“The Challenge” Star Tony Raines Marries High School Love Alyssa Giacone: ‘18 Years in the Making!’ (Exclusive)

"It’s a fairytale," Raine's long time love tells PEOPLE. "I’ve pretty much been waiting for this moment since high school!"

Tony Raines said 'I do' to his high school sweetheart!

On Oct. 14, The Challenge Star, 35, tied the knot with his fiancé Alyssa Giacone in a small, intimate ceremony at Strawberry Manor in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. The couple wanted their venue to be close to home to ensure that all their friends and family would be able to attend their special day.

"There is so much I love about her," Raines told PEOPLE ahead of their wedding day. "From her looks to how great a mother she is to the way she cares for me, but what means the most is the feeling that I get knowing that she supports me through everything, and truly having a partner that has my back and best interest at heart."

The reality star and Giacone are parents to daughter Isla Rose, who they welcomed in November 2016. Raines is also dad to daughter Harper London from a previous relationship.

"For me, it’s a fairytale! I’ve pretty much been waiting for this moment since high school!" Giacone says. "It’s been a super chill planning experience which has made it even better and I’m just ready for the big day to get here."

Related: 'The Challenge' Star Tony Raines Is Engaged to Longtime Girlfriend Alyssa Giacone

Decor for the couple's ceremony, which was officiated by their close friend Nick Mayeur, incorporated their favorite fall colors including sienna, navy and cream.

Giacone walked down the aisle to "Never Enough" by Lauren Allred, before the pair exchanged rings by O’Hallorans Jeweler. "We both wanted to write and read our own vows to each other, and our two daughters are walking down the aisle as well," says Raines, who first met Giacone back in middle school.

"I love the fact that one our best friends is our officiant, and our little girls and nephew are included in the ceremony," he adds.

The bride wore a simple, elegant dress from Allure Bridals, while her hair and makeup was by Bobbi at Verde Beauty. "I thought it was so pretty," she says of her gown. "It was the first dress I put on and I was absolutely in love, I tried on about 20 more gowns and nothing made me feel like that dress, so I knew it was the one."

She continues: "I'm looking forward to seeing Tony's reaction when he finally sees me! I’ve managed to keep my wedding dress a secret for almost a year, and I’m so excited. I'm also having Tony do a first look with our daughters and I can’t wait to see how the pictures turn out."

Following their 'I do's', the newlyweds joined guests at their reception where they dined tuna tataki, bbq shrimp and filet mignon tips from Catering-Buddies Bar & Grill. For dessert, the pair cut into their 3-tier traditional wedding cake with raspberry filling.

Later in the evening, Raines and Giacone shared a first dance to "Lover" by Taylor Swift. Throughout the night also had a DJ from Rock-It productions encouraging guests to get on the dance floor.

"He is one of the hardest workers I know and would do literally anything for me and the kids," says Giacone of her husband. "I love his sense of humor and how he can make me laugh and his dedication and drive to become the best version of himself."

She continues: "He has taught me patience and how to not take life so seriously all the time and honestly, he’s just a really amazing partner and I couldn’t imagine being with anyone else."

Related: 'The Challenge' 's Tony Raines Recalls 'Traumatic' Moment Home Collapsed During Hurricane Ida

The pair originally planned to tie the knot in 2020, but postponed their ceremony due to the pandemic.

"Then in 2021 we were impacted by Hurricane Ida which again set us back," he continues. "After settling in our new home (the pair lost their previous home in the hurricane), we finally picked Oct. 14, which is 2 days shy of exactly 5 years since the engagement on Oct. 12, 2018."

Now that the day has finally arrived they couldn't be happier.

"It means making official what has been 18 years in the making," Raines days. "I’m just excited to finally call her my wife and not girlfriend/fiancé/baby momma!"

After the wedding they plan to take a honeymoon in Italy or Hawaii.

"The next chapter looks like another baby and just living in the moment and enjoying this family that we’ve built!" says Giacone.

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