A Fashion Couple's English Countryside Wedding Inspired by Cinema
Gabrielle Katz and Owen Beaufort-Zeal, two prominent figures in the fashion industry, meticulously planned their wedding in the enchanting English countryside, drawing inspiration from the iconic films “Marie Antoinette” and “Clueless.” Their romantic journey began with a serendipitous match on Raya in November 2024. Owen, in the midst of relocating from Milan to New York, met Gabrielle, founder of the public relations firm Accent Projects. Their initial date blossomed into a whirlwind romance spanning six countries, culminating in Owen's heartfelt proposal in Saint-Remy, France, in August 2025.
The couple's wedding at Belcombe Court in Bradford-on-Avon, England, was a testament to Gabrielle's creative vision and organizational prowess. She personally oversaw every aspect of the planning, describing her aesthetic as a blend of Sofia Coppola's “Marie Antoinette” and the vibrant energy of “Clueless,” with nods to early 2000s Oscar de la Renta designs. Owen’s mother and Gabrielle's close friends contributed to the bespoke details, including handmade bunting and custom artwork. The weekend-long celebration, infused with their passion for fashion, included a London tour, a pub quiz, and a “Grill and Glamour” barbecue, each event showcasing unique and stylish elements.
A Love Story Woven in Fashion and International Romance
Gabrielle Katz, a public relations maven, and Owen Beaufort-Zeal, a fashion executive, embarked on a love story that traversed continents, ultimately leading to a wedding that encapsulated their unique style and shared passion for fashion. Their initial connection on Raya, a dating app, quickly evolved from a New York City first date to a globe-trotting romance across six countries. Owen, transitioning from Milan to New York, proposed to Gabrielle in Saint-Remy, France, just shy of their one-year anniversary. Their mutual immersion in the fashion industry meant that style and meticulous detailing would naturally be central to their celebration, reflecting their journey and individual flair. This foundation of an international courtship and a shared professional world set the stage for a wedding that was both personal and visually stunning.
The couple's decision to marry at Belcombe Court in the English countryside was a deliberate choice, offering a picturesque backdrop for their cinematic-inspired union. Gabrielle, a seasoned event planner by profession, took the reins, ensuring every detail resonated with their vision. Her inspiration, a fusion of the opulent romance of “Marie Antoinette” and the playful sophistication of “Clueless,” resulted in a truly distinctive aesthetic. She meticulously selected décor, sourced vintage linens from her travels, and even enlisted the help of Owen’s mother’s art club for handcrafted bunting and her friend, designer Matthew Adams Dolan, for personalized printed materials. The wedding wasn’t just an event; it was a curated experience, extending from pre-wedding festivities in London, including a pub quiz and a "Grill and Glamour" themed BBQ, to the grand ceremony itself. Every outfit, from Gabrielle's custom gowns to Owen's bespoke suit, was thoughtfully chosen to reflect their personal style and the overarching fashion-forward theme of their special weekend.
Bridal Style and Unforgettable Moments in the English Countryside
The bridal attire was a highlight of Gabrielle and Owen's wedding, with Gabrielle opting for custom-designed gowns that paid homage to her fashion inspirations. Her main wedding dress was a bespoke creation by Christy Rilling of Guild of Hands, a modern interpretation of a 2006 Roberto Cavalli design she had long admired, featuring a high-neck bias cut with intricate embroidery. This gown, a blend of Galliano, early 2000s Elie Saab, and Audrey Hepburn's timeless elegance, was accessorized with Manolo Blahnik Mary Janes, a Gigi Burris veil, and borrowed diamond jewelry. For the reception, another custom Guild of Hands piece, inspired by Simone Rocha's design for Jean Paul Gaultier, offered a flirtatious blush alternative, paired with red Manolos and meaningful red chopsticks, a nod to a playful nickname Owen has for her.
Owen, equally stylish, chose a midnight navy herringbone suit from Fitzgerald Bespoke for the ceremony, paired with a vintage Charvet tie. His second look for the barn dance party was a Connolly tuxedo. Beyond the fashion, the ceremony itself was deeply personal, incorporating a Welsh male choir as a tribute to Owen’s late grandfather, a vicar. The couple’s entrance to David Bowie’s “Heroes” added a vibrant, unforgettable touch to the church proceedings. Following the ceremony, a vintage NYC taxi cab whisked them to the reception, a charming touch organized by Gabrielle. The celebration at Belcombe Court continued with a martini bar, heartfelt speeches, and dancing well into the night, creating a joyful atmosphere. The weekend, filled with personal touches, fashion-forward choices, and cherished moments with family and friends, truly embodied their shared love story and unique personalities, concluding with the sentiment that they felt like "heroes, just for one day.
