ICELAND PHOTOGRAPHER AND PLANNER FOR OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH ADVENTURE ELOPEMENTS
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Local Iceland Elopement
Photographer & Planner

For couples who want a private, meaningful Iceland elopement in secluded magic away from the crowds, and their story captured through whimsical storytelling that feels like stepping into a storybook fairytale.

Award-winning cinematic photography with 20 years international experience documenting over 400 weddings & elopements and living in iceland since 2019 — bringing you the ease, simplicity, and excitement your elopement deserves.

 
 
Private Iceland elopement in the Highland next to a secret and secluded waterfall

You’re coming to Iceland to elope, because it’s pure magic —

and as an Iceland local obsessed with my home, I totally get why.

So, why would you not have an Iceland elopement day that’s:

  • Tailor-made, hand-picked locations for you instead of the most crowded,

  • A timeline built to explore instead of rushing you around all day,

  • Epic AF photos of your elf-like storybook day, (Steph Zakas is a multiple award winning photographer who has worked with some of the biggest names in entertainment)

  • With a photographer and planner who’s grounded, funny (so they say), and knows how to get you to forget you feel ‘awkward’ in front of a camera instead of someone you meet day of?

But, you lead a busy life so trying to plan your Iceland elopement or adventure, with lesser-known locations, and pulling the elopement day pieces together is a lot— especially with so much conflicting information out there.

I’m happy to say, you can officially stop sifting though mountains of questionable Reddit threads, overwhelming Google advice, and potentially AI Instagram content— you’re officially now taken care of.

 

Iceland is honestly the best place on the planet, especially to say your vows & elope—

As a true Iceland local, not someone who has only visited— Iceland is my home that I love dearly.

One of the best things in the world is being able to share this with you to create a truly authentic-to-Iceland and unique elopement day for those who:

✨ Are nature-obsessed.
✨ Want to pair the perfect locations to match the day they envision.
✨ Want guidance on how to explore Iceland without damaging it or themselves. (Like, where should you stand when around geothermal activity?)

This experience for your Iceland elopement is not only custom, but has every detail thought out from nuts to bolts from the perspective and knowledge of a local photographer & planner.

 

A personalized elopement experience designed from your vision & vibe

by leveraging my decades of experience in documenting & planning weddings
plus filmmaking background—

You can feel excited planning this important milestone in another country with road names as long as you are tall.

 
 
 
 
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LGBTQ+ queer Iceland Elopement at a private waterfall
 

Can you imagine exploring Iceland’s secluded and jaw-dropping areas for your elopement adventure —

While taking the most natural photos and leaving all pressures behind to put your entire elopement experience front and center is the name of the game.

+ You are coming to Iceland to elope to avoid the crowds, so if it’s got a Welcome Center and crowds to weave through, we aren’t going.

+ You need someone who is attentive, present, and is like a weird go-to Iceland search engine that has all of the answers to all of your Iceland questions — about your Iceland Elopement or traveling to Iceland.

+ You lead a busy life so you don’t want to be overwhelmed by all of the conflicting information about Iceland — you just want someone to help you do this as stress-free as possible. from start to finish.

+ Your ideal type of elopement day is being immersed in the most amazing landscapes, having the space in your timeline to explore, and keeping adventure at the core.

I’ve got good news — that’s exactly what we’ll do together for your Iceland Elopement experience.

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Testimonials Slider
Kind words
– Amanda & Jordan
Kind words

Steph (of Zakas Photography) was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! She made it incredibly easy to plan a wedding 3,000 miles away. She was super responsive to any and all questions… On our wedding adventure photos she was so much fun to be with, we had a blast… We had a great time with her, she’s an excellent tour guide and even better photographer, she is amazing and I would recommend her to anyone and everyone! I couldn’t imagine anyone more perfect for the job than her to capture these beautiful memories for us!

