Ross Mathews Says He’s ‘Shocked’ at How Much He Loves Married Life (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Ross Mathews at the Food & Wine Classic in Charleston on Sept. 28, 2024.Photo:Cameron Wilder / FOOD & WINE Classic in Charleston

Cameron Wilder / FOOD & WINE Classic in Charleston

Ross Mathewssays he never dreamed of being a married man — but now, he can’t imagine living any other way.

While speaking with PEOPLE at the firstFood & WineClassic in Charlestonon Saturday, Sept. 28, theDrew Barrymore Showhost opened up how much he’s enjoying this era of his life with his husband of two years.

In May 2022, theRuPaul’s Drag Racejudgemarried Dr. Wellinthon Garcíain a beachside ceremony in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The couple tied the knot atAlmar Resort— the same place where they met two years ago — with celebrity friends in attendance, including “flower girl"Drew Barrymore.

“When I was a little kid growing up, I never even thought about being married because, hello, get a history book! Very recent history, we couldn’t,” he says, referencing the 2015Supreme Court decision legalizing gay marriagein all 50 states. “So it wasn’t like this fantasy that I had as a kid. I feel like straight kids always thought about, ‘What dress will I wear at my wedding?' I never even thought about it.”

Despite not having “an illusion of what marriage could be,” Mathews says he’s “in awe” of how much being a husband has enriched his life.

“I have been so shocked at how much I love being married. I love my husband because he’s the best human that I know in terms of being funny and silly and brilliant and strong,” he says.

Valerie Bertinelli and Ross Mathews at the Food & Wine Classic in Charleston on Sept. 28, 2024.Cameron Wilder / FOOD & WINE Classic in Charleston

“What I didn’t anticipate is that marriage would make me feel like I can try anything because if I fail, I’m not going to fall alone. There will be someone to pick me up. And I just feel invincible in that way now,” he says.

Two years ago, PEOPLE exclusively sharedphotos from the couple’s wedding. At the time, they spoke about their nuptials and love for one another.

“I don’t know what happens next, but I know we’re going to be happy,” Mathews said at the time. “This is the beginning of something amazing.”

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Mathews and García wrote their own heartfelt vows.

“I wrote mine on the train into the city,” Mathews said, “and I just started to cry. It was so overwhelming, thinking about all the things I wanted to say to him.”

TheFood & WineClassic in Charleston is taking place now September 27-29.

source: people.com