Celebrity Celebrity Weddings 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 By Kate Hogan Kate Hogan Kate Hogan is Director of Digital Specials and Features at PEOPLE, as well as the editor of Stories to Make You Smile. She has been working at PEOPLE since 2008. People Editorial Guidelines Published on January 4, 2024 10:39PM EST Close 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. 01 of 30 Theresa's Wedding Dress 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." 02 of 30 Theresa's Bridal Accessories 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. 03 of 30 The Wedding Flowers Theresa Nist. John & Joseph Photography/disney The flowers were equally soft, a mix of white, pink and blush blooms. 04 of 30 Theresa's Bridal Glam 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. 05 of 30 Proud Mom Moment Theresa Nist and Tommy Nist. John & Joseph Photography/disney Nist was walked down the aisle by her son, Tommy Nist. 06 of 30 Solo Stroll Gerry Turner. John & Joseph Photography/disney Turner, in a classic black tux, walked himself down the aisle with a big smile. 07 of 30 The Groom Gerry Turner. John & Joseph Photography/disney He grew emotional watching Nist make her way down the aisle. 08 of 30 The Happy Couple 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.” 09 of 30 'So Much Love to Share' 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." 10 of 30 The Celeb Officiant 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. 11 of 30 Kiss the Bride! 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. 12 of 30 The Newlyweds! Theresa Nist & Gerry Turner. abc The newly married pair led the way down the aisle into the reception, a portion of which was televised. 13 of 30 To Have and to Hold 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. 14 of 30 Charlee Young, Jenny Young, Angie Warner & Payton Young 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. 15 of 30 Jen Woolston & Amanda Nist 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. 16 of 30 Kathy Swarts & Charity Lawson 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. 17 of 30 Ryan & Trista Sutter Ryan & Trista Sutter. James Clark/disney Trista and Ryan Sutter — the first Bachelor Nation couple to ever wed on TV — were among the many franchise guests. 18 of 30 Jason & Molly Mesnick Jason & Molly Mesnick. James Clark/disney Another Bachelor Nation success story, Jason and Molly Mesnick arrived arm-in-arm. 19 of 30 Jesse Palmer 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! 20 of 30 Brayden Bowers & Christina Mandrell 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. 21 of 30 Joey Graziadei Joey Graziadei. James Clark/disney Will he be next?! The upcoming Bachelor star Joey Graziadei made a splash at the event. 22 of 30 Jared Haibon & Ashley Iaconetti Jared Haibon & Ashley Iaconetti. James Clark/disney Bachelor Nation favorites Jared Haibon and Ashley Iaconetti coordinated in black. 23 of 30 Tayshia Adams & Natascha Hardee Tayshia Adams & Natascha Hardee. James Clark/disney Former Bachelorette Tayshia Adams snapped a selfie with Golden Bachelor's Natascha Hardee. 24 of 30 Kenny Braasch & Mari Pepin Kenny Braasch & Mari Pepin. James Clark/disney Bachelor in Paradise newlyweds Kenny Braasch and Mari Pepin were also at the wedding. 25 of 30 Zach Shallcross & Kaity Biggar Zach Shallcross & Kaity Biggar. James Clark/disney Bachelor bride- and groom-to-be Zach Shallcross and Kaity Biggar enjoyed a night out. 26 of 30 Wells Adams Wells Adams. James Clark/disney Bachelor in Paradise alumnus Wells Adams got all dressed up for the evening. 27 of 30 Michelle Young & Jack Leius Michelle Young & Jack Leius. James Clark/disney Former Bachelorette star Michelle Young brought boyfriend Jack Leius as her date. 28 of 30 Patty James, Nancy Hulkower, Anna Zalk & Joan Vassos 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. 29 of 30 The Setting 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. 30 of 30 The Drinks 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).