Kind words
Kind words
- Skyla & Braxton
Kind words

Where do we begin?! After our initial phone call with Steph all we knew is that we were getting married in Iceland and we were having Steph (of Zakas Photography) as our photographer and no one else — we didn’t know what to do, what to pack, or how it even works. Steph guided us through the whole process little by little step by step. The thing I stressed about the most was if I needed to scrub the dirt of my shoes before hand. 😂

On our elopement day, a storm rolled in 24 hours before and the weather was very spicy! Steph worked with the punches and we got amazing photos! 10/10 would recommend booking with Steph… 💕

Kind words
Kind words
– Simone & Hans
Kind words

Steph (of Zakas Photography) is amazing, her photography was just exquisite. Steph is very professional, friendly, knowledgeable in all questions we had regarding our wedding, and set out an itinerary for our lovely wedding day. The locations she took us too were breath-taking. Always kept in contact with us, and prompt in communication. I would recommend Zakas Photography for your wedding.

Kind words
Kind words
– Teravey & Micheal
Kind words

Steph (of Zakas Photography) was an amazing photographer! It felt like she knew us our whole life and picked the absolute perfect locations for our photos. She made us feel like we were at home, on the biggest day of our lives, in a foreign country.

Kind words
Kind words
– Kristel & Johnny
Kind words

Steph (of Zakas Photography) is not only an incredible photographer, but she is an excellent source for all things Iceland and your adventure elopement. My husband and I cannot thank Steph enough for curating our special day and making it feel effortless and fun. I highly recommend you talk to her if you're considering eloping in Iceland. Just look at the pictures this woman can take; how can you not be convinced?

Kind words
Kind words
– Carli & Christian
Kind words

Loved working with Steph (of Zakas Photography). I was able to show her some of my inspiration and she captured it perfectly! Would definitely recommend!!!

Kind words
Kind words
- Vanna & Kevin
Kind words

STEPHANIE ZAKAS IS A UNICORN! I’m not kidding either – We eloped on November 2nd in Iceland and our experience was everything and more than we hoped for thanks to Stephanie.

Kind words
Kind words
- Ashley & Joe
Kind words

We wanted our wedding to be completely for ourselves - this was a celebration of our love and our future. We love to travel and love everything outdoors. I think it would have been a big compromise to ourselves and the beginning of our marriage to do it any other way.

Kind words
Kind words
- Luke & Alexandria
Kind words

Steph (of Zakas Photography) captured not only the big moments of our wedding- the I Do’s, the kiss, the crying - but also the small ones you forget or the ones that you don’t think anyone else would notice. She has some insane ability to be present in those private moments when you feel like it’s you and your partner against the world.

Kind words
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Steph Zakas Photo headshot

Góðan daginn— I’m STEPH!

My clients call me their Iceland Elopement Yoda.

I’ve also been called a ‘‘little photo elf’’ which i’m 100% ok with.

I moved to Iceland in 2019 and never looked back.

I’m located in Reykjavík full-time as an American immigrant. I’m the kind of person that feels like you’ve known them for forever, will probably throw out a dad joke, and is OBSESSED with Iceland’s locations and culture.

So, if you’re the kind of person who wants to hear about how to hike in Iceland while leaving no damage, why you always see 3 sheep together, and how to explore without falling through a moss-covered crevasse maybe never to be seen again— I’m ya girl.

As someone who has never fit in with the crowds, I will never make you feel like you need to be a certain way or have your experience fit into any boxes. I’ll never make you pick your adventure out of a pre-made list.

YOU’LL HAVE AN Iceland elopement ADVENTURE PLANNER, DAY OF elopement COORDINATOR, AND (LOTS-O-AWARDS WINNING) elopement PHOTOGRAPHER To guide you every step of the way while leveraging my 20 years experience as a photographer, filmmaker, and production coordinator (for some of the biggest names in entertainment).

