Love at First Sight? Not Quite. But a Crossword Puzzle Led to a Fairytale Wedding.
It's not every day that a casual encounter at a pub blossoms into a romantic tale, but for Owen Huelsbeck and Alexa Yarnell, it was the beginning of a beautiful journey. The story starts at Casey's Irish Pub in downtown Los Angeles, where Owen and Alexa, both law students at Loyola, met during their first week of school in 2019. While Owen was instantly smitten, texting a friend about Alexa, she was more focused on her recent move from New York and the excitement of law school.
But fate had other plans. As the semester progressed, Owen and Alexa's paths crossed daily, thanks to a mutual friend's crossword puzzle habit. Alexa, a Broadway musical enthusiast, often helped with clues, creating a bond during these brief encounters. However, it wasn't until Alexa applied for a position on the Criminal Law Society board that their connection truly ignited. Owen's congratulatory text led to deep conversations about their shared passions: criminal justice and healthcare reform.
Their relationship blossomed despite the challenges of remote learning during the pandemic. Owen's dedication was evident when he drove 18 hours from Tacoma, WA, to L.A. for their first date, a gesture that set the tone for their love story. He even saved the wine bottle from that day, later using it for a wedding tradition.
The proposal, in March 2023, was a romantic scavenger hunt at Three Arch Bay in Laguna, a place dear to the couple. Both Alexa and Owen had rings, symbolizing their commitment. The wedding planning began, and Alexa envisioned a non-traditional ceremony, refusing to walk down the aisle alone. She wanted her partner by her side, sharing the spotlight with her grandmother, a party enthusiast.
With the help of event planner Nina Moore, Alexa managed the logistics effortlessly. Despite the small guest list, having a planner ensured a stress-free experience, allowing the couple to focus on personalized details. They sourced unique items, even hiring a moving company to transport everything to Montecito for the wedding weekend.
Alexa's wedding dress journey was a surprise. After multiple visits to Oscar de la Renta, she almost settled for a suit or a simple dress. But her father's intervention led to a stunning discovery—a 2020 Oscar de la Renta dress that was both high fashion and playful, a perfect reflection of Alexa's personality. And so, the intimate wedding at San Ysidro Ranch became a celebration of their unique love story, complete with a crossword puzzle-themed welcome dinner and a ceremony that defied conventions.
But here's where it gets interesting: How do you feel about non-traditional wedding ceremonies? Do you think Alexa's decision to walk with her partner down the aisle is a modern twist or a break from cherished traditions? Share your thoughts on this heartwarming story and the couple's unique choices.
