Hi,
No more than one week ago we found ourselves privy to the fact that Alex McCord and husband Simon van Kempen would be spending the 4th of July weekend in the Hamptons. As luck would have it we ran into Bravo's Real Housewives of New York City stars recently at a Tommy Hilfiger event , and as we do know each other (through mutual friends) we found we were due another visit out East--and they were able and happy to accommodate. Some 4 hours into the afternoon of Thursday, July 3rd, we were picked up at the Southampton train station by Alex McCord and driven to her recent rustic summer rental located in the town of Southampton due north of Montauk Highway. This long, particularly long weekend meant several appearances, parties, and get-togethers, AND our EXCLUSIVE whirlwind coverage of the famed couple's approach to it all.
Spending time with the regal former actress Alex McCord,*** and her dutch by way of Australia husband Simon van Kempen (General Manager of New York City's Hotel Chandler) is always a good time. However, the frenzied 4th of July weekend meant leisurely morning breakfasts with friends (see photo below left), lounging around the pool, attending the Southampton Fresh Air Home's 21st Annual American Picnic, attending a light night beach house party in Bridgehampton, attending Social Life Magazine's July Issue Release Party hosted by Zoe McLellan and so on. Through it all the McCord/ van Kempen household ran smoothly with tots Francois (4) and Johan (2) safely in tow. No strangers to Hamptons, the famed couple have been sporadically visiting now for over 5 years; the two have only recently become a subject of fascination.
Our official July 4th coverage began with an elaborate breakfast of fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, sausage, croissants and banana bread (Tate's) on the outdoor patio with conversations of when and where to appear first, what to wear, and who one would expect to see. Not much mention was made of the other cast members of The Real Housewives of New York City even though several of them were in the Hamptons this weekend as well. Being gracious, well-intended types, our super couple had more pressing issues such as which would be the better events to attend as a family. Additionally, the two planned a few hours of alone time in East Hampton for themselves (scheduled for the early afternoon) and shared stories of their previous Hamptons encounters including their most recent Memorial Weekend. Apparently, the down to earth duo were handling most things via their own devices without the aid of their publicist, who had recently been injured, and who was unable to join them as a result. To follow is a rundown of a very special 4th of July...
A Night out with Alex McCord & Simon van Kempen -- The 4th of July
6:00 pm- Alex McCord gets dressed in a green floral Donna Ricco dress, Simon notably wears loafers.
6:45 pm- Alex, Simon & the kids load into their BMW and head off to the beachfront destination of Meadow Lane in the Village of Southampton.
7:10 pm-Arrive at the private residence where the 21st Annual American Picnic is being held.
7:25 pm- The first photos are taken of the super couple and the children by Patrick McMullan photographer Adriel Reboh.
7:55 pm- Everyone sits down to dine.
9:15 pm-Fireworks begin.
9:50 pm-Alex, Simon, and the kids depart to get the kids home to bed.
10:30 pm-Alex & Simon change into their late-night threads and depart for Bridgehampton with friend Designer William Taswell and guy pal Keith Kearney in tow.
11:30 pm-Everyone takes to the dance floor like there is no tomorrow upon arrival to the packed Bridgehampton beach house.
11:47 pm- Alex is recognized by a viewer of the show and complimented for her bravery.
12:00 am- Alex departs with Celebrity Lifestyle Blogger Tia Walker.
12:45 am-Late night stop at Burger King before heading home.
1:30 am- Simon departs with Designer William Taswell & Keith Kearney.
2:00 am- Everyone is home safe & sound.
*photos via Blackberry by The Quest for "it"
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