Wedding Traditions
Most everyone who has been married has adhered to at least a few wedding traditions, probably without even giving them a second thought. Many wedding customs have been around for centuries and are rooted in religion or superstition; others came about as practical solutions to sticky situations.
Here are some common explanations for several popular wedding traditions: • The bridal shower originated as a means of helping brides whose disapproving fathers refused to contribute to their dowries. • Tossing the bridal bouquet arose from the belief that a bride had the power to transmit good fortune. The practice is believed to have begun in England, where guests would tear away bits of the bride’s clothing and flowers for good luck. To distract them, she would toss her bouquet, and it was believed that the woman who caught it would be the next to marry. • The origin of the wedding kiss has nothing to do with romance. In Roman times, a kiss was a legal bond that sealed a contract (like a handshake) and signified the legality of the wedding. • The concept of a best man is a relic from the days when grooms were expected to marry a woman from their own community. When no woman was available, the future groom would solicit the help of a friend in “kidnapping” a woman from a neighboring village, and only the “best man” would suffice for the task. • Some say the practice of carrying the bride over the threshold dates back also to the days of “marriage by capture.” Another theory is that evil spirits lurked beneath the threshold of a newlywed couple’s home, so the groom lifted his bride to keep her safe. • The custom of placing the wedding ring on the third finger of the left hand is said to have originated from a belief that the ring finger followed the “vein of love” leading directly to the heart. • It is customary for the bride to wear “something old, something new, something borrowed something blue,” and, perhaps, “a silver sixpence in her shoe.” Something old symbolizes her connection to her family and to her past; something new signifies future good luck and success; something borrowed from a happily married friend is for happiness; and something blue is worn because in Biblical times, the color signified purity and constancy. A superstitious bride might slip a coin in one of her shoes in hopes of enjoying financial security. • Newlyweds kiss when glasses are clinked because superstition says that the noise keeps the devil away; the bride and groom kiss to connect with one another in the devil’s absence. • The earliest wedding cakes were not for eating but were for throwing at the bride as a symbol of fertility.
• Throwing rice at newlyweds is said to bring them good luck and fertility.
Bridal bouquets get personal
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A nosegay bouquet featuring roses, gerberas, ranunculas, mini carnations, freesia, asters and monte casino.
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A cascade bouquet with lilies, roses and stephanotis. |
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| A hand-tied bouquet of roses, scabiosa and sweet pea. |
A contemporary bouquet of roses, tulips, mini callas, star of Bethlehem and veronica.
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The bridal bouquet is an age-old wedding tradition that began as a symbol of fertility and lasting love. The earliest bridal bouquets were comprised of aromatic herbs and grains, but today’s bouquets feature flowers arranged in any one of a number of ways. According to aboutflowers.com, the Society of American Florists’ (SAF) consumer Web site, today’s bridal bouquets “are more personal then ever, running the gamut from classic all-white formal arrangements to unique designs featuring brightly colored flowers.” Popular styles include:
• Nosegay – A round bunch of flowers that can range from casual to sophisticated, so it can work for any style of wedding. The bouquet dates back to the 14th century and was named for its usefulness in masking unpleasant odors. • Cascade bouquet – A dramatic bouquet featuring flowers that cascade below the main portion of the bouquet. The cascade bouquet is commonly chosen for formal and traditional weddings and makes a nice choice for taller brides. • Hand-tied bouquet – A bouquet created by wrapping flower stems and foliage in such a way that the natural growth of the stems is shown. Stems may be wrapped in ribbon or French braided together. The hand-tied bouquet is especially popular for garden weddings and other casual affairs. • Contemporary bouquet – A free-flowing arrangement designed with no specific geometric form but usually comprised of flowers that have definite form, such as calla lilies or orchids. The contemporary bouquet reflects the bride’s individuality and is fitting for a sophisticated, cosmopolitan wedding. When choosing flowers for the bouquet, many brides like to include those that hold special symbolism. Following are some popular choices, and what they commonly are said to signify in flower language guides (which tend to vary):
• Calla Lily – Magnificent beauty.
• Gardenia – Purity; joy.
• Hydrangea – Vanity.
• Lily of the Valley – Return of happiness.
• Peony – Bashfulness; a happy marriage.
