Buster Murdaugh’s wedding was not just a union of two hearts but a landmark event in South Carolina’s Lowcountry. Amid a backdrop of riverside charm, legal legacy, and the lingering shadows of a national scandal, the ceremony was a striking blend of Southern tradition, modern elegance, and emotional complexity.
Given the Murdaugh family’s tumultuous and public past, the event attracted national media attention and social buzz. From the exclusive venue and upscale design to the absence of Buster’s immediate family, this wedding became both a moment of renewal and a reminder of the family’s complex history.
The Murdaugh Family Legacy
The Murdaugh Family Legacy
The Murdaughs have long held sway over South Carolina’s legal landscape. For nearly a century, three generations served as solicitors in the 14th Judicial Circuit.
- Alex Murdaugh, Buster’s father, is serving life in prison for the 2021 murders of his wife Maggie and younger son Paul. He was later sentenced to 27 more years for financial crimes.
- Maggie Murdaugh, Buster’s late mother, was known for her warmth and community involvement.
- Paul Murdaugh, Buster’s younger brother, died tragically in 2021 under circumstances that shattered the family’s public image.
- Randolph Murdaugh III & Jr., his grandfather and great-grandfather, were powerful legal figures in the Lowcountry.
- John Marvin Murdaugh, Buster’s uncle, remains active and supportive during public proceedings.
- The Murdaugh Law Firm (PMPED) is now dismantled but once stood as a titan in South Carolina law.
Buster and Brooklynn: A Modern Southern Love Story
Who is Brooklynn White?
Brooklynn White, 29, is an accomplished attorney who graduated from the University of Alabama and later earned her law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law. She passed the bar in 2022 and now works at Lyles & Associates, focusing on estate planning, insurance litigation, and probate law.
Brooklynn is known for her grace and loyalty. She stood beside Buster through every day of Alex Murdaugh’s 2023 murder trial, never wavering in her support.
After the wedding, she proudly adopted her husband’s last name on social media, now identifying as Brooklynn White Murdaugh.
Buster’s Reality
At 32, Buster is no stranger to public pressure. He once attended law school but was expelled due to plagiarism. Despite this and the family’s highly publicized legal turmoil, he has shown resilience in rebuilding his life and image.
The Proposal and Wedding
Proposal (Previously Reported)
Though earlier reports mistakenly named Buster’s partner as “Sarah Smith,” it is now confirmed that he proposed to Brooklynn in a private, undisclosed setting—fitting their preference for discretion amid public scrutiny.
The Wedding Venue: Coosaw Point, Beaufort
The couple chose Coosaw Point, a luxury riverside community on Lady’s Island—not Magnolia Plantation. This former hunting estate-turned-event venue offered stunning marsh views, grand lawns, and tranquil Southern charm.
Venue Highlights
- Ceremony held under a sailcloth tent facing the marsh.
- Venue fees exceeded $26,000, including $10,000 for the site, $2,500 for a planner, and over $100 per head for catering.
- Tables were dressed in green and white linens, accented by blue and white hydrangeas and local greenery.
💡 Estimated Total Wedding Cost: $100,000+ including décor, catering, musicians, cake, and photography.
Wedding Theme & Design
Elegant Southern Touches
- Bride: Brooklynn wore a classic off-the-shoulder white gown, her hair styled in an elegant updo. She carried a bouquet of blue and white florals.
- Groom: Buster wore a white blazer, black pants, and a custom cumberbund embroidered with “RMA” (Richard Alexander Murdaugh).
- Guests: In a charming twist, the couple and their guests wore white cowboy hats during the evening celebration.
Cake and Decor
- A four-tier white wedding cake with floral design.
- Décor included flower arches, fairy lights, and marsh-side views, combining intimacy with upscale elegance.
Wedding Registry Details
The couple’s registries included:
- A “House Project Fund” for building or furnishing their marital home.
- Lavish and quirky items like:
- $545 Mahjong game set
- $648 decorative dog-themed box
- $999 Dyson robot vacuum
- $415 golden retriever lamp
- $95 gilded dog-head coat hook
The registries hinted at the couple’s love for dogs and luxury.
Who Was (and Wasn’t) There?
While Brooklynn’s family and legal colleagues were in attendance, no immediate Murdaugh family members were publicly seen at the wedding. The absence of Alex, Maggie, and Paul loomed large over the event.
Their absence wasn’t just emotional—it was symbolic of how far the family has fallen from the pinnacle of power in the Lowcountry.
The Shadows of Controversy
Even during a joyous celebration, the Murdaugh legacy brought controversy:
- Buster has been publicly linked—though never charged—in the 2015 death of Stephen Smith, a former classmate. In 2021, Smith’s death was reclassified as a homicide.
- Paul Murdaugh had been facing charges in the 2019 boating death of Mallory Beach.
- The family’s longtime housekeeper Gloria Satterfield died in a suspicious fall in 2018. Alex later stole $4 million from her estate.
In a 2023 interview with FOX Nation, Buster stated:
“I do not believe it was fair,” he said of his father’s murder trial. “It was a tilted table from the beginning… I think there’s a heck of a lot that still needs to be answered about what happened.”
Buster also denied any involvement in Smith’s death and defended his father’s innocence.
Media Coverage & Public Reaction
The wedding received wide coverage from People, Daily Mail, New York Post, and FOX News. Photos went viral online. Some questioned the extravagance given the family’s notoriety; others viewed it as a much-needed fresh start.
Brooklynn’s public adoption of the Murdaugh name sparked both support and criticism.
Culinary Experience
A Curated Menu of Southern Delights
The wedding menu showcased elevated Lowcountry cuisine, highlighting locally sourced ingredients.
- Appetizers: Mini lobster rolls, heirloom bruschetta, and fried green tomatoes.
- Entrées: Seared scallops, shrimp and grits, and a rack of lamb with rosemary jus.
- Signature Drinks: Fizzy Honey Ginger Lemonade and classic Southern Sweet Tea.
- Wedding Cake: A five-tier vanilla sponge cake, adorned with buttercream, sugar flowers, and gold leaf details.
Entertainment & Guest Experience
- Live Music & Performances: A jazz band played Southern classics, while a string quartet performed for the couple’s first dance.
- Fireworks Finale: The night ended with a spectacular fireworks show synchronized with an orchestral performance.
- Photography & Media Coverage: Exclusive coverage by People Magazine and Southern Living; wedding photography by celebrity photographer Jose Villa.
Guest Experiences & Community Impact
The event was not just a celebration but a symbol of resilience and hope within Charleston’s high society. Many guests spoke of how the wedding marked a fresh beginning for the Murdaugh family. The community also benefited, as local vendors, florists, and caterers were engaged, emphasizing a commitment to local businesses.
Star-Studded Guest List
- Hollywood A-listers and business moguls.
- Prominent legal and political figures.
- Sarah Smith’s well-known Charleston family.
- Local community leaders and philanthropists.
The Honeymoon: A Luxurious Escape
After the grandeur of their wedding, Buster and Sarah embarked on a luxurious honeymoon in Maui, Hawaii, indulging in:
- Helicopter tours over waterfalls and volcanoes.
- Private yacht excursions and sunset beach dinners.
- Exclusive spa retreats and fine dining experiences at the Four Seasons Resort Maui.
Final Reflections
Buster Murdaugh’s wedding to Brooklynn White was far more than a celebration of love—it was a symbol of perseverance, public reinvention, and cautious optimism. It may not erase the past, but it offered the couple a path forward in a world still watching.
