Arianne Zucker and Shawn Christian are revealing the specifics of their recent nuptials, which were a blend of “rustic charm and elegant.”
“Our aim was to create an unforgettable experience that would etch itself into the hearts and minds of our guests forever,” Zucker, 50, confides to PEOPLE in an exclusive chat.
The pair, who first encountered each other on the set of “Days of Our Lives” and started their romantic journey in 2013, exchanged vows on August 17 at Jacob’s Berry Farm in Gardnerville, Nevada.
The pre-wedding festivities began the evening prior as attendees converged at a wine bar for a “sunset soiree by the water,” Zucker recounts.
On the day of their wedding, 100 loved ones gathered at Jacob’s Berry Farm, a location the bride describes as “an ideal mix of breathtaking nature, with the magnificent Sierra Mountains as a backdrop, complemented by the down-to-earth delight of a chic, rustic barn fete.”
“We believed this place encapsulated our essence, and we were eager to share that essence with our guests,” she continues.
Ensuring everyone felt included in their momentous day was the couple’s top concern.
“Our primary requirement was for everyone to relish being a part of this experience,” Christian, 58, says of the celebration orchestrated by coordinator Cynthia Ferris-Bennet.
Christian’s closest friend and best man, Tony Yasik, led the ceremony, which included traditional elements and honored Zucker’s Jewish roots with the breaking of the glass.
Zucker donned a Pinterest-discovered dress that exuded “bohemian and country grace,” complemented by a belt and cowboy boots, and walked down the aisle to Lionel Richie’s “All Night Long.” Her makeup was done by Sarah Santa.
“No big-name designers. More about the joy, less about the glitz! ” she tells PEOPLE. “When dress shopping, you have a vision that aligns with your wedding theme, and then suddenly, it appears on your Pinterest feed.
I’ve always been about how the clothes make you feel, not the designer label.”
For her second look at the reception, Zucker chose a different vibe: “graceful flow and undeniable allure,” she adds.
Guests enjoyed a feast of seasonal roasted vegetables, Atlantic salmon, filet mignon with locally foraged mushrooms, and rosemary parmesan focaccia, followed by vegan cookies, brownies, and mini cannolis for dessert, all catered by Sierra Chef.
A highlight of the night was the lively dancing, with a wedding flash mob being the highlight of the evening’s entertainment, set to music by McClains DJ.
Dance instructor Catherine Arens helped choreograph the couple’s grand entrance, a routine that merged swing, waltz, and funk.
Their official first dance was to Gabby Barrett’s “One of the Good Ones,” with Zucker lip-syncing as Christian watched tearfully. “It was exquisite,” Christian adds.
The wedding took place nearly two years after the couple’s 2022 proposal on Lake Tahoe — a complete surprise for Zucker, who thought she was organizing a Father’s Day outing.
Christian proposed on one knee, presenting a Tahoe-blue, teardrop-shaped aquamarine Tiffany ring.
“After 11 years together and navigating the peaks and valleys of our relationship, Shawn has helped me become a better woman, mother, and partner,” Zucker tells PEOPLE. “He’s equipped me with the tools to elevate my life’s aspirations, and I can only see our bond deepening with each passing day.”
For Christian, the wedding solidified their commitment in the eyes of their family and friends.
“Marriage to Ari signifies a commitment to nurturing the best in each other, creating a more compassionate world within and around us,” he says.
And the celebration that marked the start of their new chapter is one they would happily relive time and again. “There was so much joy and laughter; we would do it all again in a heartbeat,” he says.