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.
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“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.”
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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.
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.
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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