This is a tale of love after love.
“Golden Bachelor” Gerry Turner, 72, is all set to tie the knot with his fiancée Theresa Nist, 70, in a live TV special on Thursday, January 4. This will mark the second marriage for both of them.
The announcement of their wedding plans was made on TV during the finale of “The Golden Bachelor” in December 2023, where Turner picked Nist over fellow contestant Leslie Fhima.
While the couple mentioned to Entertainment Weekly that they are expecting “millions” to tune in to the event from home, they anticipate a guest count of 100 to 150 people attending the ceremony in person.
Here are the individuals who will, and might, attend.
The cast of “The Golden Bachelor”
Nist expressed to Entertainment Weekly that she and Turner have extended invitations to the entire cast of “The Golden Bachelor.”
“We want all the women from ‘The Golden Bachelor’ to be present. We’re uncertain of who will be able to attend,” she mentioned.
Kathy Swartz
Kathy Swartz had made an observation on “The Golden Bachelor,” predicting the relationship between Theresa and Gerry—although not always being thrilled about it. Along with former “Bachelorette” Charity Lawson, she will be interviewing individuals as they arrive at the wedding.
Susan Noles
Susan Noles has confirmed her attendance. The beloved cast member revealed that she will be officiating the ceremony in the week leading up to the big day. “I’m just beyond excited!” she wrote on Instagram.
Nist expressed her excitement in the comments of the Instagram post, “We couldn’t be more thrilled to have you officiate for us, Susan!!! Love you so much for being the wonderful woman you are and for doing this for us!!! We cannot wait!!!”
Leslie Fhima
The runner up, Leslie Fhima, confirmed her presence at the ceremony through a post on her Instagram story, one day before the main event.
Bachelor Nation
Nist also shared with Entertainment Weekly that members of Bachelor Nation—former participants of the reality franchise—will also be in attendance.
The list includes Trista and Ryan Sutter and Jason and Molly Mesnick, all of whom had televised weddings following their seasons on “The Bachelorette” and “The Bachelor,” respectively.
One of the future “Bachelor” participants, Joey Graziadei, attended and had a red carpet reunion with Charity Lawson, whose season of “The Bachelorette” he appeared on.
Families of Nist and Turner
Both Turner and Nist had been previously married. Turner has two daughters and two granddaughters, while Nist has a son, daughter and six grandsons, as per People. Nist’s sisters also made an appearance on “The Golden Bachelor.”
Nist and Turner intend to involve their family members in the bridal party. “There’s not anybody that’s left out,” she mentioned to Entertainment Weekly. “It’s going to be a big bridal party.”
Turner’s daughters, Angie Warner and Jenny Young, along with granddaughters Charlee and Payton Young, made their debut in the “Golden Bachelor” finale.
Nist informed People that her daughter, Jen, was a “lifesaver” during the wedding planning process, stating that she didn’t “know if there would be a wedding if (Jen) wasn’t involved.”
The wedding coincidentally falls on Jen’s birthday, which Nist regards as a gift: “She fell in love with Gerry.”
