GREEN COVE SPRINGS - Beyond the dirt roads along Brown Road lie various pieces of land that stretch into the abyss. 

But turning right into one particular hidden gem, you'll get more than just a grass field. But a vineyard-inspired destination for any special celebration. 

Jeanna Carswell and Tony Hall own and operate Chapel Oaks Venue.  Located on about 8 acres, the property has not only been the go-to place to celebrate birthdays and retirements, but also one where couples take the next step and say, "I do."

Originally from North Carolina, Carswell said when she came to Florida and married Hall, they began looking for property to purchase. A former dance studio owner, she was already used to the ins and outs of running a small business.

"I love to create. I love to choreograph; that's always been my niche. When we were looking for land, we were looking for land we could do a venue on," she said.

They found the perfect spot on Brown Road. In 2018, the two built their home and used the back portion of the property for the venue.

"He cut down all the trees from the property, milled the wood and built this," Carswell said. "This was his workshop for many years."

The venue opened in 2023, with its first wedding in October of that year. Since then, Carswell said they've helped 62 brides and grooms, and a plethora of other guests of honor, make their special day memorable. She said it has been a dream of hers fulfilled.

The unique, two-story pine barn catches the attention of anyone driving by and acts as the centerpiece of the venue.  Upstairs is the groomsmen's lodge, while across the way sits the all-inclusive bride suite. Central-heated air conditioning in the barn helps with year-round operation and easy pivoting to weather patterns. 

"I think we're unique in that way as far as a barn venue, that we can switch gears in that way," Carswell said. 

Outside is a large patio, a vegetable garden and oak trees that riddle the lawn. And keep your eyes peeled for some of nature's beloved creatures.

Main Coordinator Jodi Getman said it's a "home-y" feel. 

"You come inside and feel the warmth that this venue gives you," she said.

As event coordinators, Getman and Carswell said they work hands-on with guests to turn visions into the perfect reality at an all-inclusive price. 

"We tell all our brides, your vision, our mission. You bring us pictures, you tell us your vibe, and we're going to make it happen for you," Getman said.

Guests have access to the venue for the entire day of their event. Getman and Carswell said they set up, decorate and clean up, making the whole process more seamless and relaxing.

"They can be involved in as much as they want. If they want to come in and decorate, we're great with that. They can use their own vendors. We're a venue that doesn't require them to use 'a, b, and c' vendor," Carswell said.

A ballroom dance fundraiser and a Beauty and the Beast wedding are just some of the unique themes the two said they have enjoyed bringing to life with their creativity. At Chapel Oaks, there are always options.

Carswell and Getman said giving back to the community is something they also pride themselves in, offering up space to local nonprofits and even allowing for photo shoots on the property free of charge.

Carswell said Chapel Oaks will expand for the upcoming spring season, adding more square footage to accommodate up to 150 people.

"We've really come a long way. There are a lot of exciting things for the future, and a lot of different things that we plan on doing."