Dale and Scott both wanted an outdoor destination wedding surrounded by nature. They chose to tie the knot in Oahu, Hawaii. In the beginning stages of planning, Dale and Scott wanted to hold a relaxed and intimate celebration at a rental home.

Many of those homes had a 50-guest limit, one too small for their celebration. “Both of us identify better with mountains than with beaches, so Kualoa Ranch, with Paliku Gardens right at the bottom of the mountain really spoke to us,” says Dale.

Once their dream venue was secured, the couple opted to block out a group of rooms at a hotel in Waikiki for their guests. “Although our wedding was not in Waikiki, we figured that most of our guests would rather stay in Waikiki and travel a little further for the wedding.”

While some of the guests chose to stay in the rooms reserved by Scott and Dale, some guests opted to room together to help lower costs. Despite some having to share rooms, all the guests were eager to spend some quality time in beautiful Oahu.

Dale and Scott also reserved a shuttle service from the hotel to their wedding destination, so guests could enjoy themselves without having to worry about driving back to their hotel.

When it came down to plan the rest of their wedding, Scott and Dale enlisted the help of a wedding planner. “After our experience and attending other weddings, I will always recommend that couples invest in a wedding planner,” says Dale. “Just make sure they are a good fit for you and are good at their job.”

Finalizing details and selecting vendors was hassle-free for the couple with the assistance of their planner.

Scott and Dale incorporated a lot of do-it-yourself projects into their celebration, adding their own personal touches to their day. “A lot of our reception was DIY,” says Dale. “We made the centerpieces, table runners, favors, escort cards, cake toppers, lawn games and stationery.”

One of their most creative DIY projects was the tic-tac-toe game. Instead of using traditional X’s and O’s, the couple opted to use their own initials for their wooden lawn game.

At the end of the day, Scott and Dale advise to stay organized and plan ahead. In addition, Dale advises, “For the big day, hire someone else to worry about the logistics and little thing and enjoy every minute. You’ll be surrounded by the most important people in your life, who all love you, while you marry the love of your life.”

Vendors: Michelle Mishina Photography, Wedding Planner: Best Day Ever, Ceremony/Reception Site: Paliku Gardens at Kualoa Ranch, Florist: Natural Elements Landscaping, Stationery: Stamps: CapSociety, Cake: Kulu Kulu, Hair & Makeup: Faith & Beauty, Gown Desinger: David’s Bridal, Groom’s Clothing Designer: Men’s Wearhouse, Bridesmaids: CoralieBeatrix, Groomsmen’s Clothing: Men’s Wearhouse, Banana Republic, Nordstrom Rack, Shuttle Service: Royal Star, DJ: DJ Kevo, Rentals: Pacific Party Rentals, Catering: Pili Group.