You are about to meet three lovely couples who have gotten married in Vero Beach over the past year or so. They have different styles and lifestyles, backstories and dreams, but there is one thing all six of these young people have in common: they love Vero Beach and its surroundings. Four grew up in the area; one is even descended from the man who laid out our town! The others are locals at heart, having fallen in love with Vero in more recent years. They have all shared with us the stories of their unforgettable Vero vows.
Strong Foundations: Dee Humphrey and Austin Carter
Groom Austin Carter is a descendant of the man who quite literally laid the groundwork for Vero Beach. His great-great-grandfather R.D. Carter supervised the original platting of Vero in 1912 and played a vital role in the early-20th-century drainage project that allowed agriculture to prosper here. He cofounded a consulting, surveying, and civil engineering firm that played a key role in establishing our town’s infrastructure.
Fast-forward to December 27, 2025: at Ashwood Grove Farm, just steps from the Main Relief Canal dredged by crews led by his great-great-grandfather, Austin and his bride, Dee Humphrey, wed before an intimate gathering of immediate family and a few close friends. The ceremony was officiated by Debra Atwell, who is the owner of the farm and a member of the bride’s extended family.
Dee’s parents are Jacqueline Buck of Sebastian and Otis Humphrey of Fort Pierce. After graduating from Saint Edward’s School, Dee earned a BS in biology from SMU and an MS in physician assistant studies from Northwestern University. She works as a nephrology physician assistant at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.
Austin is the son of Julia and David Carter of Vero Beach. After three generations of engineers, David pursued law, and Austin studied economics. The VBHS graduate holds a BA from Yale University and is employed as director of business development at Investor Group Services.
While a larger celebration would take place several months later in Mexico, this ceremony allowed special roles for many family members, including those unable to make the trip to Mexico. Austin’s mother and grandmothers enhanced the day with their art and poetry, and his and Dee’s nieces served as flower girls—a job that, to their delight, tasked them with leading an adorable pony down the aisle. Local musician Kurt Stevens helped set the tone for the day with the down-to-earth charm of his songs.
The newlyweds are planning a summer honeymoon to Alaska and the coast and mountains of the Pacific Northwest. They currently reside in Chicago.
Flower Power: Rachel DeJohn and Alex Slawek
The wedding of Rachel DeJohn and Alex Slawek was a groovy affair with a ’70s vintage floral theme. It took place November 22, 2025 at Tree House Vero Beach.
The bride is the daughter of Debbie and Guy DeJohn of Pompano Beach. She grew up in South Florida and, after graduating from high school, began to establish herself as an independent artist. Under the name “Surfy Birdy,” she creates retro surf illustrations and paintings.
The groom is the son of Bonnie and Chuck Turner of Tuscon, Arizona and Dora and George Slawek of the UK’s Isle of Wight. Alex grew up in Northern California and earned a psychology degree from the University of Oregon. He works in software sales with Speed Net.
Rachel and Alex met while both were traveling in New Zealand.
Everyone dressed accordingly for the “peaceful flower-power wedding.” The bride says that the joy she felt at marrying her best friend was multiplied by the combined love of family and friends.
It was a sustainable event, with no plastics or waste. For example, instead of single-use party cups, the bar employed reusable tumblers from Pirani, a company owned by friends of the bride, and the meal was served on vintage floral stoneware she had
gathered from thrift shops.
In a special personal touch, the couple used a quilt made by Rachel’s grandmother as a backdrop for the ceremony and the photo area.
For their honeymoon, the newlyweds chose Costa Rica, where they could live simply, surf, eat lots of fruits, and enjoy the company of friends they had made on prior visits.
The couple resides in Sebastian.
Native Nuptials: Madison Kate Morgan and Michael Graham Dean
Madison Kate Morgan and Michael Graham Dean both grew up in Vero Beach. Mike’s family has been here for three decades and Madison’s for three generations. And while she attended Master’s Academy, he was homeschooled. During his high school years, though, he played quarterback for the VBHS football team. He was named Class 8A Florida Dairy Farmers Player of the Year for the 2016 season, throwing for over 3,000 yards and 33 touchdowns, with just three interceptions! And, for good measure, he rushed for seven touchdowns.
But these accolades were far surpassed on April 26, 2025 when Mike exchanged vows with Madison at Pillar Community Church, in a ceremony officiated by his family’s pastor.
The bride’s educational journey took her to Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, where she obtained a bachelor of arts in journalism and mass communications, which serves her well in her position as associate media director at Loudr Agency in West Palm Beach.
The groom studied exercise science at the University of Mississippi, aka Ole Miss, and went on to earn his doctor of chiropractic degree at Palmer College of Chiropractic’s Florida Campus in Port Orange. He is employed by Simpson Advanced Chiropractic & Medical Center in Stuart, but he hopes one day to open his own practice in Vero Beach.
Both sets of parents—Debbie and Kyle Morgan and Chris and Jay Dean—still live in Vero Beach.
The father-daughter and mother-son dances helped kick off the reception, which was held at Quail Valley River Club. The newlyweds enjoyed their first dance to “I’m Gonna Love You” by Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood.
After dinner, the bride’s father delivered a touching toast, and then the dancing commenced in earnest, fueled late into the evening by snacks and espresso martinis.
For their honeymoon, the couple visited the luxurious Hammock Cove resort in Antigua.
They are making their home where it has always been: Vero Beach.
True Tails is a series written by Amy Robinson for Vero Beach’s dog lovers. Ask Amy about your dog’s behavior by clicking below.
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