Monday, December 7, 2015

People Exclusive: RuPaul's Drag Race Alum Carmen Carrera Weds Partner of 10 Years on Couples Therapy

Carmen Carrera was not your typical nervous bride.

"I was so eager for the ceremony," says the RuPaul's Drag Race alum, whose wedding photo debuted exclusively in the current issue of People. "Honestly, knowing that I was going home a married woman gave me a sense of peace."
Carmen Carrera and Adrian Torres Cat Rodgers Photography
Before Carrera's wedding to Adrian Torres will air during the Dec. 9 season finale of Couples Therapy with Dr. Jenn, PEOPLE has an exclusive sneak peek video of the ceremony, which took place on June 10 at a private home in Chatsworth, California.

"This wedding has given us a sense of freedom to be proud of what we have and who we are," says Carrera, who is the first transgender person to wed on reality TV. "Celebrating our love and what we call our 'modern, modern family,' lets us know that we belong here and that we also have a place to raise a family of our own on our terms. We feel truly blessed."

Carrera and Torres began dating almost a decade ago and entered a domestic partnership in 2009 before announcing their split in 2013. But the two decided to give it another shot and spent the past season of Couples Therapy working on their relationship.
Carmen Carrera and Adrian Torres Cat Rodgers Photography
"Adrian has been there for me through so many important moments in my life and our love has forever kept us together," says Carrera, who chose a "super feminine" gown with a "Spanish feel" for the ceremony. "We realize we are so lucky to have found one another. He has shown me that unconditional love transcends gender and the exterior appearance."
Carmen Carrera and Adrian Torres with his daughters Ahsia and Leeah
And while she always envisioned a big family wedding in Madrid with her and Torres' parents present, the performer says she ultimately was "grateful" for her on-camera ceremony that was attended by Torres' daughters from a previous relationship – Ahsia, 11, and Leeah, 7 – whom Carrera considers her own kids.

"When we originally got together, we sometimes felt like it was us against the world. But now, incredibly, it's us with the world," says Carrera. "Our children are so smart and such a big part of our lives. Having them there with us while we made this commitment really solidifies our existence as a family."

The season 6 finale of Couples Therapy airs Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET on VH1.