Legacy and Love at Ashwood Grove Farm

Austin Carter and Dee Humphrey exchanged vows this weekend beneath the oaks at Ashwood Grove Farm in a ceremony that called to mind Patrick Smith's A Land Remembered — fitting, since the Florida classic is both the bride and groom's favorite book.

The Carter name itself is foundational to Vero Beach. Carter Associates has shaped this area since 1911, when Robert D. Carter designed the drainage program that transformed 55,000 acres of swampland into prime real estate. The firm laid out the city and built the infrastructure that made modern Vero Beach possible.

Debra Anne Atwell proved the perfect hostess. A dedicated advocate for historic preservation and smart land use, she holds the distinction of being the first person featured on the cover of Vero Beach Magazine during her polo days. Her son Sam, married to Dee's sister Jess, continues the family's connection to Vero Beach through Down Sea Charters.

The ceremony also honored Austin's grandmothers, both Vero Beach natives: artist Isabelle Dayton, featured in Vero Beach Magazine in 2002, was honored with her painting on display, while Cathy Detko, whose father was a lifelong citrus farmer, shared a poem with guests. Austin's parents continue this legacy — his mother as an artist and his father as an attorney and member of Vero Beach High School's only football state championship team.

Dee and her parents Jackie Buck and Otis Humphrey

Austin and his parents Julia and David Carter

The guest list reflected these deep community connections as well, including Austin's cousin Vicky Gould, who chaired the Three Corners Steering Committee and whose leadership guided the "Standing Ovation Plan" which passed with 79% voter approval in 2022.

The newlyweds reside in Chicago, where Dee works as a nephrology PA at Northwestern Hospital and Austin serves as Director of Business Development for a financial services firm. They frequent Vero Beach "to warm their bones both physically and spiritually, spending time with families whose roots continue to deepen here."

At Vero Minute, we'll be working with the Vero Beach Heritage Center to share more stories about Vero Beach's founding families.

The Heritage Center is run by Leslie McKenzie, herself a Carter descendant, whose grandmother Millie Bunnell saved the historic building where the center now stands. Millie was also the founder and lead swimmer of Vero Beach's famous Dolphinettes, the synchronized swimming troupe that performed at the Windswept Hotel from 1952 to 1962, appearing on television and gracing the pages of national magazines during the golden age of aquatic entertainment.