The Most Romantic Things Golden Bachelor's Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist Said About Each Other Before Divorcing

Gerry on Saying 'I Love You' for the First Time

Ahead of the season finale and winner reveal, Gerry Turner and his wife-to-be sat down with PEOPLE to talk about their journey on the show and reflect on their most romantic moments. Turner recalled their time together in the Fantasy Suites and the moment he became "100 percent confident" that Nist was his person.

“Part of our conversation in the Fantasy Suites [was] the first time really that I seriously told her that I loved her,” Gerry remembered. “It was almost an announcement of excitement. I said it three times in a row, ‘Theresa, I love you. I love you, I love you.’ And I go, ‘And I'm going to ask you to marry me. I don't know if you're going to say yes, but I'm going to ask you.’ "

Theresa on Her Love for Gerry

Nist, on the other hand, professed her passion for Turner a few episodes earlier, when she introduced him to her family members back home in New Jersey. After spending time with Nist's sisters, daughter and grandkids, the couple took a ride on a Ferris wheel, where the lovestruck contestant found words for her feelings.

“I had such an amazing time today, having you met my family and seeing how much they loved you just made me be able to say this right now," Nist gushed. "You know, I said I was falling in love with you, I am in love with you. I can’t picture my life without you now.”

Gerry on Theresa's Connection with His Family

Nist didn't get to meet Turner's family members until the end of the season, but things started to click once he glimpsed Nist with his two daughters and two granddaughters.

“Seeing Theresa with my family, I saw what my life would look like, and it was a very nice picture," Turner said in a confessional during the final episode.

Gerry and Theresa on Their Blended Family

The pair were delighted by how well their families merged. In an interview with PEOPLE, they both agreed that their daughters are "like sisters now."

Their blended family's strong dynamic doesn't come as much of a surprise to Turner, who already felt connected to Nist's daughter, Jen, during his hometown visit.

“I looked at Jen and it was like, ‘This could be my own daughter,’” Gerry explained to PEOPLE. “I literally was having those thoughts because she was so kind and she was so sensitive to the situation, to her mom and to me. The whole dynamic just worked.”

Gerry on Watching Their Fantasy Suite Episode

The couple's chemistry spiked noticeably after their night in the Fantasy Suite, and Turner was moved to see their love blossom on screens when the scene aired.

“After that episode, I called Theresa on the phone, and I said, ‘You know, I just watched myself fall in love with you,’ ” Gerry told PEOPLE.

Theresa on Anticipating Married Life

Nist had said she couldn't wait to begin married life in January. Speaking to PEOPLE, the bride-to-be detailed the many exciting milestones waiting for her and Gerry, from finding a new home — they were planning a move to Charleston, South Carolina — to taking vacations together.

"We feel like we're going to have the best lives ever," she said.

Gerry on Theresa's 'Incredible' Career Success

Once it was down to the final two women, Nist and runner-up Leslie Fhima, Turner got to know how both women live their lives off camera and at home. During their week 7 date, he inquired about Nist's career as a financial services professional and was delighted to hear about her successful work.

In a confessional, Turner gave the finalist some well-deserved props.

“Theresa’s very accomplished in her career," he said. "I’m totally impressed by her ability to start a business and work it into something that’s much larger. It’s pretty incredible."

Theresa on Gerry's Admirable Traits

Nist was similarly impressed by Gerry's strong qualities, and she shared her appreciation in a post-season interview with PEOPLE.

“He is so positive and outgoing and dynamic and has ambition and drive and is exciting,” Nist said.