Getting Married at Finca La Pasion, Etla: ULTIMATE GUIDE

by Advice & Tips, Wedding Venue Guides

Finca La Pasion, nestled in the tranquil Etla Area just outside Oaxaca City, offers a serene countryside escape for destination weddings. With its beautiful grounds, charming rustic architecture, and private estate feel, it provides a unique setting ideal for couples seeking natural beauty and ample space for their celebration. Located in the picturesque Etla Valley, a short drive from the city center, this venue presents a distinct alternative to urban venues, featuring expansive gardens, outdoor patios, and rustic indoor spaces.

Primarily functioning as an event venue, Finca La Pasion supplies the essential backdrop and facilities, often allowing more flexibility for external vendors compared to a full-service hotel. This approach helps create weddings that feel intimate and deeply connected to nature, benefiting significantly from the exclusive use of the estate and the freedom to personalize many elements. Planning typically involves securing the venue, managing site logistics, and coordinating extensively with an external planner to handle design, vendor sourcing, and guest logistics like transportation to the finca.

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Index

Is This Venue Right for Your Wedding?

 

Finca La Pasion is an excellent venue for couples seeking a private, naturally beautiful, and customizable wedding experience within a charming estate setting near Oaxaca City. If you envision an celebration surrounded by gardens and rustic architecture, value privacy and exclusive use of a property, desire the flexibility to bring in specific vendors (especially for design and entertainment), and appreciate the tranquility of the countryside while still being relatively close to urban amenities, Finca La Pasion is a strong contender. It’s ideal for couples who want their wedding to feel unique, organic, and deeply connected to the Oaxacan landscape, perhaps for a medium-sized guest list seeking a memorable escape.

The finca’s key highlights include its beautiful gardens, potentially historic or charming architecture, private and serene atmosphere, ample outdoor event spaces, and flexibility regarding vendor selection (check specific policies). Perfect for a rustic-elegant, garden-focused, and unique Oaxacan destination wedding experience.

 

How Does a Wedding at Finca La Pasion Work?

 

Planning a wedding at Finca La Pasion typically involves:

Contacting the Finca Management: Reaching out to Finca La Pasion’s management to inquire about venue availability and discuss options for exclusive rental of the property or specific event areas.

Understanding Venue Rental & Structure: Reviewing their venue rental agreement, which outlines the exclusive use of the property for a specific timeframe, available spaces (gardens, patios, indoor areas), and any required minimum guest counts or venue fees. Clarify their policy on catering – some fincas have mandatory in-house catering, a preferred list, or an open vendor policy.

Working with the Finca Coordinator/Manager: Collaborating with the finca’s internal contact (manager or coordinator) primarily on *venue-specific* logistics: access for vendors, layout possibilities within the grounds, power sources, restroom facilities, adherence to finca rules, and potentially coordinating their own staff if included (e.g., security, basic cleaning). Their role is focused on the property itself.

Hiring an External Planner (Highly Recommended): An external planner is *highly recommended*, often essential, for a finca wedding, especially for destination events. They manage the overall event design vision, source and coordinate *all* external vendors (which are typically numerous for a finca wedding – catering, florals, rentals, music, lighting, sound, etc.), create detailed timelines integrating all vendors and activities across the property, manage guest logistics (accommodation off-site, welcome bags, transportation), handle vendor contracts, and serve as the central point person for seamless execution on the day.

Vendor Selection & Coordination: The couple and their external planner will source and contract *most* or *all* vendors required for the wedding: catering (unless mandatory in-house), all decor, specialized florals, all lighting and sound, all rentals (tables, chairs, linens, tableware, lounge furniture, dance floor, tents if needed), music/entertainment, wedding cake, photography, videography, etc. This provides significant creative control but requires more coordination.

Guest Accommodation: Fincas often have *limited* or *no* on-site guest rooms beyond potentially a main house or a few suites. Guests will typically need to arrange their own accommodations in Oaxaca City or nearby towns, requiring careful planning for guest transportation to and from the finca for wedding events.

The process is primarily venue-centric, with couples building their event through external vendors managed by a planner, centered around the finca’s beautiful grounds, and requiring separate planning for guest accommodation and transport.

