You probably know Amy Smart from the high-adrenaline chaos of Crank or the nostalgic vibes of Varsity Blues. But while her on-screen life is often hectic, her real-life marriage is surprisingly grounded. Honestly, in a town like Hollywood where "forever" often means three years and a messy tabloid cover, she’s managed to find something that actually sticks.
So, who is Amy Smart married to? The actress is married to Carter Oosterhouse.
If that name sounds familiar, it’s likely because you’ve spent a Saturday morning watching HGTV. He’s the guy who became a household name for his carpentry skills and easygoing charm. They didn’t meet on a movie set or at some glitzy after-party, though. Their story is a bit more "down-to-earth" than that.
How Amy Smart and Carter Oosterhouse Actually Met
It wasn't a rom-com setup. Basically, the two met at an environmental conference back in 2010. They were both there because they actually care about green living—it wasn't just a PR stunt. They were adopting a school garden together in Los Angeles.
Carter has mentioned in interviews that he almost wanted to ask her to marry him the second he heard she was from Traverse City, Michigan. It’s his hometown, and coincidentally, a place where Amy’s family had deep roots and spent their summers. Talk about a "small world" moment.
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They moved fast. Like, really fast.
They started dating in November 2010. By April 2011, they were engaged. Some people might have thought they were rushing, but when you know, you know, right? They tied the knot on September 10, 2011.
That Epic Eco-Friendly Wedding
Their wedding wasn't your typical Beverly Hills ballroom affair. They headed to Traverse City—the place that connected them—and hosted 215 guests on their private estate.
It was a total reflection of their values. Get this: the wedding was so eco-conscious that they reportedly produced only one bag of trash for the entire event. Most of us generate more than that during a Tuesday night takeout session. Amy wore a stunning Carolina Herrera gown, and her Varsity Blues co-star Ali Larter was right there by her side as a bridesmaid.
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Life Beyond the Spotlight
Amy and Carter aren't just a "red carpet" couple. They’ve spent the last decade building a life that feels very "un-Hollywood." While they have a base in Los Angeles, they spend a massive amount of time in Michigan.
They own a 100-year-old farmhouse there. Carter, being the professional carpenter he is, has spent years renovating it. Amy has joked that since she met him, she hasn't needed to hire a handyman once. Must be nice.
In December 2016, they welcomed their daughter, Flora. Amy has been incredibly open about their journey to parenthood, sharing that Flora was born via surrogate after years of fertility struggles. It’s that kind of honesty that makes people root for them.
Recent Projects: The Michigan Barn
Even in 2025 and 2026, they are still working together. Most recently, they appeared on the Magnolia Network series In With the Old. They took an abandoned 1800s barn on their Michigan property and turned it into an off-grid living space.
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It’s a massive project. We’re talking about a space that was "raw and untouched" since 2005. They finally finished it, complete with sustainable features and a play area for Flora. It’s clear they enjoy the "work" of being together just as much as the downtime.
Why Their Relationship Actually Works
Honestly, it seems to come down to shared interests. They aren't just "The Actress" and "The TV Carpenter." They are both:
- Environmental Advocates: They’ve worked with various charities focused on housing and sustainability.
- Small-Town Enthusiasts: They clearly prefer the quiet of the Midwest over the constant noise of paparazzi.
- Business Partners: They’ve even ventured into the wine business together with Bonobo Winery in Traverse City.
What You Can Learn from the Smart-Oosterhouse Marriage
While most of us aren't renovating 19th-century barns for national television, there's a takeaway here. Their longevity seems to stem from a foundation of shared values rather than just industry proximity. They built a life away from the cameras that sustains them when the cameras are off.
If you’re looking to follow their lead on sustainable living or just want to see what they’re up to next, you should check out:
- Magnolia Network: Look for their "In With the Old" episodes to see the barn transformation.
- Traverse City Local Scene: If you're ever in Michigan, their winery is a real-world look at their lifestyle.
- Environmental Charities: Both are active in organizations like Environmental Media Association (EMA).
It’s refreshing to see a couple that actually likes each other's company after fifteen years. Whether they're in a Hollywood studio or a dusty barn in Michigan, they seem to have figured out the secret to making it work.