Every Photo from the Wedding of Golden Bachelor's Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist

The Golden Wedding aired live on ABC on Thursday night, Jan. 4 — and was every bit as romantic as viewers hoped for

golden bachelor wedding
Gerry Turner & Theresa Nist's Golden Wedding. Photo:

abc

They did!

On Thursday night, Jan. 4, the Golden Bachelor's Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist said "I do" in a live ABC television special.

Speaking to PEOPLE before their big day, Nist called the wedding a "family event," giving credit to the couple's daughters (she has one, he has two) for all the work they put into the planning.

"I envision it as such a fun, warm, wonderful day, a day filled with joy and laughter and positive energy and everyone being happy to be there," said Nist, 70. Added Turner, 72: "We want it to be a party." And that it was!

Here, all the gorgeous photos (and celebrity guests!) from the couple's Golden Wedding.

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Theresa's Wedding Dress

THE GOLDEN WEDDING Album
Theresa Nist.

John & Joseph Photography/disney

“I was presented with these incredibly gorgeous gowns from Badgley Mischka, and I was overwhelmed,” Nist told PEOPLE. “I asked each one of these beautiful women to go pick their favorite. And then I picked three of mine, and I walked down the stairs with them. And when it was the dress, they unanimously thought this was the good gown."

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Theresa's Bridal Accessories

THE GOLDEN WEDDING Album
Theresa Nist.

John & Joseph Photography/disney

The bride's sparkly shoes matched the delicate shimmer on her what she called her "traditional and modern" gown, which featured a strapless plunging neckline and fitted bodice with mermaid silhouette. It also had a voluminous tulle train for added drama down the aisle.

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The Wedding Flowers

THE GOLDEN WEDDING Album
Theresa Nist.

John & Joseph Photography/disney

The flowers were equally soft, a mix of white, pink and blush blooms.

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Theresa's Bridal Glam

the golden bachelor wedding
Theresa Nist.

abc

Atop her Badgley Mischka gown, Nist wore a traditional veil and a diamond-and-pearl drop necklace with complementary earrings. She kept her hair and makeup natural for her closeup.

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Proud Mom Moment

THE GOLDEN WEDDING Album
Theresa Nist and Tommy Nist.

John & Joseph Photography/disney

Nist was walked down the aisle by her son, Tommy Nist.

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Solo Stroll

THE GOLDEN WEDDING Album
Gerry Turner.

John & Joseph Photography/disney

Turner, in a classic black tux, walked himself down the aisle with a big smile.

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The Groom

THE GOLDEN WEDDING Album
Gerry Turner.

John & Joseph Photography/disney

He grew emotional watching Nist make her way down the aisle.

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The Happy Couple

the golden bachelor wedding
Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist.

abc

In their vows, the pair recalled the milestones in their relationship.

“From the first sip of chocolate shake to the last taste of Costa Rican coffee, I learned that you are the woman I can't live without," Turner said. "I learned that you make me calm, with the touch of your hand. I've learned that you make me laugh with the easy comfort of long lost friends.” 

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'So Much Love to Share'

THE GOLDEN WEDDING Album
Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist.

John & Joseph Photography/disney

The couple made some jokes about their ages in their vows, too, but kept it all sincere.

“We have that same deep love of family,” Nist said. “We have so much love to share and now so many more people to share it with. I promise to be calm in the storm, to comfort you when you're sad, to laugh with you when you're happy, and to stick with you throughout it all, but most of all, to have fun. For the rest of the days that we have left on this earth, which could be another hour."

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The Celeb Officiant

the golden bachelor wedding
Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist.

abc

Former Golden Bachelor contestant Susan Noles officiated the ceremony (she's been ordained for 10 years!).

“I can't even tell you how excited I am right now and so grateful to welcome you all here to celebrate this love that these two have found,” Noles shared as the ceremony began.

After the vows and formalities, the couple exchanged Neil Lane rings.

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Kiss the Bride!

THE GOLDEN WEDDING Album
Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist.

John & Joseph Photography/disney

Mr. and Mrs. shared a passionate kiss and hug after they were pronounced husband and wife.

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The Newlyweds!

golden bachelor wedding
Theresa Nist & Gerry Turner.

abc

The newly married pair led the way down the aisle into the reception, a portion of which was televised.

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To Have and to Hold

THE GOLDEN WEDDING Album
Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist.

John & Joseph Photography/disney

“You were the love that came silently and without warning. You were authentic, Theresa, you have my heart and I have yours," Turner said in his vows.