 

Best Months to Get Married

 

Finca La Pasion features extensive outdoor garden and patio spaces. These areas are best enjoyed during the dry season, from late October/early November through April/early May, offering the most consistently pleasant weather for outdoor celebrations and maximizing the use of the beautiful grounds. The rainy season (May-September) is still viable, and the finca will have covered or indoor areas for backup, but the primary charm lies outdoors, making the dry season preferable for a full garden experience.

 

The Basics of Wedding Planning (Estate Venue Model)

 

Finca La Pasion often operates on an Estate Venue Rental + External Vendors/Catering model (verify specific finca’s policies):

Venue Rental Fee: A primary cost is the exclusive rental fee for using the finca’s property and designated event spaces for a specific timeframe. This fee covers the use of the grounds and basic facilities but typically does *not* include catering, staffing, or all rentals.

Catering: This is a major separate component. Some fincas require use of their in-house kitchen or a specific preferred caterer. Others allow couples to bring in an external caterer from a list or entirely open. Catering costs are usually per-person and cover food, beverage, and *their* catering staff.

External Vendors: Couples contract and manage *almost all other services* externally: ALL decor, ALL florals, ALL lighting and sound, ALL entertainment (bands, DJs), ALL specialty rentals (tables, chairs, linens, tableware *unless included in catering or finca rental*), wedding cake, photography, videography, and an external planner.

Accommodation: Very limited or no on-site guest rooms available. Guests arrange their own accommodations off-site, primarily in Oaxaca City or nearby towns.

Additional Costs: Venue rental fee, Catering costs (per person), External Wedding Planner fees (essential), Costs for *all* contracted external vendors (often the majority of your budget), All rentals (tables, chairs, linens, etc., if not included in catering/venue package), Guest transportation to/from the finca (essential), Potential fees for extending hours or specific usage, Permits, Insurance (if required), Personalized favors, Officiant, Legal fees, Travel/accommodation for couple and vendors.

This structure provides a beautiful, private setting but requires couples (via their planner) to build the entire event piece-by-piece by coordinating numerous external contracts, with guest logistics significantly impacted by off-site accommodation.

 

Who Pays for a Destination Wedding (Finca Event)?

 

Cost allocation follows the venue rental + external vendor booking structure:

  • The couple typically pays for:
    • The Finca La Pasion venue rental fee.
    • Catering costs (whether in-house or external), based on a per-person rate.
    • External Wedding Planner fees (essential).
    • Costs for *all* contracted external vendors (decor, florals, music, photography, videography, all rentals, lighting, sound).
    • Any upgrades to catering menu or beverage selection.
    • Their own travel and accommodation (including potentially the limited on-site rooms if used).
    • Optional hosted events (welcome party, brunch – likely off-site or at the finca if space/time allows).
    • Guest transportation *to and from* the finca (essential).
    • Personal items.
  • Guests typically pay for:
    • Their flights to Oaxaca (OAX).
    • Their accommodation in Oaxaca City or nearby towns (as finca has limited/no on-site rooms).
    • Airport transfers to their lodging in the city/area.
    • Transportation from their lodging to the wedding events *unless* shuttles are provided by the couple (highly recommended due to location).
    • Any food & beverage outside of the hosted wedding events.
    • Optional extras (tours, shopping).
    • Wedding gifts.

Venue Capacity and Guest Accommodations (Estate Venue)

 

Finca La Pasion offers flexible space suitable for medium-sized weddings:

Event Capacity: Comfortably hosts medium-sized weddings (e.g., 80 – 250 guests), utilizing its expansive gardens, outdoor patios, and potentially a main house or covered salon area. The venue’s charm and layout are well-suited for creating distinct areas for ceremony, cocktail, and reception.

Event Locations: Beautiful and versatile options typically include:

Gardens: Lush outdoor spaces perfect for ceremonies and/or cocktail hours.

Patios / Courtyards: Charming outdoor or semi-covered areas suitable for cocktail receptions or smaller dinner setups.

Main House / Salon Area: Potentially a central building or covered area that can serve as reception space, dance floor area, or backup for outdoor events.

Accommodations: Finca La Pasion has limited on-site guest rooms or only accommodation in a main house/suite, significantly less than a hotel. This means the vast majority of guests will need to secure accommodation off-site, typically in Oaxaca City or potentially smaller hotels/rentals in the Etla area.

