‘RHOC’ Alum Alexis Bellino Marries John Janssen in ‘Rustic’ Wedding (Exclusive)

Alexis Bellino has tied the knot!

The Real Housewives of Orange County alum, 48, married John Janssen at a “whimsical, rustic venue” in Laguna Beach, Calif., on Friday, Oct. 3. The wedding was attended by 140 of the couple’s closest family members and friends, including RHOC’s Tamra Judge, Jo De La Rosa and Heather Amin, as well as McBee Dynasty‘s Galyna Saltkovska. 

“We envisioned a dreamy, romantic, rustic chic vibe with earthy elegance,” Bellino exclusively tells PEOPLE.

The Bravo star instantly knew her “breathtaking” venue was the one when she stepped out of her car for the first visit and “immediately felt the presence” of her mother, Penelope, who died in August 2023. She was also drawn to its “intimate” setting.

“Our venue gave us that perfect mix of natural beauty and privacy, nestled between the canyon and the sea,” she says. “It felt like we were celebrating in a secret garden by the ocean.”

The venue was decorated with “soft whites, dusty rose, greenery and touches of natural wood.” Guests were requested to dress in the same color palette of “light and earthy tones” and “highly discouraged from wearing black” in order to “fit the whimsical essence.”

As for Bellino, she wore three different bridal looks. The reality TV star’s ceremony gown was created over six months by Julie Hurt, owner and founder of Modern Bride and Creative Director & Designer of DiKaSa Bridal Couture in Scottsdale, Ariz.

“We created a timeless, elegant, dress, but I did not want to wear white,” Bellino shares. “I was drawn to the romantic silhouette and how I felt when I put it on: powerful, feminine, and ready to marry the love of my life. My gown was all jewels, so I felt like a diamond walking to him.”

Underneath the dress was a custom metal garter with a delicate cross, designed by Lisa Valenzuela, owner of Truly Blessed Jewels. “It was a sacred, personal touch I’ll cherish forever,” Bellino notes.

Later in the night, she changed into two more looks.

“After removing the train and veil I wore during the first hour of the reception, my ceremony gown became sleeker for the reception,” Bellino explains. “My next gown for the reception was short, white, sleeker, lighter, and made for dancing. It still retained all the bridal glamour, but it was comfortable for cake cutting and dancing the night away!”

One of Bellino’s non-negotiables was that her family be as involved as possible in the big day. For example, Bellino’s children — James, 19, Miles, 17, and Mackenna, 17, whom she shares with her ex-husband Jim, 63 — and Janssen’s children — Jessica, Juliet and Joseph — each played a “meaningful role.”

As “a symbolic moment of blending [their] families,” the bride and groom gave their daughters beautifully handcrafted bracelets that Bellino co-designed with Valenzuela. Meanwhile, their sons were presented with custom bracelets from Kenton Michael Jewelry.

Afterward, at the ceremony, Bellino and Janssen walked down the aisle with their respective children, before sharing handwritten vows aloud to them and each other. During Bellino’s “emotional and sacred” walk down the aisle, Worship Pastor Joey Molina sang Hillsong UNITED’s “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” accompanied by a string quartet.

Next was an “incredibly emotional and spiritual” rose ceremony honoring the couple’s loved ones as “Way Maker” played in the background.

The ceremony was officiated by the couple’s longtime pastor, Jon Krist.

At the reception, the newlyweds had their first dance to “I Got You Babe” by Sonny & Cher. Guests then approached “interactive and fun gourmet food stations,” dining from a menu curated around the couple’s favorite foods, including: a gourmet taco bar, carving station, and seafood spread.

For a dessert was a four-tiered cake flavored with salted chocolate ganache and vanilla bean with vanilla filling. Miles, who insisted that Bellino and Janssen have a wedding cake despite them not being cake lovers, had the honor of serving and cutting the first slice with Mackenna. A Neapolitan ice cream sundae bar and coffee station also added “a sweet end to a sweet day.”

Other notable wedding details included a “fabulous” DJ, rock violinist, a custom rap written and performed by private chef Mac Noodlez, a Magic Castle magician, and Rancher Hat Bar‘s custom hat station.

“We wanted the vibe of an intimate, unique ceremony followed by evolving entertainment throughout the evening and surprises for our guests around every corner!” Bellino says, continuing, “Also, excellent food, exceptional music and entertainment that would keep the guests wondering what comes next! We wanted moments that felt like us.”

“We wanted every moment to be about connection and celebration,” she adds, noting that a welcome dinner took place on Oct. 2 and a gourmet farewell brunch was held on Oct. 4.

“This wedding was absolutely a dream come true,” she tells PEOPLE. “Emotional, joyful, sacred, and so us. Truly the most magical day of our lives.”

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Bellino and Janssen were introduced by a mutual friend at The Quiet Woman in Corona Del Mar, and “instantly connected over family values, faith, and laughter.” The spark was “undeniable.”

The couple got engaged after nine months of dating on Aug. 27, 2024, during a romantic getaway at San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara, Calif. “It was just the two of us, with heartfelt words and tears. It was everything — simple, genuine, and full of love,” Bellino remembers.

Before their wedding, the couple took a pre-honeymoon cruise in Alaska and plan to go on a formal honeymoon “after things calm down” after the holidays. They hope to visit “Bora Bora, Maldives, or some romantic, tropical place neither of us have been.”

Beyond that, the pair looks forward to “more love, more adventure, more family memories.”

“Blending our families fully, building a life rooted in love and faith, and continuing to grow together,” Bellino tells PEOPLE of her future plans. “And lots of grandchildren, obviously. With six kids, there will be a lot of grandkids!”

She continues, “We’re excited for quiet mornings, six wild adult kids, travels, and new traditions as husband and wife.”

Additional Credits:
Wedding Planner: Mary Dann Luxury Travel & Events
Rentals: Signature Party Rentals
Photographer: Jeremy Fraser/LA Exposures
Videographer: Kim Sprenger/Berly Productions
Hair and Makeup: Jennifer Jansen
Entertainment: KC Campbell, VOX DJs and Entertainment
Groom’s Suit: David August Bespoke
Wedding Rings: Winston’s Jewelry