Jonathan Bennett, best known for his role in “Mean Girls” and several Hallmark films, found his real-life love story with husband Jaymes Vaughan.
The pair first met in 2016 during a TV interview, and what started as work quickly blossomed into romance. From their Hallmark-style wedding to their shared ventures, here’s what you should know about Vaughan.
Jaymes Vaughan: 5 Fast Facts About Jonathan Bennett’s Husband
1. Their Love Story Began on a TV Set
Bennett met Vaughan in October 2016 when Vaughan interviewed him on the news program “Celebrity Page.” In a 2021 interview with The Knot, Bennett recalled thinking Vaughan was “the most beautiful man” he had ever seen. He even asked a producer, “Am I about to meet my future husband?” Vaughan remembered feeling “electricity” when they took a photo together, even if he was initially just focused on getting the interview done.
After several years together, Vaughan proposed in November 2020, and they tied the knot in March 2022 during a beachside ceremony in Mexico surrounded by family and friends. Bennett described it to People as a “dream wedding” that felt like one of his Hallmark movie sets.
2. He’s a Virginia Native with Vegas Roots
Vaughan grew up in Chesterfield County, Virginia, before moving to Nevada. In a 2021 interview with Las Vegas Weekly, he called Vegas the place that felt most like home. “No matter where you go, Vegas has that small-town feel. Regardless of what industry you’re in, people always have your back,” he said.
When Vaughan proposed, he told Bennett, “You realize it means you live in Vegas with me now, because Vegas is home.” Bennett’s response? “Oh, my God, I love Vegas. You kidding me?”
3. His Career Spans Reality TV, Hosting, and Acting
Before meeting Bennett, Vaughan built a career as a host, actor, and reality TV personality. He worked as a Chippendales host in Las Vegas and competed in season 21 of “The Amazing Race” with colleague James Davis, finishing as runners-up. Vaughan later appeared in “Chocolate City: Vegas Strip” and “The Plus One,” the latter co-starring Bennett.
He also starred in the 2023 MTV reality series “The Real Friends of WeHo” alongside Brad Goreski. In 2022, Vaughan stepped away from hosting “Celebrity Page” after eight years to focus on other projects.
4. They Made History and Had a Hallmark Fantasy Wedding
In summer 2021, Bennett and Vaughan became the first gay couple featured on the cover of The Knot. Vaughan told Out Traveler, “I think that’s our job as this generation of LGBTQ+ people, to make it easier on the next, and help them feel seen, normal, and hopeful for their own future.”
Their wedding day included personal touches like a co-ed wedding party and a first dance to “Our Song,” which Vaughan had written for Bennett as part of his proposal. Fireworks capped off the night, with Bennett calling it “a moment that looked like a Hallmark movie that I’m in.”
5. They Work and Travel the World Together
According to People, the couple co-founded OUTbound, an LGBTQ+ travel company, alongside their friend Eric Hodgson, creating “a queer safe space for people to travel and see the world.” They also co-host the iHeartRadio podcast “Pridecast,” which earned a GLAAD nomination.
From TV screens to business ventures, Vaughan and Bennett have built a life full of love, travel, and shared purpose—truly a Hallmark ending made real.
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Jaymes Vaughan, Jonathan Bennett’s Husband: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know