• Ranunculus – I am dazzled by your charms.
• Rose (red) – True love; I love you.
• Rose (white) - Eternal love; innocence; secrecy; and silence
• Rose (yellow) - Friendship; jealousy.
• Rose (red and white together) – Unity.
• Tulip (red) – Declaration of love.
• Tulip (yellow) – Hopeless love.
• Stephanotis – Happiness in marriage.
• Sweet Pea – Lasting pleasure.
A professional florist can offer plenty of creative suggestions for personalizing a bridal bouquet. The SAF recommends showing the florist photos that depict the type of arrangement you have in mind, a picture of your dress, fabric and lace samples and photos of bridesmaids’ dresses. The more information the bride provides, the better the florist will be prepared to design the perfect bridal bouquet.
Brides.com features footage from New York runways
 Most every bride-to-be peruses bridal magazines to get a look at the latest wedding gown designs, but now, brides can see those same designs in motion on their computer screens, straight from the New York runways. Footage from more than 20 shows from New York City’s Fall 2008 Bridal Market are accessible at brides.com/videos, giving viewers a front row seat at the bridal shows and the opportunity to hear interviews with some of the industry’s top designers. Reem Acra, Amsale, Badgely Mischka, Simone Carvalli, Priscilla of Boston, Monique Lhuillier, Melissa Sweet and Vera Wang are among the designers featured on the site.
What are the latest trends in bridal fashion? Theresa DiMasi, editor in chief of Brides.com, identified these as the top five trends in bridal couture: A lighter touch – lots of free-flowing, ethereal fabrics including chiffon and organza with less embellishment, beading or other adornments. ? Color – beyond the traditional white dress, color is not just seen in bursts but in wonderful patterns, rich jewel tone accents or new shades of pastels. Jackets/sleeves – brides who want options beyond the traditional strapless gown are thinking more fashion-forward with jackets and sleeves. Emphasis on the waist – honoring the female form, there are lots of large flower corsages positioned right at the hip to draw attention to an hourglass figure. New lengths in gowns – from tea length to above-the-knee, there is more variety in gown lengths than ever before. |
3 Brothers Restaurant & Bar
117 N. Front Street • Labadie
(636) 451-0100 • 3brothersrestaurantandbar.com
3 Brothers Restaurant is in a building built in 1911 and has two levels. On most Friday nights, diners can enjoy music in the style of Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and Ray Charles by venturing to the top floor. The second floor can also be rented for banquets and private parties for groups of up to 100. 3 Brothers Restaurant prepares everything in house, using only the freshest ingredients including locally grown vegetables and herbs. 3 Brothers is the perfect place to celebrate any occasion or event.
5 Star Sound
(636) 274-9976 • (314) 757-1245
5starsounddjs.com
Your wedding reception is a once in a lifetime event. Planning a wedding can be a time consuming endeavor. 5 Star Sound is here to help you work out the details of your reception. They will meet with you, listen to your ideas, and together plan a night to remember. They have 14 years experience in the DJ industry and can help you plan the perfect reception. Call them today.
A Moment In Time Video Productions
636-294-2367
www.videosbymike.com
Servicing all of St Charles, St. Louis and surrounding areas.
Professional & experienced videographer, recording and producing your special moment into a custom & artistically edited DVD with cinematic highlights. Capturing the magic of your wedding day and making it a forever memory.
You have planned this day with attention to every detail. This is the one investment of your wedding day that will let the emotion shared between you last your lifetime.
All About Honeymoons
(314) 291-1233 • (314) 283-9050
Lisa.allabouthoneymoons.com
Congratulations! Whether you are recently engaged and planning a honeymoon or destination wedding, celebrating an anniversary or just need a wonderful vacation, Lisa Ritz, says, “I am here to make your vision a reality!” All About Honeymoons, will help you plan your perfect destination with free personalized service, free upgrades, free expert planning services, free honeymoon registry, and free couples website. Please take advantage of everything that All About Honeymoons has to offer.
Allstate Insurance Co.
2764 Hwy. K
O’ Fallon, MO 63368
636-379-1933
www.theensuregroup.com
Your life is changing and so are your financial
needs. Allstate Insurance has the products designed to help protect what
is yours with Auto, Home and Life Insurance, plus Education and Retirement
Savings plans.
