Junior Rasmussen
The Golden Bachelor wedding between Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist took place on 5 January 2024 at the La Quinta Resort and Club in La Quinta, California. The ceremony was televised live on ABC and was attended by 150 guests. Gerry, 72, and Theresa, 70, first met on the inaugural senior season of The Golden Bachelor, an ABC dating show featuring older cast members. Gerry, a widower, lost his wife Toni in 2017 after 43 years of marriage, while Theresa's husband William died in 2014 after 42 years of marriage. The couple bonded over the loss of their respective high school sweethearts and decided to honour them at their wedding.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 5 January 2024 |
| Time | 8 p.m. ET/PT |
| Location | La Quinta Resort and Club, La Quinta, California |
| Couple | Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist |
| Ages | 72 and 70 |
| Number of guests | 150 |
| Officiant | Susan |
| Where to watch | ABC, Hulu |
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What You'll Learn
Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist's wedding ceremony
The ceremony was held at the La Quinta Resort and Club in La Quinta, California, in a picturesque setting in the Southern California desert. The groom, Gerry, 72, walked down the aisle, which was lined with roses, turned around and walked back, mouthing "For real this time!" to the guests, as the first walk-down was for the cameras broadcasting the wedding on ABC. The bridesmaids and groomsmen then took their seats in front of the altar, ensuring the couple had the guests' undivided attention.
The bride, Theresa, 70, stunned in her gown and veil as she walked down the aisle. The couple, who first met on The Golden Bachelor, bonded over their shared experiences of grieving the loss of their respective high school sweethearts, Toni and William. They honoured their late spouses during the ceremony. Theresa's daughter, Jen, gave a speech, telling Gerry to "take good care of my best friend since birth", while Gerry's daughters spoke about how their father taught thousands of compassion and kindness.
The couple exchanged vows, showed off their dance skills, and paid tribute to their late spouses. Theresa, who chose 120 songs for the event, ensured that Van Morrison and Pink, artists she deemed essential, were included in the playlist. The wedding was attended by 150 guests, and the couple later enjoyed a more intimate, off-air reception with family and friends.
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The couple's attire
For their wedding, the couple chose to wear outfits that reflected their personal style and the formal nature of the occasion. Gerry Turner, the groom, looked dapper in a traditional tuxedo, with a white shirt and a bow tie. His outfit was complemented by a boutonnière, a single flower that added a touch of elegance to his lapel.
The bride, Theresa Nist, stunned in a Badgley Mischka White Beaded Off-the-Shoulder Mermaid Tulle Wedding Gown. The dress, which was not available to purchase online, featured a beautiful off-the-shoulder neckline and a flowing mermaid-style skirt. She paired her gown with Badgley Mischka Silver Embellished Strappy Sandals, adding a touch of sparkle to her ensemble. Theresa's choice of attire showcased her elegant style and made her stand out as the radiant bride.
The guest list included friends and family, as well as members of Bachelor Nation, creating a vibrant and joyful atmosphere. The La Quinta Resort and Club in La Quinta, California, provided a picturesque backdrop for the ceremony, with an aisle lined with roses, setting the tone for a romantic and memorable event.
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The guest list
Gerry's groomsmen included his father, who is 92 years old, and his daughters, who gave a speech at the wedding. Theresa's daughter, Jen, also gave a speech.
Several fellow "Golden Bachelor" contestants were in attendance, including runner-up Leslie Fhima, who suffered a devastating breakup with Gerry, and Faith Martin, who was also a runner-up. Other contestants in attendance were Ellen, Sandra, Kathy, and Christina Mandrell, who got engaged to Brayden Bowers on the red carpet.
The bridesmaids included Natascha, who was eliminated in week 2, and Nancy, who accepted a date rose in the second episode.
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The officiant
In a post on Instagram, Susan wrote:
> "I guess the secret is out! I’m officiating THE GOLDEN WEDDING and I’m just beyond excited!!"
Theresa commented on the post, expressing her delight at Susan's involvement:
> "We couldn’t be more thrilled to have you officiate for us, Susan!!! We cannot wait!!!"
Susan's role as officiant was a highlight of the ceremony, which was televised live on ABC. In her opening remarks, she joked about her shyness and quiet personality, before going on to describe the couple's journey to finding love on the show:
> "I truly believe it was fate that brought you two together. I mean, think about it, 30,000 people applied and you were both chosen to be on The Golden Bachelor! You have both given us all so much hope that it is never ever too late to find love."
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The location
The La Quinta Resort and Club provided a stunning backdrop for the couple's special day. The resort is known for its luxurious accommodations and beautiful desert surroundings. The ceremony itself took place in a romantic setting, with an aisle lined with roses. The couple's wedding incorporated personal touches, such as a tribute to their late spouses, Billy and Toni, and a music playlist that included songs by Van Morrison and Pink.
The La Quinta Resort and Club was the perfect choice for the couple's wedding, as it offered a combination of elegance and natural beauty. The resort's architecture and landscaping enhanced the overall ambiance of the event. The desert setting provided a unique and memorable experience for both the couple and their guests. The location also provided a secluded and intimate atmosphere for the couple's celebration.
The choice of location may have also been influenced by the couple's connection to California. The Golden Bachelor was filmed in California, and the state holds a special significance for the couple. The desert setting of La Quinta also symbolised the new beginning and fresh start that the couple embarked upon as they exchanged their wedding vows.
The La Quinta Resort and Club played host to a fairy-tale wedding that captured the hearts of many. The location, with its natural beauty and elegant charm, created an unforgettable setting for the couple to celebrate their love. The desert landscape provided a stunning backdrop for the ceremony and reception, while the resort's amenities ensured a comfortable and luxurious experience for all who attended.
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Frequently asked questions
Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist got married on the 4th of January 2024.
Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist got married at the La Quinta Resort and Club in La Quinta, California.
Gerry Turner was 72 years old when he got married, and Theresa Nist was 70 years old.
Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist got married just over a month after they got engaged.
The Golden Wedding was aired live on ABC and can be streamed on Hulu.
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