IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

‘Bachelor’ couple Mesnick, Malaney tie knot

An estimated 300 guests witnessed the vows at the Terranea Resort on the coast of Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif. The nuptials will be televised on the March 8 ABC special "The Bachelor: Jason and Molly’s Wedding."
/ Source: PEOPLE.com

Controversial "Bachelor" couple Jason Mesnick and Molly Malaney officially said “I do” on Saturday, PEOPLE has learned.

An estimated 300 guests witnessed Mesnick, 33, and Malaney, 25, exchange vows at the breathtaking Terranea Resort on the coast of Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif. The nuptials will be televised on the March 8 ABC special "The Bachelor: Jason and Molly’s Wedding."

Despite periodic evening rains and a morning tsunami warning (a result of the 8.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Chile early Saturday), the outdoor ceremony took place at the resort’s Palos Verdes Meadows Lawn bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

“We’re really excited for them,” former bachelorette Jillian Harris tells PEOPLE. Harris who vied for Mesnick’s affection on "The Bachelor," attended the nuptials with Ed Swiderski, to whom she became engaged last year on "The Bachelorette."

“They are very ‘normal’ in one sense, but on the other hand both of us have been through things in terms of the tabloids and drama after our shows were over,” says Harris. “We’re so sympathetic to each other’s relationships that we’re huge supporters of each other.”

Former "Bachelor" and "Bachelorette" contestants Trista and Ryan Sutter (the first couple from the ABC franchise to ever wed), DeAnna Pappas, Jesse Csinsak and Kiptyn Locke were among the guests seated in white linen ottomans and sofas on the lawn. They watched Malaney, bedecked in a $45,000, strapless Monique Lhuillier gown and Neil Lane jewelry walk down a 200-ft. aisle to “Over the Rainbow,” sung by "American Idol’s" Jason Castro, toward Mesnick, who wore a dark suit with a black tie. The ceremony lasted 15 minutes — and concluded with the release of white doves into the rainy skies, as Mesnick tried to shield Molly’s hair from the dampness.

The couple, who became engaged last October, said their vows under a driftwood-covered arbor decorated and designed by event and floral designer Eden Rodriguez of End Design. Antique butterfly cages were set throughout the ceremony area, which was also decorated with white orchids and pieces of driftwood for a rustic beach-inspired look.

Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktails before entering the resort for an indoor ballroom reception. Before going inside, everyone received an escort card with a love coin to toss in a wishing fountain.

The couple worked with wedding planner Jo Gartin of Love Luck and Angels to create a reception that was a mix of Molly’s love for modern style and Jason’s love for vintage touches. The couple chose a mostly white decor with green and black touches. Guests enjoyed a candle-lit dinner at square and rectangular tables decorated with centerpieces of white tulips, orchids and Casablanca lilies and black pepper berries.

Other touches included romantic European-style dinnerware in different designs, 15-ft. tall trees, a custom lacquer dance floor and thousands of candles.

After a tropical honeymoon, Mesnick and Malaney will return to Seattle, where they’ve lived together since last September.