Please contact my agency for a complete review of your current coverage
and I will send you a Post-Wedding Checklist to assist you with all those
little matters that need to be attended to. You have spent months
planning for your big day; please take a moment to consider your new life
together.
Melanie Wardenburg
Bellabrations Banquet Hall
235 Jungermann Rd. • St. Peters
(636) 447-7297 • (314) 616-7973 • Bellabrations.com
Bellabrations Banquet Hall is centrally located in St Peters, minutes from St Peters Gazebo and Highway 70. Their facility is perfect for any intimate gathering up to eighty. Bellabrations is ideal for your engagement party, bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, or reception. Outside food welcome! Rates start at $125. Bellabrations, where everyday’s a party!
Belle Gente Salon
212 THF Boulevard • Chesterfield Commons Plaza • Chesterfield
(636) 536-2002
Bella Gente Salon, a full service salon is in the heart of the Chesterfield Commons Plaza. Thirteen stylists offer customized cuts, color, extensions, perms and updos. Each of their five shampoo stations has a comfortable vibrasauge chair. They have a special area for manicures and pedicures in a private two chair pedispa room. Their Esthetician/Massage therapist offers unparalleled techniques in soothing facial and relaxing massage. Belle Gente Salon is considered by guests as private yet social.
Bloomin’ Buckets
9844 Manchester Road • Rock Hill
(314) 961-4040
Bloomin Buckets is a full-service, floral shop where customers feel instantly welcome. Unlike chain florists that offer cookie-cutter arrangements from mass-produced catalogs, Bloomin Buckets specializes in beautifully arranged flowers. Owner Barb Wehking’s simple and elegant creations bring tasteful beauty to any kind of celebration. The shop carries a wonderful selection of gift items, including unusual vases and pots, orchids and terrariums. At Bloomin Buckets, fresh flowers are always in bloom.
Byron Cade
7901 Clayton Road • Clayton
(314) 721-4701 • byroncadegifts.com
Byron Cade... the name itself is synonymous with style and good taste... has been a St. Louis tradition for more than 60 years! They specialize in the finest brands of china, crystal, flatware, silver, home accessories and much more. All their quality formal and informal gifts are unique and different and unlike any other in the area. They offer free gift wrap , free delivery and high quality engraving.! Stop by and visit Byron Cade today for any of your gift giving needs!
The Cigar Box
240 Long Road, Suite 150 • Chesterfield
(636) 536-4949
The Cigar Box offers one of the largest selections of premium cigars, accessories or gifts
for any special occasion. Whether you are an occasional smoker or an aficionado, The Cigar Box has everything you need to enjoy your favorite cigar. Visit one of Chesterfield’s best kept secrets and let owner, Stephen Millman help you find that perfect cigar or gift selection.
CrossWalk Banquets & Catering
15800 Manchester Road • Ellisville
636-779-2362 • stjstl.net
Imagine…soft light, linen table cloths, china, delicious food with 420 guests. Kenny Storie, Director, Steve Ferguson, Head Chef, and Susan Heep, Banquet Coordinator, combined have over 55 years experience in Food & Beverage; that is valuable knowledge at your fingertips. Try their Dinner-on-the-Go service – call (636) 779-2815 for a complete ready-to-eat meal. CrossWalk Banquets & Catering is on the St. John campus in Ellisville; SE corner of Clarkson and Manchester; contact them or visit their website.
Foodies Marketplace & Deli
17701 Edison Ave. #3 • Chesterfield
(636) 537-5500 • myspace.com/foodiesmarketplace
Foodies Marketplace & Deli provides an unparalleled culinary experience. Foodies features dishes created with the freshest selections of each season. Whether your need is for a meeting, graduation, wedding, holiday party or gathering in your home, every last detail is important to us!
Handcrafters Cabin~Take Note
17516 Chesterfield Airport Road • Chesterfield
(636) 530-9772
Ruth Greco, owner of Handcrafters Cabin ~Take Note has a knack for making things beautiful. In 2007, Ruth took ownership of Take Note with the intention of continuing an almost 10-year tradition. “We have invitations and announcements for weddings, showers, babies, birthdays, holidays and graduation.” Stop in today for all your invitations, announcements and unique gifts. Handcrafters Cabin ~Take Note will make every effort to find the perfect choice.
