White Pines Event Center

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Like all great modern love stories, ours started with a little help from technology—and a pretty spot-on algorithm. One day, Payton popped up on Schylar’s “People You May Know” on Facebook, and let’s just say... the algorithm knew what it was doing. Schylar did a little social media scrolling, found Payton on Instagram & liked a few photos (just enough to say “hey”), and then made the first move by sending him a message.   After weeks of texting, talking on the phone, and getting to know each other through screens, we finally met in person. Payton drove all the way up from West Frankfort for our first date at El Maguey in Edwardsville, IL. Tacos, nerves, and butterflies were all on the menu. After dinner, we hit up an arcade and bowling alley where Payton got to meet one of Schylar’s best friends and roommate—talk about diving right in!   The next year was filled with long-distance love and lots of driving back and forth. But between the miles, our connection kept growing stronger (thank you, gas stations and good playlists).   Then, on a crisp fall day in November, during what Schylar thought was just a simple autumn photoshoot, Payton had something extra special planned. With the golden leaves as their backdrop, he dropped to one knee and proposed. But the surprises didn’t stop there—after the shoot, Payton had arranged for friends and family to gather at Don Sol Mexican Restaurant in Marion to celebrate the engagement. Fittingly, with chips, salsa, and love in the air—just like our very first date.

Our Story

Photos

Abby Stanley 

Sarah McLain 

Ebriessa Casey 

Darcey Stanley 

Breanna Stout 

Nick Summers

Vance Cash 

Keegan Easley

Dillon Minton

Garrett Karoski

Wedding Party

Ultimate Formal Attire Shopping Guide

25 Hand-Picked Formal Guest Dresses

Tux vs. Suit: What's the Difference?

We’re asking guests to dress semi-formal to formal for our October 3, 2026 wedding in Carterville, IL. Please avoid denim and refrain from wearing white or ivory. Men: suit or dress shirt with dress pants (tie optional). Women: cocktail or long dresses, jumpsuits, or dressy separates. Dress for an elegant fall-time classic vibe and for potential cool fall evenings.

Dress Code

Q + A

Please call 618-993-7777 to reserve your room. Rooms must be booked by September 1, 2026 for the guaranteed rate. Deluxe 2 Queen Room - $219.95Deluxe King - $209.00 If you find that there are no more rooms in the block, please contact Laurie Taylor 618-923-2566.

Walker's Bluff Casino Resort

Rooms must be booked by September 2, 2026 for the guaranteed rate. King Standard or 2 Queen Standard room options

Holiday Inn Express Carbondale University Area, an IHG Hotel

We are having T Street Rides provide shuttle service to/from White Pines Wedding Venue for Walker's Bluff Casino Resort and Holiday Inn Express &amp; Suites (Reed Station Road). Pick-up times will be posted closer to wedding.

T Street Rides - Party Bus Rentals

Travel

Things to Do

Registry

Schylar & Payton

Schylar & Payton

S&P

Ceremony

Reception