 
 
 
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As Seen In:

 
 
Real Epic Elopements
Þórsmörk (Thorsmork) Iceland Highlands Elopement with Private 4x4 Truck Tour
Þórsmörk (Thorsmork) Iceland Highlands Elopement with Private 4x4 Truck Tour
Is Hiring a Local Iceland Elopement and Proposal Photographer & Planner Worth It? (And what to avoid)
Is Hiring a Local Iceland Elopement and Proposal Photographer & Planner Worth It? (And what to avoid)
Iceland Blue Ice Glacier Cave Private Elopement in South Iceland with 4x4
Iceland Blue Ice Glacier Cave Private Elopement in South Iceland with 4x4
Two-Day Magical and Private Iceland Elopement with Waterfalls, Fjords, and Picnic | Iceland Elopement Photographer and Specialist
Two-Day Magical and Private Iceland Elopement with Waterfalls, Fjords, and Picnic | Iceland Elopement Photographer and Specialist
Reykjavik Ceremony and Snæfellsnes Iceland Elopement | Iceland Elopement Photographer & Planner
Reykjavik Ceremony and Snæfellsnes Iceland Elopement | Iceland Elopement Photographer & Planner
Snæfellsnes and Reykjanes Iceland Two Day Elopement | Iceland Elopement Photographer & Planner
Snæfellsnes and Reykjanes Iceland Two Day Elopement | Iceland Elopement Photographer & Planner
Bride in a white pantsuit and fur coat stands in the forefront with her groom in the background under the daylight moon during their south iceland vow renewal
South Iceland Vow Renewal in Yoda Cave | Iceland Elopement Photographer
South Coast Iceland Elopement at Waterfall and Caves | Iceland Elopement Photographer
South Coast Iceland Elopement at Waterfall and Caves | Iceland Elopement Photographer
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Glen Coe Scotland Elopement Adventure Session | Scotland Elopement Photographer
Private Kirkjufell Mountain Iceland Elopement in Snæfellsnes | Iceland Elopement Photographer
Private Kirkjufell Mountain Iceland Elopement in Snæfellsnes | Iceland Elopement Photographer
A Rainy Iceland Elopement With DIY Details | Adventure Elopement Photographer
A Rainy Iceland Elopement With DIY Details | Adventure Elopement Photographer
Búðir Iceland Black Church Elopement in Snæfellsnes | Iceland Elopement Photographer & Planner
Búðir Iceland Black Church Elopement in Snæfellsnes | Iceland Elopement Photographer & Planner
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Reynisfjara Beach Iceland Elopement | Iceland Elopement Photographer
Iceland Elopement at Magical Waterfall | Iceland Elopement Photographer & Planner
Iceland Elopement at Magical Waterfall | Iceland Elopement Photographer & Planner
Snæfellsnes Iceland Elopement on Cliffs | Iceland Wedding Photographer
Snæfellsnes Iceland Elopement on Cliffs | Iceland Wedding Photographer
Reykjavik Harbor Elopement & Snaefellsnes Wedding Photo Adventure | Adventure elopement photographer & planner
Reykjavik Harbor Elopement & Snaefellsnes Wedding Photo Adventure | Adventure elopement photographer & planner
Snaefellsnes Iceland Elopement at Londrangar Lava Pillars | Iceland Wedding Photographer & Planner
Snaefellsnes Iceland Elopement at Londrangar Lava Pillars | Iceland Wedding Photographer & Planner
Búðir Black Church Iceland Elopement | Iceland Wedding Photographer
Búðir Black Church Iceland Elopement | Iceland Wedding Photographer
Best Elopement Photos and Adventure of 2019 | Iceland and Scotland Elopement Photographer & Planner
Best Elopement Photos and Adventure of 2019 | Iceland and Scotland Elopement Photographer & Planner
Iceland Engagement Photos at Private Waterfall in Game of Thrones | Iceland Elopement Photographer
Iceland Engagement Photos at Private Waterfall in Game of Thrones | Iceland Elopement Photographer
 

‘‘Steph Zakas is not only an incredible photographer, but she is an excellent source for all things Iceland and your adventure elopement.

My husband and I cannot thank Steph enough for curating our special day and making it feel effortless and fun.

I highly recommend you talk to her if you're considering eloping in Iceland.

Just look at the pictures this woman can take; how can you not be convinced?’’

