Shelsea and Patrick envisioned an outdoor October destination wedding from the start, so they decided to set aside their hometown of Seattle and get married on the warm, beautiful beaches of the Big Island, Hawaii.

In fact, the couple first planned to be adventurous and go out of the country. However, they wanted to accommodate Patrick’s grandmother and travel somewhere she’d be more comfortable with, so Hawaii was the perfect compromise.

The adventurous duo wanted to become man and wife in a new and exciting setting. Holualoa on the Big Island offered many of the qualities the couple was searching for, and, while Patrick had been once when he was younger, it was the only Hawaiian island Shelsea had never been to.

Wedding planning can be stressful, and that it was, but the newlyweds relied heavily on their wedding planner, Rachael at Vintage & Lace. Local to the Big Island, Rachael helped the couple narrow down their venue options based upon the vision they’d shared with her.

“She made planning so much easier for us! She also has long-standing relationships with many vendors and was able to give us great referrals,” Shelsea says.

Because they had a local on their side, they were able to put more trust in their referred vendors. Shelsea and Patrick made it a point to travel to Holualoa six months prior to the wedding to customize and finalize the details of the vision they devoted so much to.

“Since we had a smaller guest list with the destination wedding, it allowed us to splurge in a way we may not have been able to at home,” Shelsea says.

When October came around, their wedding guests were met with a sweet treat thanks to one of the bridesmaids. She packed up homemade caramels into her suitcase so the couple could use them as wedding favors. Shelsea and Patrick also put together bags filled with Hawaiian goodies to welcome guests to the island.

To sweeten the deal, the brides advises to, “Work with vendors who feel like friends, and are excited to make your day special.”

Overall, Shelsea and Patrick soaked in those little moments they got to spend together, away from everyone, on their wedding adventure in Hawaii.

Vendors: Photographer: Bikini Birdie (Megan Spelman), Wedding Planner: The Chapter of Love (Rachael Zebrowski), Ceremony/Reception Site: Holualoa Inn, Florist: Grace Flowers, Stationery: Paper Delights, Cake: Pineapple Bakery, Hair & Makeup: Mara McMichael, Gown Designer: Berta Bridal, Groom’s Clothing Designer: J Crew, Bridesmaids/Groomsmen’s Clothing Designer: Jenny Yoo / J Crew, Videographer: Kahena Cinema, Food: Bonita Loa