When it comes to weddings, tradition often takes center stage, but Alexa and Owen’s love story is anything but conventional. From their unexpected meeting at a pub to their uniquely intimate wedding at San Ysidro Ranch, their journey is a testament to embracing individuality. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Alexa wore a daring Oscar de la Renta gown, a choice that defied her initial plans for a simple dress or suit. And this is the part most people miss—their wedding wasn’t just about them; it was a celebration of connection, warmth, and shared passions, all woven together in a crossword puzzle that brought their guests closer. Is it possible to break tradition while still creating a meaningful celebration? Let’s dive into their story and find out.
It all began in 2019 at Casey’s Irish Pub in downtown Los Angeles, where Owen Huelsbeck and Alexa Yarnell crossed paths during their first week at Loyola Law School. Owen was instantly smitten, texting a mutual friend about Alexa’s charm. She, however, was more focused on her new life in L.A. and the challenges of law school. ‘I wasn’t looking for romance at the time,’ Alexa admits, ‘but little did I know, our paths were destined to intertwine.’
As the semester unfolded, Owen and Alexa became acquaintances through fleeting moments—like when Alexa would stop by to help Owen and his friend with the New York Times crossword. ‘It was our quirky way of bonding,’ she recalls. ‘We were in different sections at school, but those brief encounters laid the foundation for something deeper.’ Their connection truly sparked when Alexa applied for a position on the Criminal Law Society board, where Owen already served. A congratulatory text from Owen turned into hours-long conversations about their shared passions: criminal justice reform for him, healthcare reform for her.
Despite the pandemic forcing their schools online, Alexa and Owen decided to meet in person. Owen drove 18 hours from Tacoma, WA, to L.A. for their first date, a gesture that spoke volumes. ‘He even saved the wine bottle from that day,’ Alexa shares. ‘Later, it became the glass he stepped on at our wedding—a symbol of our journey.’
Fast forward to March 2023, Owen proposed to Alexa at Three Arch Bay in Laguna, a place dear to their hearts where they’d studied for the California Bar together. He organized a scavenger hunt, and Alexa, knowing the proposal was coming, had already prepared a ring for him. ‘We both wear two rings now,’ she explains. ‘It’s a unique tradition that reflects our commitment and has inspired our friends.’
Their wedding weekend in Montecito, two-and-a-half years later, was a celebration of their quirks and shared love. It kicked off with a welcome dinner at Bettina’s, followed by a s’mores and charcuterie campfire party. ‘We created a crossword puzzle for our guests,’ Owen says, ‘filled with inside jokes, passions, and fun facts. It was a way to connect everyone in a meaningful way.’ The weekend was so lively that they had to remind guests it was okay to go to bed—the festivities were far from over.
The day before the wedding, Owen and Alexa hosted separate bachelor and bachelorette ‘parties.’ The guys enjoyed bagels, coffee, and surf lessons, while Alexa and her friends relaxed in cabanas at the Rosewood Miramar, followed by cocktails and a Princess Diaries-themed slumber party. ‘It was perfectly us,’ Owen reflects. ‘The contrast between our days made the wedding itself even more special—a beautiful blend of our personalities.’
From the start, Alexa and Owen knew their wedding wouldn’t be traditional. ‘I refused to walk down an aisle,’ Alexa confesses. ‘It felt too vulnerable. Instead, I wanted Owen by my side as we entered the ceremony together.’ Her grandma’s love for a good party and her mom’s suggestion of San Ysidro Ranch helped shape their vision. With the help of event planner Nina Moore, they crafted an intimate celebration for 31 guests, focusing on meaningful details and connections.
Alexa’s wedding dress journey was equally unconventional. Initially considering a suit or simple dress, she eventually fell in love with a 2020 Oscar de la Renta gown during a visit with her dad. ‘It was high fashion, playful, yet elegant,’ she describes. ‘It felt like a second skin—daring and uniquely me.’
But here’s the controversial part: Does breaking wedding traditions diminish their significance, or does it make the celebration more authentic? Alexa and Owen’s story challenges us to rethink what a wedding can be. Their focus on connection, warmth, and individuality resulted in a day that was undeniably theirs. What do you think? Would you dare to defy tradition for a wedding that truly reflects your love story? Let’s discuss in the comments!