- Kristel & Johnny

 
 
 
 
 

 

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Your Next Steps
for your epic Iceland elopement

BEFORE LIVING OUT ALL YOUR FROLICKING in iceland WEDDING DREAMS

01.

Book Your Consult

First, reach out here. we’ll schedule your consult to get your custom Iceland elopement packages created.

You’ll be speaking to me— no big corporate feel, here. If we are a great match, I’ll create custom packages for you to choose from.

02.

Your Custom Elopement

from your proposal, pick the custom Iceland elopement package option that fits your vibe and dream day.

I’m with you to help plan your Iceland elopement every step of the way vs sparse communication and not knowing your photog until the day of.

SOUND EASY? BECAUSE IT IS.

03.

Elope in Adventure

your elopement day will be filled with the most epic places in Iceland as you sit back, enjoy nature, and be in the moment.

As your Iceland elopement photographer & planner, your Iceland adventure will be a stress-free, adventure-focused day where you’re taken to locations curated just for you.

Love Notes from Real Iceland Elopements
Testimonial 3

“I can’t say enough fantastic things about Steph.”

From her insane photography skills to her amazing recommendations for delicious craft beer. Anything you need while planning your elopment day-she is there! From the moment we met Steph we just knew she would make our day special. She’s passionate about her art and passionate about making the bride and groom feel super special on their day! (And when you meet her you’ll feel like you’ve known her forever. It’s like a crazy magic power she has!) She was there for assistance with planning needs and was also an amazing tour guide on our wedding day. Just received our photos back today and we are going to need to get absolutely everything printed.

If you are planning on eloping-reach out to Steph. It’ll be the best decision you’ve ever made!”

- Ashley & Kevin

Testimonial 2

“Whoever you are, and whatever you’re doing, just stop.”

You have ended up here reading about Steph which means your search has ended - hoorah! I can promise you that she is exactly what you want and honestly, she is exactly what you need. Steph is passionate about love and it shows; not only in her indescribable pictures but even in the way she interacts with you. It is so evident that her motivation is to make your day exactly what you want it be…and then go beyond that to exceed your wildest expectations!

- Alexandria & Luke

Testimonial 1

“No number of stars, up-votes, thumbs-up or hearts could adequately reflect how awesome Steph is.”

Her work speaks for itself, but breathtaking, remarkable, gorgeous, amazing, magical and a few choice expletives were common feedback I received when sharing her photos from our Iceland adventure elopement. She checks all the boxes and throws a few in for kicks: creative, extremely talented/disciplined, very professional (dialed in!), passionate, considerate, communicative, fair and fun! I couldn't be happier to give Steph my highest recommendation.”

- Ayaka & Andrew

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 I believe your day should be a hand-crafted, badass experience.

How I help you as an Iceland Elopement Photographer & Planner.

 
 

Note ready to book yet? See my Elopement planning resources

 
 
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iceland elopement coupe in a cave with cool light

01.

With You From Beginning to End

I will help to arrange all the pieces for your Iceland elopement day and trip. This includes vendors, sending you all the resources & guides you will need to have an excellent time.

This means by the time your day comes we won’t be strangers & that awkwardness doesn’t exist.

 

02.

Hand-Picked Locations

No 2 elopements are ever planned exactly the same- neither are the locations hand-picked for the adventure.

Your locations will be personalized through my simple process to really match who you are and what you want to our amazing landscapes I’ve already vetted.

a private secluded Iceland Elopement on a valley cliff
 
queer elopement in iceland under a secret waterfall

03.

Timeline, Logistics, & Coordination

You will get a detailed plan to ensure your photos are taken at the best time of day, backup plans for any type of Icelandic weather that could come our way, and maximizing your Iceland adventure so you can live it to the fullest.

 
 

04.

You Being You, ‘Unposed’ Photos

And of course, only the most epic photos of you two being yourselves, instead of posing you awkwardly all day long.

In fact, I don’t even pose you and have a completely different approach to capturing the best ‘you’ photos.