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Charlee Young, Jenny Young, Angie Warner & Payton Young

THE GOLDEN WEDDING Album
Charlee Young, Jenny Young, Angie Warner & Payton Young.

John & Joseph Photography/disney

Turner's daughters Jenny Young and Angie Warner were bridesmaids for the evening; they wore ruffled mint-green Badgley Mischka dresses for the big moment. The groom's granddaughters Charlee and Payton Young served as junior bridesmaids and wore contrasting gowns.

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Jen Woolston & Amanda Nist

THE GOLDEN WEDDING Album
Jen Woolston & Amanda Nist.

John & Joseph Photography/disney

Nist's daughter, Jen Woolston, was matron of honor, with her daughter-in-law Amanda Nist serving as a bridesmaid.

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Kathy Swarts & Charity Lawson

THE GOLDEN WEDDING
Kathy Swartz & Charity Lawson.

Eric McCandless/disney

The evening's special correspondent was former Golden Bachelor contestant Kathy Swarts, who spent time with the most recent Bachelorette, Charity Lawson.

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Ryan & Trista Sutter

THE GOLDEN WEDDING
Ryan & Trista Sutter.

James Clark/disney

Trista and Ryan Sutterthe first Bachelor Nation couple to ever wed on TV — were among the many franchise guests.

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Jason & Molly Mesnick

THE GOLDEN WEDDING
Jason & Molly Mesnick.

James Clark/disney

Another Bachelor Nation success story, Jason and Molly Mesnick arrived arm-in-arm.

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Jesse Palmer

THE GOLDEN WEDDING
Jesse Palmer.

James Clark/disney

Bachelor host Jesse Palmer was on hand to host the festivities, though said he might have to leave if his wife went into labor!

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Brayden Bowers & Christina Mandrell

THE GOLDEN WEDDING
Brayden Bowers & Christina Mandrell.

James Clark/disney

In a big surprise, Bachelor in Paradise contestants Brayden Bowers and Christina Mandrell got engaged live on TV just before the wedding!

"Like Gerry said, it's like, you know, we have such little time and ... I just know that I want to spend the rest of my days with you," Bowers said in part while popping the question.

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Joey Graziadei

THE GOLDEN WEDDING
Joey Graziadei.

James Clark/disney

Will he be next?! The upcoming Bachelor star Joey Graziadei made a splash at the event.

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Jared Haibon & Ashley Iaconetti

THE GOLDEN WEDDING
Jared Haibon & Ashley Iaconetti.

James Clark/disney

Bachelor Nation favorites Jared Haibon and Ashley Iaconetti coordinated in black.

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Tayshia Adams & Natascha Hardee

THE GOLDEN WEDDING
Tayshia Adams & Natascha Hardee.

James Clark/disney

Former Bachelorette Tayshia Adams snapped a selfie with Golden Bachelor's Natascha Hardee.

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Kenny Braasch & Mari Pepin

THE GOLDEN WEDDING
Kenny Braasch & Mari Pepin.

James Clark/disney

Bachelor in Paradise newlyweds Kenny Braasch and Mari Pepin were also at the wedding.

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Zach Shallcross & Kaity Biggar

THE GOLDEN WEDDING
Zach Shallcross & Kaity Biggar.

James Clark/disney

Bachelor bride- and groom-to-be Zach Shallcross and Kaity Biggar enjoyed a night out.

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Wells Adams

THE GOLDEN WEDDING
Wells Adams.

James Clark/disney

Bachelor in Paradise alumnus Wells Adams got all dressed up for the evening.

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Michelle Young & Jack Leius

THE GOLDEN WEDDING
Michelle Young & Jack Leius.

James Clark/disney

Former Bachelorette star Michelle Young brought boyfriend Jack Leius as her date.

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Patty James, Nancy Hulkower, Anna Zalk & Joan Vassos

THE GOLDEN WEDDING
Patty James, Nancy Hulkower, Anna Zalk & Joan Vassos.

James Clark/disney

Many of the Golden Bachelor contestants were in attendance, including Patty James, Nancy Hulkower, Anna Zalk and Joan Vassos, who greeted each other on the gold carpet.

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The Setting

The Golden Bachelor wedding
The Golden Wedding.

Topher Gauk-Roger

The ceremony took place at the scenic La Quinta Resort and Club in La Quinta, California, as the sun set.

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The Drinks

The Golden Bachelor wedding
The Golden Wedding.

Topher Gauk-Roger

Cocktails included some favorites with cheeky names, like the "Turner into a Mrs." (vodka, cranberry juice and lime) the "Birthday Suit" (a spicy margarita) and "The Final Rose" (an Old Fashioned).

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