She thought he was as funny as he was handsome, even remembering what he was wearing on the day they met through a mutual friend: a navy peacoat. “He looked so handsome,” says Kathryn Frecka of Justin Owens. He proposed in Paris while they were in the City of Lights enjoying Fashion Week, where Justin had enlisted the help of friends who worked at Chanel. “I thought they had set up an afternoon of sightseeing for us, they even had it listed on our event itinerary, so I thought nothing of us ending up in front of the Eiffel Tower. I was completely shocked when he got down on one knee,” Kathryn describes of the amazing memory. 

One year later, the couple’s private residence was bedecked with hundreds of white florals and fresh greenery to complement the garden party theme, which came to fruition exactly as Kathryn imagined, thanks to her wedding planner/designer Somer Khouri of A Charming Fête.

“We chose to have our wedding on our property because it’s a beautiful location with an already amazing flower garden, and we loved the idea of always being able to stand in the same place we said 'I do' and walk down the same aisle as we did on our big day,” she reveals. “It’s a really beautiful memory that we get to relive daily.” Garden-style white chairs faced a voluminous arbor, completely crafted from verdure and vanilla-hued blooms. At each pin-tucked seat cushion sat a handheld fan should guests need one to keep comfortable. 

Though the bride had imagined her father walking her down the aisle, he was physically unable to perform the honor in its entirety due to a knee-replacement surgery. “My son, Asher, walked me down the aisle, and my dad was able to stand at the end long enough to give me away,” she describes of the sentimental moment. “It actually ended up being adorable, and I wouldn’t change a thing.” 

Preceded only by her sister as matron of honor, it was the sweet-faced boys who stole the show. Eli, Asher, and Kade – the bride’s sons – and Jack – Justin’s son – had the honor of serving as groomsmen and waited beside the groom for Kathryn to make her grand entrance. She was stunning in a sophisticated floral-lace gown featuring a nude-colored illusion lining and carrying a lush bunch of ivory garden florals. 

“All the planning and anticipation leading up to the big day are part of the fun!”

The sunny weather was perfect for the relaxed day the couple had planned, complete with an open-air tent that held a magic all its own. Soulful music by Yebba played as loved ones entered the fairy-tale area that held charming details in every corner. Luxurious lace linens covered tables surrounded by both fancy chairs and plush couches, whilst fine bone-china dinnerware with a bloom motif, taper candles, and short frothy floral arrangements decorated tablescapes. 

Mesmerizing installations of florals were suspended overhead, as well as above the checkered dance floor. A one-of-a-kind curved bar with “lace” accents was nestled beside the dance floor, making a easy transition for guests who wanted to grab a cocktail in the midst of dancing or for those who wanted to take a peek at the five-tiered pumpkin-flavored wedding cake on display. 

The newlyweds encourage others to enjoy the process and to truly enjoy each moment: “All the planning and anticipation leading up to the big day are part of the fun!” says the bride. Justin adds, “Don’t be afraid to take an active interest in the planning process and leave your mark as well… it’s a day to celebrate both of you individually becoming one.” 

They also encourage others to be sure the caterers set aside extra meals for you after the wedding. “With so much going on, there isn’t much time for the bride and groom to actually eat. Having a meal ready and waiting is a lifesaver!” confirms Kathryn. 

Setting off on their honeymoon journey that began in Sorrento, Italy, through the Amalfi Coast, and ending in Paris for Fashion Week proved to be an amazing experience for the duo. “We thought it fitting to end our honeymoon in Paris as we had been there exactly one year before when he proposed,” shares Kathryn. “It felt like we had come full circle.”

This real wedding was originally published in the Fall 2024 issue of Inside Weddings magazine. 

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