Welcome Party

Omni La Costa Resort & Spa

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Our Wedding

In January 2024, Andrew and Megan lived about twenty miles apart and might as well have lived in different time zones.Andrew, a proud Hermosa Beach loyalist by way of Philadelphia, spent most of his time at his favorite neighborhood bar, North End, conveniently located across from his bungalow on the Strand.Megan, a South Bay native living in Brentwood, had a slightly different routine, usually involving nights at Baltaire. Naturally, their paths never crossed.It started with one very long first date, when Andrew smartly took Megan to her favorite spots, including R+D Kitchen and Baltaire — either a great strategy or beginner's luck. Either way, it worked.Megan introduced Andrew to the finer things in life, like fancy dinners and long walks down Montana Ave. Andrew returned the favor by introducing Megan to paddle boarding, sports bars, and the concept of spending extended time outdoors. That first summer together, they spent countless days paddle boarding in Long Beach, and Andrew brought Megan to Avalon, NJ for the week to spend time with his family.Next thing you know, Megan knew all the words to the Eagles fight song and was a regular at American Junkie during football season, willingly doing things like snorkeling in Hawaii and getting her hair wet in the ocean. Andrew, meanwhile, learned to appreciate a proper dinner reservation, a well-made plan, and an extra cold martini.They've supported each other, grown together, and been each other's greatest competitors, from the pickleball court to Boggle and beyond.After Megan made the move back to the South Bay with Andrew, life together became a mix of beach walks, hosting friends, traveling, and cherishing time with family between Long Beach and Avalon on opposite coasts.Surrounded by family (and probably a few cocktails), Andrew proposed in December. They can't wait to celebrate their marriage and this special weekend with you in October!

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Q + A

Please Use the link below to Book with the Schertz/Finley Room Rate.

San Diego International Airport is about a 35 minute Uber to the hotel / venue.

San Diego International Airport

About an hour's drive south to the resort without traffic, closer to 90 minutes if you land during Friday afternoon rush. SNA is far smaller and easier to navigate than LAX, so it's often worth a slightly higher fare. Rental car or rideshare both work well from here.

John Wayne Airport (SNA), Orange County

Usually the widest choice of flights and often the cheapest fare, but it is roughly 90 miles north of Carlsbad. Budget two to three hours for the drive on a Friday afternoon. We'd recommend LAX only if the savings are meaningful or it's your only nonstop, and we'd strongly suggest renting a car rather than paying for a rideshare that far.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

DRIVING FROM SOUTHERN CALIFORNIAIf you're coming from Los Angeles or Orange County, take I-5 South and exit at La Costa Avenue. From LA, expect two to three hours on a Friday afternoon. From Orange County, closer to an hour. From San Diego, it's a straightforward 35 minutes north on I-5.Southern California traffic is famously unpredictable, so whatever your map app says on the day, please give yourself a buffer. GETTING AROUND ONCE YOU'RE HEREEverything wedding-related happens on the resort property, including the welcome party at Bar Traza in the main lobby, so you will not need a car for any of our events.That said, rideshare in this part of North County can be slow and pricey. If you're staying more than one night, or you'd like to get to the beach, Carlsbad Village, or LEGOLAND, we'd recommend renting a car. The resort also runs a complimentary shuttle to the beach.

Travel

We know a lot of you are traveling a long way, and Carlsbad is a wonderful place to turn a wedding into a long weekend. Here are a few of our favorite things to do, both on the resort and nearby.October is one of the best months here. Warm days, cool evenings, and far smaller crowds than summer.

Thirty-six holes right on property, and the reason a lot of people know La Costa in the first place. The resort hosted PGA Tour events for decades, and the North Course was rebuilt by Gil Hanse in 2024 and now hosts the NCAA Division I Championships. The South Course is the more forgiving of the two if you're out for a relaxed round. Tee times fill up on wedding weekends, so book early through the resort.

Golf at Omni La Costa

One of the best-known spas in California and the easiest possible way to spend a morning without leaving the property. If a treatment isn't your thing, there are eight pools on site and plenty of quiet places to sit with a book. Saturday morning appointments go quickly on wedding weekends, so book ahead.

The Spa at Omni La Costa

Ten walkable blocks of restaurants, coffee shops, breweries and boutiques, about fifteen minutes north of the resort. This is our pick for an easy afternoon out. Pizza Port and Pure Project are both excellent stops for beer, and Gonzo is worth the wait if you like ramen. If you're in town on a Wednesday, the State Street farmers market runs from mid-afternoon into the evening.

Carlsbad Village

Known to locals as Tamarack. A wide, uncrowded stretch of sand with a paved path along the seawall that's ideal for a morning walk or run. The resort runs a complimentary shuttle down to the beach, so you don't need a car. October sunsets here are the best of the year, and the water is still warm enough to get in if you're brave.

Carlsbad State Beach

Six miles from the resort, and the obvious answer if you're traveling with kids. A full day if you do the whole park, or an easy half day if you just hit the highlights. Tickets are noticeably cheaper booked online in advance than at the gate.

LEGOLAND California

If you have a full day and a car, head south. La Jolla is about 30 minutes away and worth it for the cove, the sea lions and the cliff walk, with Birch Aquarium sitting right above it. Another 20 minutes gets you into San Diego proper for the zoo, Balboa Park and the Gaslamp Quarter. This pairs nicely with a flight home out of SAN, since you'll be driving that direction anyway.

A Day in La Jolla or San Diego

Things to Do

Registry

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 — ARRIVALS &amp; GOLFWelcome to Carlsbad! Settle in, and join us on the course if you're in town early.9:00 AM — Golf: Tee times for early arrivals at the Omni La Costa golf course. Email Andrew at andrew.finley@outlook.com to reserve your spot.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23 — WELCOME PARTY5:30 – 8:30 PM — Welcome Party: At Bar Traza, in the main lobby. Join us for drinks and light bites to kick off the wedding weekend.Attire: Dressy + resort casual — polished but relaxed (jeans or trousers with a sport coat and dresses for women encouraged).

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24 — THE WEDDING3:15 PM — Guest Arrival3:30 PM — Ceremony4:00 PM — Cocktail Hour5:00 – 10:00 PM — Dinner &amp; DancingAll events take place on the lawn directly behind the main lobby.Attire: Formal

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25 — POOLSIDE FAREWELLNothing formal scheduled today. If you're still in town, come find us at the pool to say goodbye before you head home.

Megan & Andrew

Megan & Andrew

Photos