Leslie Fhima's Discomfort at Gerry and Theresa's Wedding Over Costa Rica Mention
'The Golden Bachelor' runner-up Leslie Fhima shares her candid experience attending Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist's wedding, featured on ‘The Golden Wedding’ Join her as she uncovers the unexpected moments and heartfelt emotions of this memorable celebration
Leslie Fhima. Disney/James Clark
Leslie Fhima was glad to attend The Golden Wedding to support Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist. However, a part of the ceremony brought back some difficult memories for her. "It was a little uncomfortable during the ceremony when they were talking about Costa Rica, because I was there too," Leslie, 65, revealed on the January 6 episode of the "Almost Famous" podcast, which was released two days after ABC's The Golden Wedding special. Despite making it to Gerry's final two women on The Golden Bachelor, Leslie was ultimately sent home during the November 2023 finale after meeting Gerry's family in Costa Rica.
Fortunately, Leslie dismissed the talk about the show's Costa Rica finale during the wedding and did not let it bother her. "It was probably the only time it was really uncomfortable for me," she said. "And seeing Theresa so happy really just made it all better."
The officiant and costar Susan Noles mentioned the couple's deepened relationship in Costa Rica during the wedding ceremony. Gerry also mentioned drinking "Costa Rican coffee" with Theresa in his vows.
Leslie was shocked by Gerry's surprising elimination on The Golden Bachelor show. During the After the Final Rose special, she confronted Gerry for leading her on and then choosing someone else. She also revealed on the "Bachelor Happy Hour" podcast that Gerry had made promises about their future during their fantasy suite date in Costa Rica. Despite this, Gerry ended up getting engaged to Theresa at the end of the season.
In a surprising move, Leslie announced that she would be attending the couple's televised wedding, leaving many Bachelor Nation fans confused. However, she explained on a podcast, "Theresa invited me. I needed time to heal from my own heartbreak, but ultimately I realized that they are perfect for each other and I am genuinely happy for them, because finding love is what it's all about."
Leslie was thrilled to have the opportunity to reconnect with her fellow Golden Bachelor contestants at the Golden Wedding. Over 50 members of Bachelor Nation attended the ceremony, and Leslie expressed how much she missed being around them, despite communicating with them on a daily basis. She emphasized the unique bond she shares with these women, comparing it to the close relationship she has with her friends and family at home.
Leslie was beaming throughout the star-studded ceremony, particularly when she took to the dance floor with Higgins, 34, during the reception. Higgins revealed that the moment wasn't as impromptu as it may have seemed on screen.
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"When the reception began, they requested that we kick off the dance party," he shared during the podcast. "It was something they had asked us to do, and we both agreed. So, we went out there and they said, 'OK, start getting people on the dance floor.' We were like, 'Great.' We began, only to realize there was no music playing."
Adding humor, Leslie quipped, "I stepped onto the dance floor and he said, 'Thank you.' I wondered, 'Is this a warm-up? Is he rehearsing his moves, or are we doing this now?'"
