Fans of “The Golden Bachelor” will witness the latest couple from Bachelor Nation exchange their vows in a live televised wedding event appropriately named “The Golden Wedding.” Gerry Turner, the 72-year-old Golden Bachelor from Hudson, Indiana, proposed to Theresa Nist, a 70-year-old financial services professional from New Jersey, in the show’s December finale. The couple surprised viewers during the “After the Final Rose” special by announcing their intention to marry on TV just a month later.
While specific details about the wedding are still emerging, we know that their families, including Turner’s daughters and granddaughters and Nist’s children and grandsons, along with several “Golden Bachelor” cast members, will be present at the event. The wedding will take place in Palm Springs, California, and is scheduled to be broadcast on Thursday, Jan. 4 at 8 p.m., lasting for two hours.
Hosted by Jesse Palmer, “The Golden Bachelor: Finale and After the Final Rose” marks the emotional conclusion of Gerry Turner’s journey in front of a live studio audience. After a season filled with love stories and tough decisions, Turner ultimately chose Nist over Leslie Fhima to be his betrothed. Both widowed, Turner and Nist faced the challenge of merging their well-established lives and families from two different states. Despite living over 600 miles apart, they have decided to start a new chapter together in Charleston, South Carolina.
Before officially relocating, the couple plans to honeymoon in Italy. Turner and Nist’s love story has inspired millions of viewers, and they are eagerly anticipating the beginning of their own happily ever after. The couple’s decision to move to South Carolina aligns with Turner’s previous discussions about the idea, and fate seemed to play a role in Theresa’s son living near Charleston.
The wedding itself, taking place at La Quinta Resort & Club in La Quinta, Calif., holds special significance as the filming location for The Bachelorette Season 16. This event marks the first time in a decade that the network dedicates an entire special to the nuptials of a Bachelor Nation couple, with the last being Sean Lowe and Catherine Giudici’s in 2014.
Former Golden Bachelor contestant Susan Noles will officiate the ceremony, having become close friends with the couple during the show. Kathy Swarts and former Bachelorette Charity Lawson will also play roles at the wedding. Several former Golden Bachelor contestants, including Leslie Fhima, are expected to attend.
The couple plans to honor their late spouses, Toni and Billy, during the ceremony, mentioning them in their vows. The wedding parties consist of members from their blended families, with Nist’s grandson serving as the ring bearer. The ceremony is filled with emotional moments, from Gerry shedding tears at Theresa’s entrance to the couple expressing their love and commitment.
The celebration continues with well-known Bachelor Nation members in attendance, such as Trista and Ryan Sutter, Jason and Molly Mesnick, Desiree and Chris Siegfried, Ben Higgins, and Wells Adams. The night concludes with Wells Adams introducing special cocktails, adding a festive touch to the joyous occasion.