San Diego Botanic Garden

Ceremony & Reception

Please be sure to factor in traffic to your travel time as this is common on Friday’s during a holiday week

Our Wedding

It all started at Trabuco Hills High School. The year was 2006 and Alexa introduced herself to Alec by jumping on his back for a piggyback ride. That piggyback ride was the start of our friendship and although we didn't know at the time, the start of our love story. From that moment on, we were best friends sharing all of life's ups and downs with each other. Although we experienced many changes together, one thing remained constant - we were always there for each other and no matter what, always stood by each other's sides. Fast forward to the year 2011. Alec and some friends took a trip out to the University of Arizona to visit Alexa. After having the time of his life (obviously, Bear Down), he decided that was the school he would get his undergraduate degree from. Our friendship was stronger than ever in Tucson. We were together 24/7 whether it be at football games, date dashes, Frog &amp; Firkin or day trips to Mount Lemmon. It was at that point we realized that what we had was so much more. We each fell in love with our best friend. 6 years worth of memories later, we've started our life together in San Diego, taken many 'beercations,' got masters degrees and dream jobs, and added a sweet english bulldog, Jolene to our family. In July 2020, Alec finally popped the question over sandwiches at one of our favorite Carlsbad picnic spots and Alexa said YES! We can’t wait for this exciting new chapter to begin and are so grateful to be sharing it with all of you!

Our Story

Transportation

Parking There is a large parking lot at the venue free of charge for those looking to drive. Park at the Main Entrance off Quail Gardens Dr. and Ecke Ranch Rd. for quick access to the ceremony in the Walled Garden.   Ride Share Uber or Lyft ride share options are recommended for safety and convenience. Drop off will be in the parking lot of Main Entrance off Quail Gardens Dr. and Ecke Ranch Rd. for quick access to the ceremony in the Walled Garden. Directions *Please be sure to factor in heavy traffic as this is common on Friday’s during a holiday week Coming from North Take I-5 South Exit Leucadia Boulevard and turn left (heading east) (0.5 miles) Turn right on Quail Gardens Drive (0.7 miles) Turn right on Ecke Ranch Road (0.2 miles) Garden entrance and parking will be on your left   Coming from South Take I-5 North Exit Encinitas Boulevard and turn right (heading east) (0.5 miles) Turn left on Quail Gardens Drive (0.3 miles) Turn left on Ecke Ranch Road (0.2 miles) Garden entrance and parking will be on your left

A 1-minute drive from Moonlight State Beach and 5 minutes from the San Diego Botanic Garden, make yourself at home in one of the 124 guest rooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Conveniences include safes and desks, and housekeeping is provided daily. Free self parking is available onsite. A complimentary continental breakfast is served daily from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM. Must book rooms by June 22, 2021 for room block rate.

Days Inn by Wyndham Encinitas Moonlight Beach

Travel

Modern Times Far West Lounge

Grab a cold beer and some plant-based cuisine at one of Alec and Alexa's favorite spots, Modern Times. Over 30 taps of mind-bendingly tasty beer to choose from (plus guest beers &amp; wines).Alec's recommendation: Fortunate Islands (Hoppy Tropical Pale Ale) with a Black House Cold Brew on the sideAlexa's recommendation: Ice (German Pilsner)

Moonlight Beach

Grab a sandwich from Board &amp; Brew and head to Moonlight Beach. Only 8 minutes from the wedding venue, Moonlight State Beach is a great spot to catch some waves, relax and have fun. In addition to the beach, it features a grass park and three sand volleyball courts. Pro tip: it's the perfect place to watch a San Diego sunset.

Hit Some Balls at The Crossings at Carlsbad

One of Alec and Alexa's favorite things to do is grab a bucket of balls, two cold draft beers and head to the range at The Crossings. With stunning ocean views, you're guaranteed to have a good time no matter how good your swing is.

Morning Coffee and Tea at Revolution Roasters

Located in the heart of 'South O,' this small batch coffee roasting company serves up incredible coffee, homemade almond milk and mouth-watering toast.Alexa's Order: Lavender Black Iced Tea with Avo + Pickled Onion ToastAlec's Order: Almond Milk Latte with Granola + Yogurt

See San Diego Via The Coaster

The COASTER train provides breathtaking coastal scenery as it runs north and south through San Diego County, serving eight stations between Oceanside and downtown San Diego. With tickets ranging from $5 - $13, it's a fun and affordable way to check out San Diego and explore different neighborhoods.

Things to Do

Bridal Party

Alexa is forever grateful that the Coronado dorm and Pi Beta Phi brought into her life her best friend, Sarah-Jayne. Throughout their 10 years of friendship, SJ and Alexa have experienced it all together including the opportunity to standby SJ's side as she married the love of her life. Alexa cannot wait for SJ to do the same as she has had front row seats to Alec and Alexa's love story. SJ is one of the most loyal and kind-hearted friends Alexa has ever known and she could not be happier to have her as her MOH.

