers. It seemed like this CD was a particularly great resource for Heather as we discussed a play list that would bring in some more "traditional" music in to the very eclectic mix for the wedding ceremony and seating.
The Unity Candle & Family Candles decorated by the bride, herself! Photo by 831 Photography
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The couple chose Enya's Silver Inches for the processional of the bridal party and Enya's A Day Without Rain for the procession of the bride escorted by her father. The ceremony included a unity candle lighting ceremony using a unity candle decorated by the bride, herself. Heather had hand crafted so many special little accents; it was very obvious that she had put quite a lot of effort into these beautiful homespun decorations over an extended period of time. They looked great – like stuff you see in Magazines like Martha Stewart Weddings or Today's Bride. Heather’s the sort of kind and modest person who would never toot her own horn, so to speak, so it’s very important to me that I brag on her. You worked hard, Heather, and I want to make sure everyone knows what a great job you did!!! Heather paid attention to little details from the very beginning of her guest's experience to make them feel truly at home at Happy Day's Lodge. On their way driving in, guests were encouraged along the long driveway with chalk signs declaring "Almost there" and "You made it!" before being greeted in the foyer with a cheerful arrangement of family photos. Click below to enlarge for more detail!
"Almost there!" 831 Photography
Hand-crafted "You made it!" sign Photo by 831 Photography
Clothes lines full of family photos Photo by 831 Photography
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Wishes on the wish tree. 831 Photography
Parchment programs and calico aisle "pomanders" Photo by 831 Photography
The more "traditional" guest book was paired with a "Wish Tree" (shown at left) hung with blank tags that guests could write a special wish for the couple upon before returning it to a branch on the tree. In addition to the previously-shown Unity Candle setup above, Heather's works for the ceremony also included the calico pomanders that decorated the aisle as well as the ceremony programs (shown at right).
A very "welcoming" clothes-pinned escort card rack made out of old shutters (shown below) directed guests to their seats in style, to tables where Heather had designed the centerpieces of galvanized steel buckets filled with seasonal wildflowers, herself, as well as chalkboard table names (in lieu of table numbers) of places and things close to the couple's hearts -- including "Ford," "Candy Apple," "Country Living," "Cowboy," "Ft. Lauderdale," and (of course!) "Happy Days Lodge" -- and more than a hundred little copper bells tied with twine for guests who wished to inspire the bride and groom to kiss.
"Welcome" escort cards rack made from shutters. Photo by 831 Photography
Cake by Michael Angelo's Bakery atop a tree slice Photo by 831 Photography
The look of the wedding reception was equally warm and unassuming. Decor included Mason jars, a big round slab of tree trunk (shown above) where a gilded silver cake plateau just didn't fit in, simple, natural browns, wines, and greens, instead of jeweltones or pastels. Hand-tied bouquets and other bridal party flowers were provided by Art N Flowers Florist in Garrettsville. Butter for the bread was even served on fresh little green leaves by Robert J. Catering.
The bride and groom rejoin the party in style Bouquet by Art N Flowers Florist, Garrettsville Photo by 831 Photography
DJ Justin announces members of the bridal party & the happy couple as they make their entrance. Photo by 831 Photography
The parents and bridal party made a VERY grand entrance to a custom mix of several songs, before the bride and groom returned in style to Electric Feel by MGMT. Both the best man and maid of honor made very moving toasts before we heard a few words from the father of the groom and a blessing for the meal was given by the father of the bride.
"Newlywed Special" chalkboard menu for BBQ buffet Photo by 831 Photography
The couple cuts their Michael Angelo's cake Photo by 831 Photography
Robert J. Catering staged a country bar-be-que fit for a king (and queen -- or maybe just a sweet Northeast Ohio couple who wanted a simple country feel for their wedding!). The buffet included fire-grilled bar-be-que chicken, salad, green beans amandine, yams, and more. The food was prepared fresh and with a flair right on-site; Robert J. brought in a HUGE bar-be-que grill and cooked just outside the screened-in porch. After dinner, Heather and Mark cut their cake, a towering raspberry-filled confection by Michael Angelo's Bakery, before feeding it to each other very sweetly without even a hint of smash. It was "Aww" inspiring.
The traditional first dance as husband & wife Photo by 831 Photography
The traditional first dance as husband & wife Photo by 831 Photography
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The bride and groom shared their traditional first dance as husband and wife to Green Eyes by Coldplay, (a song that became special to the couple because of Heather's green eyes) followed by the Father-Daughter Dance to Have I Told You Lately? by Rod Stewart (Heather chose this song because her father always says this to her "have I told you lately that I love you?"), and then the Mother-Son dance to The Man You've Become by Molly Pastutti chosen by Mark's mother.
Check out some of the other fun times we had later in the evening in the photos below!
A fun shot of the Couple's Grand Entrance Photo by 831 Photography.
Father-Daughter Dance "Have I Told You Lately?" Photo by 831 Photography.
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Photo by 831 Photography.
Photo by 831 Photography.
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Photo by 831 Photography.
Photo by 831 Photography.
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