A Traditional Ballroom Wedding at JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa at Ko Olina in Oahu, Hawaii

Tuyet Nguyen (28 and a preschool teacher) and Nat Dang (28 and an attorney) were set up through mutual friends while attending UCLA. They had their first date at a 24-hour diner called Big Tomy’s, where Nat wanted to share his love for their carne asada fries. Six years later, Tuyet and Nat were living in Los Angeles while beginning their careers after graduate school. Nat suggested they go back to Big Tomy’s to pick up some carne asada fries like old times and have a lunch picnic at UCLA. After sharing a delicious meal as the sun was setting, the couple took a walk around the area. All of a sudden, Nat got down on one knee and proposed! The couple had their classic beach themed wedding in the area where Nat grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii. Invitations were printed of shimmery pearl stationary that had a design that resembled a color painting of the ocean. Their ceremony took place at Sacred Heart Church, where Nat attended service growing up. Tuyet carried a bouquet of peonies and roses mixed with native Hawaiian ti leaves and orchids. The reception was in the Ocean Ballroom at the JW Marriott Ihilani, which was decorated in their green and pink color palette. From the finger starfish used as escort cards to the tiny bottles which guests could fill with personal congratulatory messages for the couple, the couple’s love for the beach was reflected on their wedding day.