Harris Jewelers
6143 Mid Rivers Mall Drive (Across from Home Depot) • Cottleville
(636) 477-9800
Custom bridal jewelry at Harris Jewelers features the “Hearts by Star™” diamond. This diamond meets very exacting specifications & symmetry. The way it is cut creates the world’s highest standards for craftsmanship and performance to bring out the most intense, sparkle, fire and brilliance with 8 Heart s & Arrows Effect.
Healing Hands Wellness Therapies
110 Holloway • Ballwin
(636) 230-7600 • healinghands-4u.com
Healing Hands Wellness Therapies provides an excellent way to relax, unwind and relieve anxiety while planning your special day. It is their desire to create a peaceful, relaxed and personal setting for all their clients. Healing Hands is a gift to every person they work with and offer relief to a system that is overworked and over stressed. Everyone deserves to have a regular massage, and a unique healing experience that contributes to one’s overall wellbeing.
Heaven Scent Bakery
1335 Hwy K (Next to Walmart)• O’Fallon
(636) 332-6435 • HeavenScentBakery.com
Heaven Scent Wedding Cake gives your guests the message that you care enough to serve them the very best. We are a custom shop and that means if you have a dream, we have the cake. Our web site is designed to give you a complete overview of the products we offer, from donuts to wedding cakes, but you are not limited to those choices. The new services we offer include invitations for all occasions and silk flowers for weddings.
Jed Limousines
1083 N. Warson Rd. • St. Louis
(314) 429-2200 • jedlimousine.com
Since 1967, Jed Limousines has been “The First Name in Limousine Service in St. Louis!” Jed Limousine not only offers the finest 6, 8, and 10 passenger limousines but also Mercedes Benz S-Class sedans, passenger vans, shuttle and party buses, and now the new 12 passenger H3 Hummer limousine. So whether its a wedding, prom night, birthday, anniversary ,concert, sporting event, airport meet and greet, or just a night on the town. .let Jed Limousine chauffer you in style and comfort.
Kemp Auto Museum
Chesterfield Commons Retail Complex • Chesterfield
(636) 537-1718
kempautomuseum.org
The Kemp Auto Museum offers brides and grooms a unique and classic alternative to the standard wedding facility. The Kemp Auto Museum is the newest attraction presenting over 40 historically significant and artistically inspired automobiles. Conveniently located in west St. Louis County, the Kemp Auto Museum invites you to come in and explore the museum. The Kemp Auto Museum offers the perfect atmosphere for receptions, rehearsal dinners, wedding ceremonials and special events.
The Ladies Of Lucerne
930 Kehrs Mill Rd. • Ballwin
(636) 227-7300
ladiesoflucerne.com
Stepping into The Ladies Of Lucerne Tea Room prompts gasps of admiration. It is that beautiful and is located in the historic Barn at Lucerne. It’s like having a party every day, said Adrianne Ritter. The Ladies Of Lucerne Tea Room hosts wedding showers, baby showers, fund-raisers, fashion shows and even business meetings in an unhurried atmosphere of casual elegance that is a dream-come-true for customers!
Mama Campisi’s
2132 Edwards • (314) 776-3100 • MamaCampisis.com
The corner of Edwards and Bischoff on The Hill, St. Louis’ famous Italian neighborhood, has been the home of traditional Italian cuisine for well over 50 years. Today, Mama Campisi’s offers an extensive menu ranging from pizza and pasta to the signature “Chicken Spedini.” Featuring a complete wine menu, full service bar, impeccable service and meals prepared from scratch. Reservations accepted. Catering & banquet facilities up to 100. Open Tuesday-Sunday 11:00am-10:00pm
Metro The Salon and Spa
136 S. Main • St. Charles
(636) 724-7676 • metrothesalon.com
Ensure the perfect look on your special day. Specializing in wedding day bridal parties! Six or more in your group will include refreshments, snacks and a champaigne fountain. More than 33 salon professionals are ready to exceed your expectaions and bring out the unique beauty in each member of your party. Metro’s unique location and relaxing atmosphere offers a full service salon and spa. Gift certifcates available.
