Alexis Kaiser & DJ Karasik
7.27.24
Alexis and DJ met on the tennis court at Clemson University, where both played club tennis. Their chemistry on the court led to a close friendship off it, and the two eventually began dating after DJ graduated and during Alexis’ senior year.
The couple navigated several years of long-distance dating, with Alexis working in Raleigh and DJ in Charlotte. A career change brought Alexis, now in commercial real estate, to the Queen City in spring 2019. During a trip to Puerto Rico to celebrate Alexis’ birthday, DJ asked Alexis to be his wife, and doubles partner for life.
Their venue, the picturesque Duke Mansion, reminded Alexis of her parents’ wedding in her grandmother’s backyard. “I always enjoyed seeing the photos with the green, luscious lawn and classic look,” she says. Having a place for family to stay on the property was also a plus. Alexis grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, and DJ is from Stratford, Connecticut.
Priorities for the couple’s celebration included a quick, 15-minute ceremony, their own vows and an entertaining party. “We did all of our family pictures before so we could go to our own cocktail hour and have fun,” Alexis says.
Planner Sarah Cook incorporated a tennis theme throughout the reception. “We are serving” tennis racket bar signs featured a choice of espresso martinis or watermelon margaritas. Guests found their “court” and seat assignments on a display made with wooden rackets. “Game, set, match” matchbooks made for a fun favor. “Alexis and DJ were so fun to work with,” Cook says. “Alexis had a beautiful vision and wasn’t afraid of color and personal details, so we had a good time.”
Growing up, party poppers were a tradition at family gatherings and holidays at Alexis’ home. At the reception, each place setting featured personalized poppers. After dinner, guests opened them to reveal paper crowns, which they wore while dancing. For her time on the dance floor and exit, Alexis wore a gold-and-blue floral set trimmed in feathers, white sunglasses and feather earrings. “I wanted to do something different instead of a mini white dress.”
The Details:
Photographer | Wyeth Augustine
Venue | The Duke Mansion
Planner | Sarah Cook, SoHo Event Design & Planning
Floral Design | Nectar
Dress | Anne Barge; La DoubleJ (second look)
Beauty | Cali Stott Artistry
Groom & Groomsmen Attire | OMJ Clothing
Caterer | The Duke Mansion
Cake | Love & Butter Baking Co.
Music/Entertainment | Deans’ Duets (ceremony);
Punch (reception)
Tent, Lighting & Rentals | Curated Events Charlotte; Party Tables (custom draping); Nuage Designs (linens); BBJ La Tavola (linens)
Seating Display | Knotty Artisans
Stationery | Viri Lovely Designs
See more Weddings by SouthPark here. Follow us on Instagram for wedding inspiration and ideas. SP
