Alexa Yarnell and Owen Huelsbeck marked their wedding with an intimate celebration at San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, California, in the fall of 2025. Their journey began in 2019 during their first week at Loyola Law School, where they first met at Casey’s Irish Pub in downtown Los Angeles. Owen quickly expressed interest in Alexa, while she was initially more focused on adapting to law school and life back in Los Angeles after moving from New York.
Over time, their paths crossed often as they navigated their differing class schedules. Owen would often engage in crossword puzzles with a mutual friend, sometimes joined briefly by Alexa, who enjoyed Broadway musicals frequently appearing in the puzzles. Their acquaintance deepened when Alexa applied to be on the board of the Criminal Law Society, a position Owen already held. After congratulating her on the role, they began lengthy discussions about their mutual interests, including Owen’s passion for criminal justice reform and Alexa’s focus on healthcare reform.
Despite transitioning to remote learning due to the pandemic, the couple decided to meet in person for their first date. Owen drove 18 hours from Tacoma, Washington, to Los Angeles to see Alexa, marking the beginning of their close partnership. Notably, Owen saved a wine bottle from their first date, which later became a symbolic part of their wedding day.
In March 2023, Owen proposed at Three Arch Bay in Laguna, a meaningful location where they had studied for the California Bar exam. He organized a scavenger hunt for the proposal, and Alexa had already prepared a ring to propose to him in return, underscoring their reciprocal commitment.
Their wedding weekend included a welcome dinner at Bettina’s and a campfire party with s’mores and charcuterie. In a personalized touch, the couple created a crossword puzzle for guests that highlighted shared experiences and interests. The festivities continued with bachelor and bachelorette events that reflected their individual tastes: surf lessons and bagels for the men, and cabanas, cocktails, and a themed slumber party for the women.
Alexa and Owen emphasized that their ceremony would not follow traditional norms. Alexa was clear about not walking down an aisle, preferring to enter the ceremony with Owen by her side. They wanted to include a special moment with Alexa’s grandmother and chose San Ysidro Ranch as a fitting venue suggested by Alexa’s mother.
Their wedding planner, Nina Moore, worked closely with them despite the event’s small size of 31 guests. The focus remained on personal details and guest comfort rather than large logistics. Alexa described the process as meticulously planned but relaxed, thanks in part to the support of their planner.
Initially unsure about her wedding attire, Alexa revisited the Oscar de la Renta collection multiple times without finding the right piece. A final visit with her father led to the discovery of a 2020 Oscar de la Renta dress that combined elegance and playfulness, making it the perfect choice for her wedding.
Their ceremony and celebrations highlighted the couple’s shared values and personalities, culminating in a meaningful and carefully curated event surrounded by close friends and family.