 

Ceremony and Reception Logistics (Finca Layout)

 

Logistics involve coordinating guest flow through the finca’s grounds and managing external vendor setups in a private estate setting:

Venue Navigation: Finca La Pasion’s layout typically involves guests moving between distinct outdoor areas (gardens, patios) and potentially an indoor/covered space. While often less complex vertically than a multi-level hotel, the spread-out nature requires clear planning by the planner for guest guidance and vendor setup flow. Accessibility for guests with mobility issues should be checked.

Vendor Access: Coordinated by the external planner with the finca manager. Unlike hotels with standard loading docks/times, access might be simpler but requires clear communication on timing and space. Set up occurs within the rental timeframe.

Setup: External vendors handle setup of *all* their contracted items (decor, florals, catering stations, rentals, lighting, sound, entertainment stages). The finca staff might handle basic table/chair setup if included in the rental. High reliance on the planner for supervising and coordinating numerous vendor setups across the property.

Transportation: *Crucial*. As it’s located in the Etla area outside the city center, guests require transportation. Taxis and ride-shares are less common or more expensive from this location, especially late at night. Pre-arranged shuttle services from central locations in Oaxaca City (or guest hotels) to Finca La Pasion are highly recommended or essential for guest convenience and safety. Airport transfers (OAX) to the Etla area are standard (approx. 45-60 minutes).

Proximity to Airport: Further from Oaxaca International Airport (OAX) than city venues (approx. 45-60 minutes by transfer).

 

What’s Included in Finca Event Booking?

 

Inclusions with a Finca La Pasion wedding booking are typically focused on the venue itself, with most services being external:

  • Exclusive use of the contracted areas of Finca La Pasion (e.g., specific gardens, patios, main house/salon) for the agreed-upon time (often a set block of hours for the event).
  • Use of basic finca facilities (restrooms, grounds).
  • Potentially a limited stock of existing tables and chairs or basic furniture from the finca’s inventory (verify exactly what is available).
  • Basic support from the Finca Manager for venue-specific questions and access.

Common exclusions (meaning you *must* rent/contract these externally, often the majority of your budget): ALL catering (food and beverage, unless mandatory in-house), ALL staffing (servers, kitchen, bartenders – typically provided by the caterer, not the finca), ALL table settings (plates, silverware, glassware, linens), ALL additional rentals (specialty chairs, lounge furniture, dance floor, specific tables, tents), ALL custom/elaborate decor, ALL florals, ALL lighting and sound systems (beyond basic functional light), ALL music/entertainment (bands, DJs), wedding cake, photography, videography, external wedding planner (highly recommended/essential, separate hire), guest transportation to/from the finca, guest accommodations (off-site), permits, insurance (if required), personalized favors, officiant, legal fees.

Obtain a detailed Finca La Pasion venue rental contract specifying exactly what is included, the rental timeframe, rules for external vendors, power availability, and any mandatory services (like specific caterer).

 

Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies (Covered Areas)

 

Finca La Pasion will have designated covered or indoor spaces as a backup plan for outdoor elements:

Covered Patio / Main Salon: The finca likely has a large covered patio, a main salon area, or a designated indoor space that can serve as a functional backup location for the ceremony and/or parts of the reception in case of rain or unfavorable weather. This space needs to be checked to ensure it comfortably fits your expected guest count and desired setup.

Backup options utilize the finca’s existing architecture, providing necessary shelter, although the aesthetic might differ significantly from the preferred outdoor setting.

Payment Terms and Cancellation Policies (Venue Fees)

 

Payment terms involve separate contracts for venue rental and catering/vendors:

Venue Deposit: Required to secure Finca La Pasion for your date and exclusive use. The size of the deposit can be a percentage of the rental fee or a fixed amount.

Venue Payment Schedule: Phased payments for the venue rental leading up to the event date, as specified in the contract.

Catering & Vendor Payments: Each caterer and external vendor will have their own separate payment schedule and deposit requirements, agreed upon directly with the couple/planner via individual contracts. Catering final payment is typically based on the guaranteed guest count.

