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 crafted nuptials, their journey is a testament to doing things their way. But here’s where it gets intriguing: how does a couple blend their distinct personalities into a wedding that’s both intimate and bold? Let’s dive in.
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. Yet, Alexa, fresh from a move back to L.A. and immersed in law school, wasn’t exactly on the lookout for romance. ‘I was more focused on settling into my new life,’ she admits. Little did she know, their paths were destined to intertwine in the most unexpected ways.
As the semester unfolded, Owen and Alexa became acquaintances through fleeting moments—like when Alexa would stop by to help Owen and a friend solve the New York Times crossword puzzle. ‘It was our quirky little ritual,’ Alexa recalls. ‘We were in different school sections, but those brief encounters kept us connected. Plus, who knew Broadway musicals would pop up so often in the crossword?’
Their bond deepened when Alexa applied for a position on the Criminal Law Society board, where Owen already served. His congratulatory text sparked conversations about their shared passions: criminal justice reform for him, healthcare reform for her. Despite the pandemic forcing their schools online, they decided to meet in person. Owen, then in Tacoma, WA, drove 18 hours to L.A. for their first date—a gesture that set the tone for their relationship. ‘He even saved the wine bottle from that day, which I later stepped on as a married couple,’ Alexa shares. ‘It’s like he knew this was the start of something extraordinary.’
Fast forward to March 2023, Owen proposed on the beach at Three Arch Bay in Laguna, a place dear to their hearts where they’d studied for the California Bar together. He orchestrated a scavenger hunt, and Alexa, already planning to propose to him, had a ring ready too. ‘Now, we both stack our rings,’ Alexa explains. ‘It’s become a symbol of our unique journey—a little unconventional, but entirely ours.’
Their wedding weekend in Montecito, fall 2025, was a celebration of their individuality and love. It kicked off with a welcome dinner at Bettina’s, followed by a s’mores and charcuterie campfire party. ‘We even created a crossword puzzle for our guests, connecting them through shared experiences and fun facts,’ Owen says. ‘It was a love fest, and by hour five, we had to remind everyone it was okay to go to bed!’
The next day, they hosted separate bachelor and bachelorette ‘parties.’ Owen and his groomsmen enjoyed a bagel and coffee bar followed by surf lessons, while Alexa and her bridesmaids relaxed in cabanas at the Rosewood Miramar, later heading to a Princess Diaries-themed slumber party. ‘It was perfectly us,’ Owen reflects. ‘And seeing how differently we celebrated made the wedding day even more special—a beautiful blend of both our worlds.’
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. I wanted Owen by my side, and we wanted to include my grandma, who loves a good party. My mom suggested San Ysidro Ranch, and everything fell into place.’
Planning their intimate wedding with just 31 guests was seamless, thanks to their event planner, Nina Moore. ‘Some thought we were overdoing it with a planner, but Nina allowed us to focus on what truly mattered,’ Alexa explains. ‘She was our tiebreaker for tough decisions and ensured our guests felt cherished.’
With a small guest list, they skipped the usual stressors like seating charts and focused on personalized details. ‘We custom-crafted so many elements that we hired a moving company to transport everything to Montecito,’ Alexa laughs.
Alexa’s wedding dress was another standout moment. Initially considering a suit or simple dress, she found her dream gown at Oscar de la Renta—a 2020 design her dad picked out. ‘It was high fashion, playful, yet elegant,’ she describes. ‘It felt daring and uniquely me.’
But here’s the controversial part: In a world obsessed with grand weddings, Alexa and Owen’s intimate, personalized celebration challenges the norm. Does a smaller, more meaningful wedding truly trump tradition? And what does it say about modern love? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this bold approach to tying the knot.
