Payton Shephard was looking at her friend Brighton’s Instagram, when she saw a photo of her with a man. “I asked her who the guy was, and she mentioned that he was the guy she had been trying to set me up with!” Payton exclaims. His name was Brewer Carter, and funnily enough he and Payton had already met at a bar through Brighton and her husband, Brian, who knew Brewer from high school. “A few months later, Brewer left me a voicemail asking me out on a date.”
After four years together in a long-distance relationship, Brewer surprised Payton with a proposal on the way to dinner. The friends who had set them up told Payton they’d organized a get together to celebrate Brewer passing his last set of boards. Payton didn’t suspect anything until they took a roundabout way and ended up on their usual walking route. By the nearby pond, Brewer got down on one knee. After she said yes, the engaged couple headed to the bar where they first met, only to be surprised by their family and friends.
Tori Perano of Passera Events helped bring Payton’s traditional yet unique summer wedding vision to life at Kiawah Island Ocean Course. Emily Baucom was behind the lens all weekend.
While in Charleston to meet Tori, Payton scheduled a few bridal appointments. At the first, she found an Amsale dress that was 10 years old. “When I tried it on, I immediately knew it was the one, despite its poor condition after being in the salon for so long,” the bride explains. Luckily, Payton’s seamstress was able to make the dress like new again, even finding fabric that confirmed it as the Bijou dress in the color cafe from 2010.
For the reception, the bride changed into a mini Harbison Studio floral dress. “It was two-toned, which I thought complemented the different textures in my wedding dress,” Payton says.
On the morning of July 20, 2024, Payton and Brewer met at an alcove and exchanged personal vows. “I am so happy we did this, as it felt really special and helped to ground me on the day and fully embrace the love around us,” the bride shares.
Payton and her father then walked down the aisle to Palmetto Strings’s arrangement of “Moon River.” “I am known for being emotional, and my friends and family are well aware of this,” she starts. “I managed to keep my composure all day, but as soon as I started walking down the aisle, the tears started flowing.”
The couple’s family friend—and renowned sports psychologist—Dr. Bhrett McCabe officiated the special service. And after being announced as officially married, the newlyweds met their guests at the reception, dubbed “Club Carter.” Loved ones were greeted by golf caddies and given personalized balls and score cards to find their seats. Andi Mejia Co. elevated the experience with chic table numbers and menus.
During dinner, Payton and Brewer started a family tradition and drank from silver Champagne goblets that were used the night of her parents’ own wedding. And then fête really began.
The bride’s favorite part of the night was dancing to a special song with Big City Rhythm of East Coast Entertainment. “Brewer and I went to rival colleges, Auburn and Alabama,” she begins. “We had a friend request ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ by the band, which is sung very differently at both schools. It was so fun to be able to poke fun at each other and highlight places that mean so much to us.”
Two weeks after celebrating the start of their marriage, the couple jetted off to South Africa for their honeymoon.
