Real Weddings
Yulee, Florida Elopement: Angeline and Shane's Courthouse Wedding Day
Angeline and Shane eloped at the Nassau County Courthouse in Yulee with a soft, classic bridal look — then celebrated with an intimate lunch at Josephine in Avondale.
Some weddings are personal for me in more ways than one. When my sister Angeline married Shane, I wasn't just her hairstylist and makeup artist — I helped plan the day, too. They chose a simple courthouse elopement on a bright, sunny morning, surrounded by their closest family and friends, and it remains one of the purest wedding days I have ever been part of.
The ceremony took place at the Nassau County Courthouse in Yulee, Florida. With its white columns and clean, classic architecture, the courthouse gave them an elegant backdrop without a single piece of added decor — exactly the understated feel they wanted.
Her bridal look
Angeline wanted simple and subtle, so we kept everything soft. Her makeup focused on a radiant, natural glow that highlighted her features rather than covering them. Her long hair went into a low, classic, softly undone bun with gentle face-framing pieces — a style chosen deliberately to showcase her beaded pearl veil, dainty necklace, and pearl drop earrings as one cohesive look.
Her outfit carried the same quiet confidence: a white strapless short dress that suited her golden, olive-toned skin beautifully, satin pointed-toe pumps with embellished ankles, and short white mesh gloves for a touch of vintage charm. Even her engagement ring told a story — Shane worked with Laurel at Anchor Boutique in St. Augustine to recreate his mother's heirloom ring as a design made just for Angeline.
An intimate lunch at Josephine in Avondale
After the ceremony, everyone made their way to Josephine, a charming restaurant in Avondale, for a private lunch celebration. The room was beautiful — a handmade Murano glass chandelier overhead, a dried floral installation along the main wall — and a solo violinist played the couple's favorite love songs, including the music for their first dance as husband and wife.
The personal touches made it theirs: a custom neon sign hung on a circular arch softened with pampas grass, personalized champagne with their names on it, and a custom cake by Creme de la Cocoa — the salted caramel crunch was the table's unanimous favorite. None of it was elaborate; all of it was intentional.
Vendor credits
- Ceremony: Nassau County Courthouse, Yulee, Florida
- Reception: Josephine, Avondale
- Photography: Dawn, Daybreak Photo Co.
- Engagement ring: Laurel, Anchor Boutique, St. Augustine
- Florals: Jessi, Shady Spring Garden
- Cake: Creme de la Cocoa
- Bridal hair, makeup, and planning: Maureen Ella
Angeline and Shane's elopement was a reminder that the most cherished wedding days are often the simplest ones. A courthouse, a soft bridal look, a long lunch with the people who matter most — love celebrated in its purest form.