Jocelyn Katz, a former Chilean model, and art collector Alberto Cehebar, met over 20 years ago at a dinner party hosted by a mutual friend. Their connection was instant, and they soon began dating. However, for years, the idea of marriage never crossed their minds.
“We didn’t feel the need to get married,” Jocelyn shared with Vogue. “We were already happy, and we didn’t see the need to change anything. Do you agree?” Their outlook on marriage evolved as their 20th anniversary approached. Initially, they considered celebrating this significant milestone with close friends and family. But then, the thought of formally becoming husband and wife began to resonate. “We pondered different locations and what we wanted. Ultimately, we decided it was time to take the leap and get married. We’ve been together for 20 years, and we want to spend the rest of our lives together.” Jocelyn explained the decision behind their wedding.
The couple enlisted the help of Melissa Sullivan, a planner from Los Angeles-based event design company Studio Sally, to bring their vision to life. The wedding took place in early January at the stunning site-specific installation and home studio of artist and friend Brigitta Daniela in Malibu, California. It was a truly special day filled with love and joy, and Jocelyn and Alberto were surrounded by their children, grandchildren, and dearest friends.
For the occasion, Jocelyn wore a stunning Gabriela Hearst dress, opting to do her own makeup. “Initially, I wasn’t keen on a white dress. I hadn’t envisioned my wedding before, so I wasn’t ready to change my perspective (on the dress).” However, a week before the ceremony, Jocelyn and Alberto stumbled upon Hearst’s boutique on Rodeo Drive. “Alberto saw this off-white long dress and encouraged me to try it on. We both fell in love with it.” She accessorized her bridal look with pearl earrings and a Hindu prayer bracelet. Alberto complemented her in a three-piece pleated suit from Issey Miyake and Prada shoes.
The ceremony began with the bride and groom’s grand entrance. Jocelyn and Alberto, escorted by their grandchildren, walked down the aisle to live flute music. Their friend, Joyce Braverman, officiated the beautiful, simple, unique, and spiritual ceremony. “It was filled with love that everyone could feel,” Jocelyn shared. “Having our three children and grandchildren there with us was the greatest gift.”
Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a delightful lunch on a terrace overlooking the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The wedding cake was a meringue creation featuring lucuma (a fruit native to Peru), a favorite of Chilean-born Jocelyn. Two chefs prepared a lavish dessert table, and as evening fell, the party truly began.
To honor their spiritual connection, Jocelyn and Alberto opted to conclude their wedding with a sacred Cacao Ceremony, a Mesoamerican tradition associated with love, connection, and deep healing. “We sat around a fire and meditated under the guidance of our dear Mexican friend, Zohar Chiprut,” Jocelyn explained. “Together, we expressed gratitude for our lives and the magical time we’ve spent together.”
For Jocelyn, the wait of 20 years was worth it. “Breaking with tradition, wearing comfortable clothing, and inviting only the people we truly love. Enjoying delicious food and music, being in nature, and staying true to ourselves. Doing this, there is no room for regret,” Jocelyn concluded.