Michael Herr Diamonds and Fine Jewelry
17221 Chesterfield Airport Road • Chesterfield
(636) 530-0006
Michael Herr Diamonds and Fine Jewelry is celebrating ten years in the diamond jewelry industry and has been located in Chesterfield Valley for the past four years. They specialize in unique engagement rings, wedding, anniversary bands and remounts. They also have computer aided design (C.A.D.) available to make a custom ring to your specifications. At Michael Herr Jewelers, they offer good value on a large selection of loose diamonds. They are a full service jeweler with all work done in-house and pride themselves on after sales service.
Moments Framed
9716 Clayton Road • St. Louis
(314) 994-2129
Complement the beauty of your wedding portraits and photographs with elegant custom framing. Let their design staff create a custom presentation for your wedding memories. Moments Framed takes pride in offering the highest quality service, craftsmanship and framing components. They use archival quality materials and preservation framing practices to protect and preserve your treasured memories. Moments Framed is independently owned and operated, located in Ladue, and proudly serving the surrounding St. Louis area.
Oasis Banquet Center
3033 High Ridge Blvd. • (636) 677-9200
The newest Banquet Center in town! Offering a beautiful venue for all your celebration needs. All parties are catered with a choice of 5 delicious menus. Cash bar is also available. Check them out for your wedding reception, rehearsal dinner, anniversary party, bridal or baby showers, birthday parties or any celebration! They also offer DJ and photography service. Remember Oasis Banquet Center when you need the perfect party.
Old Hickory Golf Club
1 Dye Club Drive • St. Peters
(636) 477-8960 • oldhickorygc.com
Old Hickory Golf Club is a spectacular location for your wedding day, corporate events or private party. They breathtaking golf course views and exquisite dining will make a memorable impression for you and your guests on this momentous occasion. They invite you to come view the new clubhouse that has wonderful facilities for your bridal luncheon, rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremony and reception. Call to start the planning process with an event coordinator today!
Once-A-Week Workout
17718 Chesterfield Airport Rd. • Chesterfield
(636) 536-6603
This is your day...WEDDING! You have planned and re-planned, making sure everything is perfect. Maybe there is one thing you have overlooked - YOU! Make sure YOU look the best you can. Try the Once-A-Week Workout! Our studio provides a private one-on-one personal training workout to focus on you and your goals. Call for your FREE consult and session workout today. You will have those arms and shoulders ready for that strapless gown in no time!
The Powder Room
311 Main Street • St. Peters
(636) 970-0010 • www.apowderroom.com
A salon and spa with a gift shop? The Powder Room offers manicures, pedicures, skin care, hair care, waxing, Bare Escentuals, parties & more! Their unique gift shop is filled with lots of wonderful bubbles and scents to pamper yourself with, oodles of fashion accessories, beautiful jewelry, purses & so much more!!
Professional Firefighter of Eastern Missouri Banquet Facility
115 McMenamy Rd.• St. Peters
(636) 970-4255 • pfembanquest.com
Professional Firefighters of Eastern Missouri Banquet facility invites you to Celebrate in style at their beautifully remodeled banquet facility with seating up to 325. Located in the Heart of St. Peters, enjoy the convenience of full service with in-house chef and caterer, along with the personal event coordinators and professional staff who are devoted to making your most precious day an extraordinary event.
QT Photography
Ballwin
(636) 299-3394 • info@qtphotography.com
If your looking for a wedding photographer you can afford then you came to the right spot, says, Tiffiny Evans. We’d love the opportunity to schedule your wedding consultation, come to your home or outdoor setting and take our time, because we understand that the poses we take are important to you for cherished memories. So whatever your portrait needs, portrait parties, family portraits, a wedding photographer, graduation portraits, childcare or school photographer, you’ll be glad you’ve chosen a Christian photographer who cherishes you and your family as much as you do.
Richter’s Florist
15311 Manchester Rd. • Ballwin
(636) 394-1400
richtersflorist.com
Beverly Richter has been in the floral industry for over 26 years and she says that is due to her commitment to her customers. “There’s a saying, “Everybody can sell a flower, but we sell service,” Richter said. “We really cater to our customers. No wedding is too large or small.” Specializing in weddings, Richter’s also features candles, candy, cards, WebKinz, Crabtree & Evelyn, Claire Burke, rush delivery and more.
