From left, Chief of Staff Nicole Buckles, a Stormtrooper, and records clerk Stephanie Tolson. Photo by Rich Carroll.
From left, records clerk Stephanie Tolson, Clerk of Court Tom Bexley, and Chief of Staff Nicole Buckles. Photo by Rich Carroll.
Joseph Maple and his wife, Jessica Maple, along with their daughter, Anastasia Maple, pose following their wedding ceremony during the Flagler County Clerk’s May the 4th Star Wars–themed group wedding event. Photo by Rich Carroll.
A Star Wars stormtrooper poses during the Flagler County Clerk’s May the 4th Star Wars–themed group wedding event. Photo by Rich Carroll.
Neal McCoppin and his wife, Nacy McCoppin, pose with Clerk of Court Tom Bexley and Chief of Staff Nicole Buckles following their wedding ceremony during the Flagler County Clerk’s May the 4th Star Wars–themed group wedding event. Photo by Rich Carroll.
Clemente Mendes and his wife, Daisy Mendes, pose following their wedding ceremony during the Flagler County Clerk’s May the 4th Star Wars–themed group wedding event. Photo by Rich Carroll.
Sydney William Conette Jr. and his wife, Orjanette Conette, pose with family members following their wedding ceremony during the Flagler County Clerk’s May the 4th Star Wars–themed group wedding event. Photo by Rich Carroll.
Lightsabers, costumes and a touch of intergalactic flair filled the Kim C. Hammond Justice Center on May 4 as the Flagler County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller’s Office hosted its first Star Wars–themed group wedding ceremony.
The event, dubbed “May the Fourth Be With You,” brought together couples for a unique celebration of love, with three couples getting married and one renewing their vows, according to Chief of Staff Nicole Buckles.
“We are having our May 4th wedding ceremony,” Buckles said. “This is to celebrate love. You can either get married or renew your vows. We are obviously having a Star Wars theme because the force is strong with love.”
The ceremony, officiated by Clerk of Court Tom Bexley, encouraged participants and staff alike to embrace the theme. Costumes ranged from Jedi to classic characters, with Buckles herself dressed as Princess Leia. Staff member Stephanie Tolson was dressed as Padmé Amidala and also joined in the spirit of the day.
Buckles said the idea marked a departure from the office’s traditional Valentine’s Day group weddings, offering something more creative and community-driven.
“This is our first year doing a Star Wars–themed wedding,” she said. “We wanted to do something a little out of the box this year and fun and whimsical.”
The event also highlighted a collaborative effort behind the scenes. Buckles noted that the ceremony was supported through sponsorships and staff contributions, with no public funds used.
“Everything that’s happening here today is made possible by either our sponsors or clerk staff who have donated time or resources,” she said. “No clerk funds have gone into funding this wedding ceremony.”
Held inside the Jury Assembly Room, the celebration blended tradition with fandom, reflecting a growing trend of couples choosing May 4 as a meaningful and memorable wedding date.
As the ceremony wrapped up, Buckles had a simple message for the community: “We would love to see you next year. And may the force be with you.”
The Flagler Clerk’s Office oversees court records, filings and marriage licenses for the county, regularly hosting ceremonies at its Bunnell location, though few have looked quite like this one.
