Bachelor in Paradise's Kenny Braasch and Mari Pepin Throw Retro '70s- and '80s-Themed Wedding Bash (Exclusive)

Kenny Braasch and Mari Pepin took a step back in time to celebrate their “eternal love”.

The Bachelor in Paradise stars — who tied the knot in Puerto Rico in November — hosted a second wedding at 115 Bourbon Street in Chicago over the weekend.

“This is basically a big themed party,” Pepin tells PEOPLE. “Although I will be wearing another wedding dress, this time we won’t have another walk down the aisle or ceremony. We decided to do a retro ’70s and ’80s theme to make it more casual and fun, not formal.”

Kenny Braasch and Mari Pepin at the after-wedding party.

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The couple chose the last decade as a nod to Braasch’s love of “all things ’80s,” adds Pepen. “I love the bright colors and disco balls that were popular in the 70s, so it was the perfect way to give a different vibe to each event.”

Although the couple’s destination wedding was an “intimate” affair with close friends and family, they knew they wanted to have a big party for their local celebration.

Bachelor in Paradise’Kenny Braasch and Mari Pepin got married! Inside a Puerto Rico wedding! (Exclusive)

Kenny Braash poses with party guests.

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“When we decided to hold our first wedding in Puerto Rico, we knew that this meant that many of our friends, family, work colleagues, etc. might not be able to attend due to the travel, time and expense, so from the beginning in the planning process we decided that we will have something local where everyone will have the opportunity to celebrate with us,” says Pepin.

“I think the fact that our wedding in Puerto Rico was smaller, more intimate and with our families also made it a special moment, which was really nice because we’re both very family-oriented,” she adds.

Braasch and Pepin wanted the festivities to be “relaxed” and to be “all about having fun.”

The evening began with a cocktail hour, followed by a clip of the ceremony in Puerto Rico, before the couple made their ceremonial entrance to the reception. “We wanted to keep a few traditional elements so people still feel like they’re at a wedding rather than a themed party,” says Pepin, noting that the evening included the couple’s second “first dance,” a cake cutting, and a garter and bouquet throwing.

A four-tier pancake-inspired cake on display at Kenny Braasch and Mari Pepin’s party.

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The decor included orange, hot pink and aqua with “disco balls galore”. They also had custom bar signs made by By Sunkissed Native, retro-looking table numbers, and a huge acrylic seating arrangement. Guests were encouraged to wear clothing in keeping with the “retro style” theme.

The music, however, mixed old and new tunes.

“We really wanted to keep the theme in as many ways as possible, but I really didn’t want to just play ’70s and ’80s music all night,” says Pepin. “I wanted the guests to have a mix of throwback and modern music, so we’re playing throwback songs during the cocktail hour and we’ll play a wider mix during the party.”

‘BIP’s’ Mari Pepin Opens Up About Planning a ‘Tropical’ Wedding in Puerto Rico with Kenny Braasch

Kenny Braasch and Mari Pepin in their first party look.

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Pepin wore a Norma by Justin Alexander dress, which featured an illusion back, elegant silhouette and slightly puffed long sleeves, which she says “subtly hinted at our theme.” Her other outfit for the celebration was created by close friend Stefanie Naylor and had “all the vibe of an ’80s wedding dress, but with a modern twist.”

Mari Pepin’s first party look had the illusion of a back.

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Braasch opted for the fun 80s”Miami Vice-light pink suit,” the same suit he wore to Paradise’s ’80s prom — a fun nod to their Bachelor in Paradise beginnings.

Kenny Braasch wore a pink suit and sneakers to the party.

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A blueberry cake made by a couple from West Town Bakery was “unique in both taste and design”, and made to “taste and look like a stack of pancakes”. The sweet treat featured maple cream cheese and almond filling, with maple butter frosting and maple syrup oozing along the edges.

Mari Pepin and Kenny Braasch pose in their after-party outfits.

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The party capped off what has been a time of post-wedding bliss for the couple – although they say not much has changed for them since it became official.

“The feeling is about the same as before. It’s just comfortable, and it’s all about falling into our 9:00 bedtime routine [p.m.]”, explains Braasch.

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Source: HIS Education