re: What to do prior to laying paving stones...

You will want a 4" compacted base of 6/10 limestone extending 6" beyond the borders. Bring the limestone in 2-3" at a time. Compact each time until you have 4" base. Then, add paving sand. Screed it. You want 1" or less of sand. Then, without stepping on the sand begin laying pavers. Add edge restraint. Sweep polymeric sand into joints. Run compactor over pavers. Use blanket so as not to scratch stones. Keep doing this until joints are filled. Follow instructions for curing the polymeric sand. When done you can marvel at your genius.

Or, you can just throw pavers down on too of dead grass and call it a day. Six months later you will regret it, though.