Final Payment: Due shortly before the event (e.g., 30 days out) for the venue and potentially for catering based on final counts. Other vendors have their final payment terms.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellation policies for venue rental and individual vendor contracts are usually strict. Expect loss of deposits and potentially escalating penalties closer to the date. Comprehensive wedding insurance is highly recommended to protect against unforeseen cancellations.

 

Coordination: Finca Manager vs. External Planner

 

Understanding the support system at an estate venue:

Finca La Pasion Manager/Coordinator: Your primary contact at the finca. They manage all *venue-specific* aspects: ensuring access to the property during contracted hours, overseeing basic venue setup (if applicable), managing any included finca staff (like security or cleaning during the event), addressing property-related issues (power, water, restrooms), and ensuring adherence to finca rules (noise, hours, vendor policies). Their focus is the physical space and its basic functionality. They do *not* manage your overall event design, catering execution (unless mandatory in-house), coordination of *any* external vendors, detailed timeline, guest logistics, or off-site planning.

External Wedding Planner: Provides personalized, comprehensive planning for the *entire event*, integrating seamlessly with the finca’s space. This includes overall design vision and execution (often critical for transforming a raw space), detailed budget management across numerous vendor contracts, sourcing and coordinating *all* external vendors (catering, florals, rentals, lighting, sound, music – which is a major task at a finca), creating detailed timelines that coordinate all vendors and activities across the property, managing guest logistics (especially crucial given off-site accommodation and required transport), handling vendor contracts, and serves as the primary point person for everyone on the wedding day, troubleshooting issues and ensuring seamless execution from start to finish. *Highly recommended, often essential*, especially for destination weddings due to the complexity of managing multiple external elements at a private venue outside the city.

 

Dietary and Menu Restrictions (Catering Model)

 

Handled based on the finca’s catering policy:

Catering: The catering policy at Finca La Pasion dictates how food and beverage are handled. If they have mandatory in-house catering, you work directly with their kitchen. If they have a preferred list or open policy, you hire an external caterer. This caterer is responsible for all food preparation, service, and typically bar service and required staffing (servers, bartenders, kitchen crew) on-site at the finca. Menu options and pricing are handled through the caterer’s contract.

Dietary Needs: Accommodating dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies) is handled by the caterer you contract (whether mandatory in-house or external). Experienced wedding caterers are accustomed to handling a variety of needs with advance notice. Communicate all specific requirements and guest counts clearly to your caterer during the menu planning process.

 

Music and Entertainment Restrictions (Finca Policies)

 

Entertainment policies at a finca typically balance creating a lively atmosphere with respecting the rural setting and potential neighbors:

Style: Fincas are generally accommodating to various forms of entertainment. Traditional Oaxacan music (like a Calenda band for procession/cocktail hour), live bands (cumbia, cover), and DJs are common. Outdoor spaces are ideal for earlier parts of the evening, with dancing often moving to a covered patio or indoor area later.

Curfews/Noise: While potentially more secluded than a city venue, fincas may still have noise restrictions or a required curfew (e.g., 1 AM or 2 AM) due to local regulations or proximity to residential properties in the Etla area. Amplified music might need to be contained in designated areas after a certain hour. Discuss specific policies and desired music times with the finca manager and your planner early on.

Vendor Policies: External entertainment vendors must comply with Finca La Pasion’s rules regarding setup, sound levels, timing, power requirements, and use of space. Your planner must coordinate this closely with the finca manager.

 

Parking and Guest Logistics (Finca Location)

 

Logistics for a finca in the Etla area require careful planning, especially regarding guest transportation, as it’s outside Oaxaca City:

Airport Transfers: Guests arrange standard transport from OAX (approx. 45-60 minutes depending on traffic and specific finca location) directly to their accommodation in Oaxaca City or the Etla area.

Accommodation: Guests stay off-site, primarily in hotels or rentals in Oaxaca City, or potentially smaller options closer to Etla. The limited/no on-site accommodation at the finca is a key factor.

Transport to Finca La Pasion: *Essential*. For guests not staying on-site, transport is required from their lodging to the finca. Taxis and ride-shares are less readily available or more expensive from the Etla area, especially late at night. Pre-arranged shuttle services from central locations in Oaxaca City (or major guest hotels) to Finca La Pasion are *highly recommended or necessary* for guest convenience and safety for both arrival and departure. This is a significant logistical component for a finca wedding outside the city.