Sarah’s Cafe & Bakery
505 Strecker Rd. • Wildwood
(636) 405-0014 • sarahscafestl.com
Sarah’s Café & Bakery feels privileged to create the perfect wedding cake that captures each bride’s individual personality. Each cake portrays the qualities that are as unique as the bride who chooses it. From your initial consultation to the baking, decorating, delivery and set-up, they are committed to making your vision of that perfect wedding cake a reality. They take great pride in being a part of your special day and reserve each day for only a few cakes, so please call early to reserve your date.
Come Taste The Difference!
Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating
Ballwin: 636.527.6601
Wildwood: 636.273.6500
Chesterfield: 636.536.5105
Town & Country: 314.620.8481
seattlesutton.com
Look your best on your special day. Since 1985, Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating Program has been expanding across the country, offering fresh nutritious meals to busy customers. By preparing the meals ahead of time, and individually packaging them in containers, they increase the convenience for their clients and allow them to reach and maintain their dietary objectives.
Solea Photography
(636) 751-1135 • soleaphoto.com
Solea Photography is a unique studio striving to capture the spirit that is within all of us. Nichole Olea, photographer and owner, is devoted to passing on a special gift of a family heirloom. Specializing in environment portraiture, Nichole makes her clients feel more relaxed when they are taken out of the studio and placed in an environment that is much more comfortable and fun. With over 10 years of photography and fine arts experience, Nichole makes every photo session into a work of art.
Special Occasions by Paulette & Teddy
9712 Clayton Rd. • Ladue
(314) 413-1337
A very unusual shop owned by experienced professionals. Emphasis is placed on quality fashions for mother of the bride and/or groom, cocktail dresses and prom wear. In-depth collections are unique and encompass large ranges both in price, size and designers. Special Occasions offers a unique shopping experience. Service continues after the sale and doesn’t end until the function. Their reputation is well known. See them for no stress help in choosing a dress for any special occasion.
Tsunami Steak & Sushi Lounge
280 Long Road • Chesterfield Valley
(636) 630-0700
Tsunamistl.com
Tsunami Steak and Sushi Lounge extend their dining experience with a second floor banquet room that can accommodate up to 100 guests. The banquet facility is full service; the professional staff attends to the details so the bride and groom can relax and enjoy their special day. A customized menu is available to meet customers needs and budget. Call today to set up an appointment.
Vellum
120 West Monroe • Kirkwood
(314) 909-1640 • velluminc.com
From classic to contemporary, Vellum has the perfect invitation for you! Whether your wedding is a black-tie affair or a garden ceremony, the invitation experts at Vellum will help you find an invitation that is uniquely you. The Kirkwood boutique offers save the dates, programs, menus and thank you notes, as well as invitations for showers, bridesmaid brunches and even bachelorette parties! Remember, more people will see your wedding invitation than your wedding dress…Make it count!
Vintner’s Cellar Custom Winery
973 Waterbury Falls Dr. • O’Fallon
(636) 300-9960 • vintnerscellar@charter.net
Vintner’s Cellar offers the opportunity to make your wedding truly unique! They offer gifts for the bridal party, custom labels for your Wedding Day Wine, wines with International Tastes and even the opportunity to make your own batch of wine and bottle it, to serve on your wedding day – with custom labels memorializing the day forever! Vintner’s Cellar also offers a great atmosphere for; Bridal Showers, Bachelorette Parties and your Post –Rehearsal Party! Call to schedule a free consultation today!
Zia’s Restaurant
5256 Wilson Ave. • St. Louis
(314) 776-0020 • zias.com
Zia’s On The Hill is the quintessential Italian family restaurant. The restaurant serves classic Italian gourmet cuisine at affordable prices and is a favorite dining spot for devoted locals and visitors alike. Imported Italian wines, unique appetizers (like toasted seafood ravioli), delicious entrees and daily specials offer a true taste of Italy. Zia’s does catering as well, offering a variety of menu combinations for any occasion. The restaurant’s name is familiar in many St. Louis stores, too, where bottled salad dressings, specialty oils and sauces carry the Zia’s On The Hill label.
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