Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist. Disney/John Fleenor
Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist made history as the inaugural Golden Bachelor success story when Gerry proposed to Theresa during the season 1 finale, filmed in Costa Rica and aired in November 2023.
This morning when I woke up, I was filled with mixed emotions. I found myself questioning how I ended up here and whether she was the right girl for me. After some reflection, I came to the realization that you are not just the right person for me to live with, but the person I can't live without," Gerry paused dramatically before dropping to one knee. "Theresa, I love you with all my heart. I will always choose you every single day. Will you marry me?"
Gerry's surprise proposal caught Theresa off guard on camera, but there was an even bigger twist that fans didn't get to see.
"I delivered a brief speech, then looked at her and uttered, 'But Theresa, you're not the one I can envision a future with,' and then paused for a while," he shared with People during an interview in November 2023. "In reality, what I said was, 'Theresa, you're not the right fit for me,' which was more blunt."
Feeling disheartened, Theresa recalled feeling like it was a breakup speech. However, after the misunderstanding, Gerry found the right words and it was like a weight had been lifted off Theresa's shoulders.
Relive Gerry and Theresa's love story as Theresa made a grand entrance in a limo during the Golden Bachelor premiere in September 2023, instantly standing out among the other contestants. Viewers witnessed their love blossom from that first night, leading to a happy ending at the finish line.
September 2023
Although she didn't receive the first impression rose, Theresa certainly caught Gerry's attention. She made a bold entrance by wearing her "birthday suit" on the night of her birthday during the first episode. Later on, they bonded over cupcakes and Theresa even gave Gerry a sweet kiss to help him wipe off some frosting from his mouth.
Disney/John Fleenor
October 2023
Theresa and fellow contestant Kathy Swarts had a conflict, but Gerry stepped in to help. He confronted Kathy about the tension and comforted a crying Theresa in her room. As the season went on, their bond grew stronger, eventually leading to declarations of love.
Disney/John Fleenor
Disney/John Fleenor
During their overnight dates, Gerry revealed his strong feelings for Theresa before ultimately popping the question.
November 2023
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Check out this great deal! During our time in the Fantasy Suites, I expressed my love for her for the first time. I said it three times in a row, 'Theresa, I love you. I love you, I love you.' And then I told her I was going to ask her to marry me. I was very confident that she was the one for me during the final episode and the engagement.
The couple revealed during the live After the Final Rose special that they will be tying the knot in a televised wedding special in January 2024. Additionally, they discussed their intentions to relocate to Charleston, South Carolina.