Sarah-Jayne Arthur

Lauren holds a special place in Alexa's heart as one of her first friends in Carlsbad. After meeting at Omni La Costa where they both worked, Lauren welcomed Alexa into her friend circle with open arms. Lauren's down-to-earth nature makes her someone Alexa can just sit on the couch for hours and talk with whether it's gossiping over The Bachelor, making homemade pizzas or enjoying one of Alec's specialty spicy margs. Finding a best friend later in life is rare and Alexa is so grateful to have found one in Lauren.

Lauren Ewing

Alexa knew after meeting Nikki at Fast Forward that they would become fast friends. Between traveling the country together, too many late nights at the office, and daily commute phone calls, it's hard to imagine that their friendship only began in 2018. Alexa is so grateful to have Nikki in her life as someone who will no matter what pick up your FaceTime call, give you honest and straightforward advice, or drop everything she's doing in order to be there for you. 

Nikki Kennedy

Roxy and Alexa go way back, all the way to Foothill Ranch Elementary School. She truly is the definition of BFFL. Throughout high school, Roxy and Alexa were attached at the hip - so much so they started to look alike always coloring their hair the same color at the same time. They have shared countless memories and some of life's biggest moments together throughout the course of their friendship. Alexa values her loyalty, hardworking boss lady nature and the fact that she is one of the most fun people to be around. 

Roxy Kupfert

Erin has been in Alexa's life for  15 years. From the high school cheer and ASB days, to college visits at UofA and Chico, to new beginnings in Carlsbad and Seattle, their friendship has continued to grow in each phase of their life. Alexa is grateful to have a friend who shares her confidence, will give her honest opinion, and help a long commute go by quick with life updates on a phone call.

Erin Mellring

Amanda has been one of Alexa's best friends for over a decade now after first meeting in junior high. Sharing a love of the beach, outdoors, and sandwiches, Amanda has been by Alexa's side through all of the awkward teen years, a college Pac-12 rivalry and a European backpacking trip of a life time. Amanda is someone Alexa can count on to always be there no matter where they are in the world.

Amanda Olsen

From junior high acquaintances to college roommates, Jenna has been a constant in Alexa's life. Although Alexa and Jenna have more memories than can be put into words (Jessica the dog, going to Cabo by themselves, scone weekenders, etc.), one that stands out was the day Alexa, Jenna and Alec went to Mt. Lemmon. What started as a friendly trip up the mountain to picnic and explore was also the day Alexa realized she was in love with Alec. Jenna has truly been there for it all and watched firsthand, their love story begin.

Jenna Yots

Grooms Party

Alec would not be the man he is today without his big brother, Marc. Feeling so grateful to have stood by his brother's side as he married the love of his life, Alec can not wait to have his role model stand by his side on his big day. Marc is someone who Alec has always looked up to. Not only is he a brother, he's a guaranteed golf partner, fellow music enthusiast, and the best host with his wife, Eleen to Alec and Alexa. There is no one else he would rather have stand by his side as he begins this next chapter in their family's lives.

Marc Obermeyer

Alec and Kevin have known each other since the early days of high school. After many trips to UCSB to visit, and backpacking the island of Trinidad as well as sailing through nearby Grenada, there have been countless stories, late nights and memories. Alec knows he can always count on Kevin and the entire Driscoll family to deliver endless smiles, tiki drinks, and Jimmy Buffet jams. 

Kevin Driscoll

Nick and Alec go way back, all the way to the 5th grade. From dying their hair multiple colors,  toilet papering houses, and all the other kinds of mischief a group of kids could do before smart phones, Alec and Nick experienced it all. Despite attending different high schools and colleges, their relationship has truly endured the test of time. 

Nick Dzubnar

A special thanks to Megan Driscoll for introducing Tom to Alec. Since Tom has come into Alec’s life, there has been no shortage of good times, good music, and good craft beer. With a shared interest in the outdoors and strong libations, Tom and Alec have traveled across the world, solved many of life's greatest mysteries and have had too many good times at the Driscoll Farm. 

Tom Sowers

Allen is another lifelong friend of Alec’s. Without Allen, life before UofA at junior college would not have been what it was. With bags always packed and ready to go, Allen was always up for a weekend road trip to any of the many colleges our friends attended. Not only is Allen a fantastic friend to Alec, he is also had the chance to watch Alec and Alexa’s relationship blossom into what it is today.

Allen Staff

Alec feels so fortunate to be gaining two new brothers, Kyle being one of them. From UofA visits, Temecula dance parties, to sunset beach sessions, Alec can not help but feel so excited for all the new adventures to come. The friendship Alec and Kyle have developed over the years is something one can only wish for in a future brother-in-law.

Kyle Steevens

Having been best friends with Alexa for over a decade, Alec has had the amazing opportunity to watch Mathew grow up. From attending elementary school concert recitals, to high school graduation, to college family weekends in Boise, Alec has a seen an amazing young man develop into an amazing brother-in-law. 

Alexa & Alec

Alexa & Alec

A&A

Ceremony & Reception