Internal Transport: Navigating within Finca La Pasion involves moving through the grounds, gardens, and patios. While likely less complex vertically than a hotel, the spread-out nature needs consideration for guest flow.

Parking: Fincas often have dedicated on-site parking for guests and vendors, which is convenient for those who rent cars. However, providing shuttles is generally preferred for destination weddings for ease and safety, particularly given the location and late-night returns.

Vendor Access: Coordinated load-in/out plan required for all external vendors with the finca manager and planner, within the venue rental timeframe. Access points and logistics need clear communication.

 

Total Cost Breakdown (Finca La Pasion Etla Wedding)

 

For an estimated wedding of 150 guests at Finca La Pasion, Etla:

Venue Rental Fee: $4,000 – $15,000+ USD (Variable based on season, day of week, hours of use, and exclusivity).

Catering (Food, Beverage, Staffing): $100 – $250+ USD per person ($15,000 – $37,500+) – Variable based on menu, beverage package, and chosen caterer (in-house/external).

External Wedding Planner: $7,000 – $18,000+ (Essential for coordinating numerous external vendors and logistics).

Rentals (Tables, Chairs, Linens, Tableware, Lounge, etc.): $7,000 – $25,000+ (Often a major cost as less is included than a hotel).

Decor & Florals: $6,000 – $25,000+.

Lighting & Sound (External): $4,000 – $15,000+ (Often more extensive needed for outdoor/mixed spaces).

Music & Entertainment: $4,000 – $12,000+.

Photography/Videography: $4,000 – $12,000+.

Guest Transportation (Shuttles to/from finca): $2,000 – $8,000+ (Crucial due to location).

Contingency, Service Charges (from vendors), Taxes, Permits: $4,000 – $12,000+.

Total estimated *event* cost (paid by couple) typically ranges from $50,000 – $160,000+ USD for 150 guests, heavily influenced by catering choice, guest count, extent of rentals, lighting, decor, and the necessity of guest transportation. The structure is different from a hotel package, requiring coordination of many separate vendor contracts but offering significant personalization within the beautiful estate setting.

 

Splurge vs. Save

Save: Choose a date with a lower venue rental fee (e.g., weekday or off-season). Opt for a more budget-friendly or standard catering package/caterer. Minimize external rentals by utilizing any existing finca items if possible, or choosing simpler, cost-effective rental options. Focus decor and florals on a few key impact areas (ceremony backdrop, main reception space). Select talented local musicians or a DJ within the finca’s noise limits. Clearly communicate transport options to guests but minimize provided shuttles (e.g., one departure time).

Splurge: Secure a prime date for exclusive use. Choose a premium caterer with a high-end menu or unique offerings. Invest significantly in rentals to create a custom look (specialty furniture, high-quality linens, custom dance floor). Bring in extensive lighting and sound production to enhance the outdoor spaces and party atmosphere. Commission elaborate floral and decor installations throughout the property. Hire a high-demand live band or DJ for extended performance (within curfew). Provide seamless, comfortable shuttle services for guests throughout the evening from convenient points in Oaxaca City.

 

Finca La Pasion Etla Event Inclusions (Summary)

 

Key components based on the Estate Venue + External Vendors model:

Finca La Pasion Venue Rental typically includes: Use of contracted event areas on the property for a set timeframe, use of basic finca facilities (restrooms), potentially limited existing furniture/items, basic support from the Finca Manager for property access and rules.

Major Exclusions (requiring separate contracts): ALL catering (food & beverage, unless mandatory in-house), ALL staffing (servers, kitchen, bartenders, security beyond basic finca staff), ALL rentals (tables, chairs, linens, tableware, specialty items), ALL custom/elaborate decor, ALL specialized florals, ALL lighting and sound systems, ALL music/entertainment, wedding cake, external wedding planner (essential), guest transportation to/from the finca, guest accommodations (off-site), personalized details, officiant, legal fees, permits, insurance.

Verify details based on your specific Finca La Pasion venue rental contract and chosen caterer/vendor agreements.

