REAL WEDDING

  • Photography By:

    Donna Newman Photography

    ALEXANDRA SOLIMINE & KRIS KAMPSEN

    NOVEMBER 2, 2013 in Palm Beach, Florida

    Alexandra Solimine and Kris Kampsen found themselves in a relationship without even having a first date.

    Having met through mutual friends, they had bumped into each other often while out and about in Palm Beach when Kris invited her to a cocktail party that he had to attend with his polo team.

    “I felt a little uncomfortable as we were hardly ‘dating’ at this point,” says Ali, “and it was the first time we had been around each other intentionally, but I agreed to go. 

    “I GOT DOWN ON MY KNEE AND ASKED HER TO MAKE ME THE HAPPIEST, LUCKIEST MAN IN THE WORLD.”

    He introduced me to everyone, all of whom instantly assumed I was his new girlfriend.” The next night, Kris took her on a proper first date—dinner and a movie. “We laughed, talked and got along so well that I was a bit taken off guard.” But the professional polo player persisted and the two soon were an official couple.

    After seven years of dating, Kris says he finally worked up the courage to ask Ali’s father and brothers for her hand in marriage. All in agreement, the proposal became a joint venture and Kris was able to use Ali’s mother’s birthday as a ruse to gather everyone together. Ali enjoyed a spa day with her mom and sister and the long day meant they were running late for the birthday party. Rushing home to change, Ali found Kris dressed in a suit. After Kris asked Ali multiple times if she’d noticed that he’d washed the dogs and seen how clean the puppy was, Ali finally took a closer look and noticed a bow with a ring tied around the neck of Ladi Dadi. “I got down on my knee,” says Kris, “and asked her to make me the happiest, luckiest man in the world.”

    Holding their rehearsal dinner on Halloween night allowed Ali to bring in touches of her favorite holiday. Guests were invited to dress in costume for the Addams Family-themed event, which included a professional makeup artist for face painting and an electric violinist. “It was so fun,” adds Ali, “and a great way to kick off the weekend.”

    During first-look photos on the wedding day, Ali surprised her groom (who had been looking for an antique car) with a 1972 GMC Jimmy. Kris gave Ali removable jackets for the diamond studs her father had given her. “When I wear the earrings,” she says, “I tell people they are from the two most important men in my life.”

    For the nuptials, The Breakers’ Mediterranean Ballroom was transformed into a cathedral with stained glass images projected on the walls, chanting and bells. Zen Arts, an aerial act, entertained the more than three hundred guests at the reception while a DJ and tequila bar kept the revelry going at the after party. “It was the most amazing weekend,” says Ali. “I have never seen a bigger smile on my husband’s face.” “I married my best friend, confidant and the single most beautiful woman on the planet,” Kris adds.

     

    WEDDING TALENT

    Location, Caterer and Cake: The Breakers Palm Beach, Palm Beach, FL; Event Planner: JZ Events, New York, NY; Floral and Event Design, Linen: Lewis Miller Design, New York, NY; Rentals: Panache, Classic Party Rentals, West Palm Beach, FL; Lighting: Frost Productions, Boca Raton, FL; Entertainment: Marianne Bennett Presents Element Music, New York, NY; Entertainment: Zen Arts, Hollywood, CA; Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier; Veil: Johanna Johnson; Groom’s Tuxedo: Giloso by Alfredo Pecora

    Follow us: