Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist, the inaugural Golden Bachelor couple, have officially exchanged vows in a televised wedding ceremony on Thursday, January 4th. There wasn't a dry eye in sight as the couple professed their love for each other.
Gerry and Theresa, both 70, instantly connected on The Golden Bachelor, which debuted in September 2023. As the inaugural season concluded, it was clear that the couple had discovered genuine love. During the November 2023 After the Final Rose special, host Jesse Palmer revealed that the couple would tie the knot in a televised special to ring in the new year.
In addition to their family and close friends, over 50 Bachelor Nation alumni, such as Ben Higgins, Wells Adams, Kaitlyn Bristowe, Tayshia Adams, Charity Lawson, and others, attended the ceremony.
Keep scrolling to relive the sweetest moments from The Golden Wedding:
Gerry and Theresa’s Family Spend the Holidays Together
The Golden Wedding special began with a behind-the-scenes look at how the couple celebrated the holiday season, taking their blended family to new heights.
"It's an exciting day because it's the first of many holidays where I get to bring my daughters Jenny and Angie, my granddaughters Payton and Charlee," Gerry expressed. "I get to bring Theresa's family together, Jen, Matt, and Amanda and Tommy, and all the boys get to share some of our traditions, and I couldn't be happier."
Trista and Ryan Sutter Reminisce on 20th Wedding Anniversary
Trista and Ryan Sutter, the inaugural couple from the Bachelor Nation to exchange vows in a televised special, reminisced about marking their 20th anniversary in December 2023. Trista further disclosed that she and Ryan share a unique bond with Gerry and Theresa.
Trista mentioned that La Quinta was actually where they had their first date, referencing Gerry and Theresa's wedding location at La Quinta Resort & Club in Palm Springs.
Kathy Swarts Helping Theresa ‘Zip It’ During Wedding Dress Fitting
Theresa, accompanied by fellow Golden Bachelor stars Kathy Swarts and Susan Noles, visited Badgley Mischka in search of the perfect wedding gown. While trying on one of the gowns, Theresa encountered difficulty and turned to Kathy for assistance with "zipping it up." The lighthearted moment was a touching interaction between the two women, who had previously experienced some tension during their time on the Golden Bachelor. Kathy's playful request for Theresa to "zip it" had become a recurring joke, often used when discussing Gerry.
Brayden Bowers Proposes to Christina Mandrell
Bachelor in Paradise alum Brayden Bowers got down on one knee and proposed to girlfriend and Bachelor alum Christina Mandrell.
Brayden expressed, "For the first time in my life, I feel like I found someone that I can be myself with unapologetically. And I have no doubts that I want to spend the rest of my life with you."
Theresa and Gerry’s Kids Speak During the Ceremony
Gerry's daughters, Jenny and Angie, delivered a heartfelt speech at the wedding ceremony.
"We are here to support you. Sending our dad off on this journey was scary, not knowing if his heart would be broken," Angie shared. "But it turns out, we had nothing to fear because you were by his side every step of the way."
Theresa’s daughter, Jen, also addressed the gathering before the couple exchanged vows.
“We are overjoyed that you have united us as a family,” she stated. "Gerry, please take care of my lifelong best friend. And mom, prioritize him."
Gerry and Theresa Share Their Vows
Disney/John & Joseph Photography
There were many tears shed as Gerry and Theresa exchanged their vows. Theresa vowed to be Gerry's "calm in a storm" for all the time they have together, while Gerry referred to Theresa as "the woman I can't live without."
"You have a calming touch and bring laughter to my life like a long-lost friend," he said. "Your strength and independence bring me joy, and your sensitivity and soft voice make me a better person. Theresa, I now realize that I have found a true partner to navigate life's challenges with."