Activities for Other Days (Estate Focus & Etla/City Access)

 

Guests attending a wedding at Finca La Pasion enjoy the tranquility of the estate itself and have access (requiring transportation) to both the Etla area’s local charm and Oaxaca City’s attractions:

On-Site (Finca Atmosphere): Guests can enjoy the serene environment of the finca grounds during pre-wedding events or if arriving early. This provides a peaceful escape from the city bustle. If the finca offers any limited on-site activities or simple common areas, guests staying there can enjoy those. The primary “on-site” activity is soaking in the beauty and privacy of the estate itself.

Off-Site (Etla Area Exploration): The Etla Valley and surrounding areas offer unique cultural experiences. Guests can explore nearby artisan communities (like San Agustín Etla with its paper factory/arts center), visit local markets, or discover smaller archaeological sites in the valley. These are often closer to the finca than Oaxaca City itself but still require transportation.

Off-Site (City Exploration): Oaxaca City’s historic center is a longer drive away (approx. 20-30 minutes by taxi/ride-share/shuttle, depending on specific finca location and traffic). Guests staying in the city can easily visit Santo Domingo Church, the Ethnobotanical Garden, the Zócalo, museums, galleries, markets, and restaurants downtown. Guests staying closer to Etla will need dedicated transport for city trips.

Off-Site (Day Trips): Day trips to major sites like Monte Albán or Hierve el Agua are still very feasible. These trips typically depart from Oaxaca City. Tour operators and taxis/drivers are available in the city center, or transportation can be arranged through your planner, providing convenient access for guests wanting to explore further on non-wedding days, requiring coordination from their base in the city or the finca (with pre-booked transport).

Three Practical Tips for Brides

 

Embrace the Natural Beauty: Finca La Pasion’s charm lies in its gardens and rustic setting. Work with your planner and decor vendors to enhance, rather than overpower, the natural beauty. Utilize the different garden areas and patios for ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception to create distinct moments throughout the event, taking advantage of the light as it changes throughout the day.

Prioritize Guest Transportation: As guests will likely be staying off-site in Oaxaca City, arranging comfortable and reliable shuttle services to and from Finca La Pasion is paramount. Clearly communicate the schedule and pick-up/drop-off points to your guests well in advance. This is a critical investment for guest convenience and safety, especially for late-night returns from the Etla area.

Understand the “Blank Canvas” and Hire a Planner: A finca offers incredible personalization but requires building most elements from scratch (catering, rentals, lighting, etc.). Recognize this is *not* a hotel experience where many things are bundled. Hiring an experienced wedding planner familiar with Oaxaca and finca logistics is highly recommended (often essential) to navigate vendor sourcing, multiple contracts, complex timelines, and on-site execution in a private venue setting.

 

Two Bride Reviews 

 

“Finca La Pasion was the perfect venue for our dream wedding! The gardens were absolutely magical for our ceremony, and the ambiance felt so authentic and private. We loved being able to bring in our own caterer and vendors to create a truly personalized experience. Planning required a lot of coordination since most things were external, but our planner was amazing and handled everything seamlessly. Our guests were enchanted by the setting, even though we needed to arrange shuttles from the city.” – Sofia R.

“Getting married at Finca La Pasion allowed us to escape the city bustle and celebrate surrounded by nature. The property is stunning, offering so many beautiful spots for photos and guest enjoyment. We appreciated the flexibility to choose our vendors, which let us really tailor the food and decor to our vision. While planning required a lot of effort coordinating all the different teams, especially transportation from Oaxaca City, the result was a unique and unforgettable party that felt truly ‘us’ in a breathtaking location.” – Camila G.

 

My Final Thoughts as a Wedding Pro

 

Photographing a wedding at Finca La Pasion offers a beautiful canvas of natural light and rustic textures, a refreshing contrast to the city. My focus would be on capturing the intimacy and beauty of the garden setting, the unique architectural details of the finca, the atmosphere created by the chosen decor and lighting (especially important in outdoor spaces), and the joy of guests enjoying a private celebration immersed in the Oaxacan countryside. Challenges include managing potentially varied lighting conditions across expansive outdoor areas throughout the day and night, coordinating photography flow alongside guest movement across the grounds, and ensuring sufficient time for portraits leveraging the property’s many beautiful spots. Finca La Pasion is ideal for couples who prioritize a private, outdoor, personalized, and naturally beautiful wedding experience outside the main city, offering photos that feel organic, elegant, and deeply connected to the charm of the Oaxacan landscape.

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