Don’t worry, no previous modeling experience required.

an Iceland Elopement with the groom wearing a kilt
 

check out a featured real(ly) amazing iceland elopement

Þórsmörk (Thorsmork) Iceland Highlands Elopement with Private 4x4 Truck Tour

Þórsmörk (Thorsmork) Iceland Highlands Elopement with Private 4x4 Truck Tour

Read More ->

Iceland Blue Ice Glacier Elopement with couple saying vows in Ice Cave

Iceland Private Blue Ice Glacier Elopement with 4x4

Read More ->

EPIC Private Iceland Elopement in Secluded Canyon & Waterfalls (& rainbows!)

Read More ->

Beautiful Queer Iceland Elopement at Private Waterfall

Read More ->

 
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I know you aren’t looking for a traditional wedding that just happens to be outdoors.

A True Iceland Elopement Experience

That feels mystical & powerful that’s alongside the sleeping giants of the Icelandic landscapes.

black wedding dress iceland elopement

01.
Have a choice of custom Iceland Elopement packages for a bespoke, hand-crafted elopement day, instead of a list of pre-made experiences.

an Iceland Elopement at a secluded location in West Iceland

02.
Have an Iceland local (and nerdy, tattooed, cat mom) to guide you through the whole Iceland elopement planning process.

black wedding dress iceland elopement at moss

03.
Create your elopement day & Iceland trip that fits your vibe- instead of a big, corporate feel.

iceland elopement under a rainbow

04.
Your elopement images will capture the best in-between moments inside the Iceland landscapes.

 
 
 
 
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Ease. Awe. Adventure. Iceland Elopement Magic.

Sit back and let me steer the ship so you can just be present for your iceland elopement.

The truth is, you know you’re choosing to elope in order to honor who you both are in a profound way instead of managing others expectations.

But you might be having difficulty finding someone right now.

Someone you click with, who can offer you a simple planning process, and who has the elf-like, fairytale style of photography you’re after.

 
iceland elopement in field with mountains

you know you’re looking for an elopement experience with care,
connection, and a personal touch— instead of feeling like a big companies quota.

Are you in? Connect to start planning your Iceland elopement or adventure photography experience.

custom Iceland Elopement in front of a glacier black and white
queer elopement in iceland at beach
 

Let’s get started on your Iceland Elopement or Adventure Photography Experience.

 
Testimonials Slider
Kind words
– Amanda & Jordan
Kind words

Steph (of Zakas Photography) was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! She made it incredibly easy to plan a wedding 3,000 miles away. She was super responsive to any and all questions… On our wedding adventure photos she was so much fun to be with, we had a blast… We had a great time with her, she’s an excellent tour guide and even better photographer, she is amazing and I would recommend her to anyone and everyone! I couldn’t imagine anyone more perfect for the job than her to capture these beautiful memories for us!

Kind words
Kind words
- Skyla & Braxton
Kind words

Where do we begin?! After our initial phone call with Steph all we knew is that we were getting married in Iceland and we were having Steph (of Zakas Photography) as our photographer and no one else — we didn’t know what to do, what to pack, or how it even works. Steph guided us through the whole process little by little step by step. The thing I stressed about the most was if I needed to scrub the dirt of my shoes before hand. 😂

On our elopement day, a storm rolled in 24 hours before and the weather was very spicy! Steph worked with the punches and we got amazing photos! 10/10 would recommend booking with Steph… 💕

Kind words
Kind words
– Simone & Hans
Kind words

Steph (of Zakas Photography) is amazing, her photography was just exquisite. Steph is very professional, friendly, knowledgeable in all questions we had regarding our wedding, and set out an itinerary for our lovely wedding day. The locations she took us too were breath-taking. Always kept in contact with us, and prompt in communication. I would recommend Zakas Photography for your wedding.

Kind words
Kind words
– Teravey & Micheal
Kind words

Steph (of Zakas Photography) was an amazing photographer! It felt like she knew us our whole life and picked the absolute perfect locations for our photos. She made us feel like we were at home, on the biggest day of our lives, in a foreign country.

