Emmy-winning TV host and producer Ross Matthews and husband Dr. Wellinthon Garcia-Mathews debut heartfelt children's book.
Ross Mathews and Dr. Wellinthon García-Mathews are turning their love story into a heartwarming tale for the next generation. The Emmy Award-winning TV host and his husband are making their children's book debut with TÍO AND TÍO: The Ringbearers (also available in Spanish as TÍO Y TÍO), set to release on April 15, 2025. With vibrant illustrations by Tommy Doyle and a foreword by Ross's friend Drew Barrymore (who was a flower girl in their wedding!), the book follows two young brothers as they travel to Mexico to celebrate their uncles’ wedding, stepping into the important role of ring bearers.
Inspired by Ross and Wellinthon’s real-life nuptials, TÍO AND TÍO is more than just a sweet story—it’s a joyful celebration of love, family, and tradition, told through a lens of inclusivity and cultural heritage. As brothers Evan and Andy witness the deep love between their tíos, they learn that weddings aren’t just about saying “I do,” but about embracing joy, community, and the connections that make a family whole.
“Weddings are scary for grownups, let alone little kids with a big responsibility!” exclaims Ross. “This book hopes to remind us all of the importance of love, family and embracing one’s cultural identity. Plus, it’s just plain funny!”
Wellinthon, who works in education, knew he wanted to create a story that he would implement in his own curriculum. “I constantly seek out books that serve as both mirrors and windows for children—mirrors that help them see themselves and windows that offer glimpses into others' experiences,” he explains. “I’m proud to have created this book with my husband that showcases our rich bilingual and bicultural heritage, helping children learn about responsibility while appreciating the significance of family, traditions, and cultural heritage.”
We sat down with the couple to learn more about this adorable new venture of theirs:
Love Inc.: The story is based on your own wedding experience. Can you tell us more about your nephews' role as ring bearers and how that moment sparked the idea for this book?
Ross and Wellinthon: When we ask our nephews to be a ring bears, we honestly didn’t put much thought into it. We just thought, “Oh, they’ll be great!” But when we heard about how serious that they took it — how they practiced, rehearsed and really thought about their role in the wedding — we were so touched. We knew there was a deeper story here.
Love Inc.: What was it like collaborating with your husband on this project? Did you each bring different perspectives to the table?
Ross and Wellinthon: It was easy to work together on this book. In addition to loving one another, we also happen to like each another a whole, whole lot. Wellinthon has his doctorate in educational policy and leadership. Part of his job has been selecting the curriculum that goes into the classrooms . He knows how children learn. And I’m (Ross) am a storyteller by nature. I’ve always been creative. It turns out both of our points of views blended seamlessly to create this book.
Love Inc.: Whether or not to have children involved in the wedding is always a conversation — what helped you decide that you did indeed want to have your nephews as ring bearers? And what is your advice for couples who are trying to make that decision?
Ross and Wellinthon: It was important to both of us to incorporate as much family as possible in our wedding. My (Ross) parents are both gone. Not long before the wedding, we lost Wellinthon’s sweet mother. Each of them were represented at the ceremony by three empty chairs with candles and pictures of them. So it wasn’t a question of IF we would include the boys in the wedding, it was a question of HOW we would incorporate them. Choosing them as ring bearers was a no-brainer. When we asked, they said yes right away. I don’t think they really thought about their responsibility until later on, which by the way, is the very true, very funny story in the book.
Love Inc.: What are some of the challenges of having small children as part of the wedding ceremony?
Ross and Wellinthon: The most challenging part was making sure that Andy didn’t eat all the wedding cake! But in all seriousness, the boys are really well behaved and respectful. We knew we could invite them to every aspect of the wedding weekend because they would not only behave well, but also add a lot of personality and humor. These boys are hilarious!
Love Inc.: What are some tips for helping ensure that the kids make it down the aisle?
Ross and Wellinthon: Practice, practice, practice, of course! But I think it also helps for them to know that they are walking down that aisle towards family members with big smiles and open arms.
Love Inc.: I totally see this being gifted when soonlyweds ask the little kids in their lives to be in their wedding — how does that make you feel knowing that your story can help all these little kids handle this very big role?
Ross and Wellinthon: You know what? I actually hadn’t thought about that until this very moment. But the idea that other people could gift this book to the ring bearers in their wedding as a how-to makes me very happy. I would love it if future ring bearers emulated what our nephews did. They were excited, energetic, and completely heartfelt in their duties. I think all ringbearers should be just like that.
Love Inc.: I loved that you had your friend Drew Barrymore as a flower girl! What advice do you have for couples who want to reimagine these “traditional' wedding roles and have them portrayed by loved ones who aren’t kids?
Ross and Wellinthon: I don’t think there’s any rules when it comes to weddings. Our wedding is a perfect example of that. So what do I recommend if you wanna have a fun twist on the traditional flower girl? Ask an iconic movie start to do it. In my experience, they always say yes!
TÍO AND TÍO is for ages 4-8, and will be available for $18.99 on Amazon
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