Kind words
Kind words
– Kristel & Johnny
Kind words

Steph (of Zakas Photography) is not only an incredible photographer, but she is an excellent source for all things Iceland and your adventure elopement. My husband and I cannot thank Steph enough for curating our special day and making it feel effortless and fun. I highly recommend you talk to her if you're considering eloping in Iceland. Just look at the pictures this woman can take; how can you not be convinced?

Kind words
Kind words
– Carli & Christian
Kind words

Loved working with Steph (of Zakas Photography). I was able to show her some of my inspiration and she captured it perfectly! Would definitely recommend!!!

Kind words
Kind words
- Vanna & Kevin
Kind words

STEPHANIE ZAKAS IS A UNICORN! I’m not kidding either – We eloped on November 2nd in Iceland and our experience was everything and more than we hoped for thanks to Stephanie.

Kind words
Kind words
- Ashley & Joe
Kind words

We wanted our wedding to be completely for ourselves - this was a celebration of our love and our future. We love to travel and love everything outdoors. I think it would have been a big compromise to ourselves and the beginning of our marriage to do it any other way.

Kind words
Kind words
- Luke & Alexandria
Kind words

Steph (of Zakas Photography) captured not only the big moments of our wedding- the I Do’s, the kiss, the crying - but also the small ones you forget or the ones that you don’t think anyone else would notice. She has some insane ability to be present in those private moments when you feel like it’s you and your partner against the world.

Kind words
private Iceland Elopement in front of lava stack West Iceland
 
 

OH, AND GIVING AWAY ALL MY FAVORITE iceland local insider tips

For your Iceland elopement, secret marriage proposal, or adventure photography experience.

 
 

just started your Iceland elopement planning?

Not quite ready to reach out yet?

Maybe you just got engaged.
Or, you’re still researching if an Iceland Elopement is right for you.
Or, perhaps you’re more elopement-curious than elopement-committed.

Here are a few steps to know you’re ready to reach out and get started:

1- You’re sure you want to elope with just you two or a tiny handful of guests.

2- you would love nothing more than to start moving forward and check things off as ‘done’ on your planning list.

3- you have the month you want to elope set and you’re just looking for the date on availability.

If you’re not ready to start knocking off that Iceland Elopement planning list yet- that’s ok.

Here are a bunch of Iceland Elopement Planning resources that will give you lots of answers to hard-to-figure-out questions.

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 AS AN ICELAND ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER, planner, and expert

I offer you this space in time to:

- nerd out with how much you love each other,
- to easily navigate all of the steps of your elopement,
- and to show you the best tattoo or coffee shops
while you’re here.

it’s time to be excited and Get your hiking boots ready.

 
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Eloping outside of Iceland and love what you see?

I’ve been known a time or two to leave this little rock in the North Atlantic to document adventures.

If you’re planning an elopement outside of Iceland, I’ve got you, too!

Maybe a hiking elopement in Iceland, a castle elopement in Scotland, a mountain top elopement in Norway, or a nature-centered wedding anywhere in the world- I’m here to help you and make you feel like you’ve been taken care of every step of the way.

I take on very few travel elopements these days as I try to be more environmentally friendly to this Earth I love so much.

If I’ll be traveling where you’re eloping, I’ll make your custom elopement there, too.

 
 
 

Your wedding isn’t an event to get through.
It’s a day to be in your element and revel in.

 
 

One that marks the beginning of the memoir you’re writing together.

Think about the original connection that brought the two of you together. What if your wedding represented how that felt?

If honoring a tradition like a big wedding feels like that’s for other couples then let’s plan one that embodies your entire relationship.

Let’s plan you an iceland elopement that honors the love you’ve found and fostered.

Let’s create a day centered around your relationship, your love, and celebrate this love that’s brought you to this decision- while surrounded by beautiful icelandic landscapes.

iceland viking elopement
 
 
 
 
 
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Ready to start packing already and make your Iceland elopement happen?

 
 
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Favorite resources

Adventure and Elopement Sessions to Inspire

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