General Hospital Star Steve Burton Marries Michelle Lundstrom in ‘Romantic’ Laguna Beach Wedding: All the Details (Exclusive)

Steve Burton has found his forever partner.

The actor, 54, married chef and content creator Michelle Lundstrom, 44, on Saturday, May 17 in an intimate Orthodox church ceremony, followed by a reception at Montage Laguna Beach in Laguna Beach, California. The pair’s church ceremony was immediate family-only, while their ultra-exclusive oceanfront reception was attended by 45 guests from their inner circle, including a few of the groom’s friends from General Hospital.

“This day isn’t just about a ceremony,” Burton tells PEOPLE. “It’s the beginning of forever with the love of my life.”

Lundstrom, who appeared on Netflix’s Barbecue Showdown 2, wore a custom, strapless couture gown designed by Lee Petra Grebenau for her big day. “It was exactly what I had wanted, romantic with a vintage vibe,” the bride says. Her daughters from a previous relationship, 14-year-old Lilah and 10-year-old Hannah, joined her in her search for the perfect wedding dress.

“When I tried on my dress I knew it was the one,” she recalls. “I came out to show my girls and they both said, ‘That’s the one, Mom!’ We all knew.”

“It was beyond special,” continues Lundstrom, whose hair and makeup were done by longtime friends Anzhela and Luiza Adzhiyan, respectively, who work on General Hospital.

Lilah and Hannah joined Burton’s three children — daughters Makena, 21, and Brooklyn, 10, and son Jack, 19 — in the wedding party. General Hospital stars Jonathan Jackson and wife Lisa Vultaggio were also in the wedding party.

“The girls were so excited to wear matching dresses,” Lundstrom says, with Burton adding that it “meant the world” to him to have Jack as one of his groomsmen.

The bride’s sister, Janine, served as her maid of honor. Meanwhile, Burton’s best friend, Jeremy Ross, was his best man.

Set on a coastal bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the couple’s seaside reception was made to feel even more “romantic” with stunning florals arranged by Honey Bear Events, soft candlelight and touches of blush, ivory and sea glass green.

Because Burton and Lundstrom “connected” over ’80s music and movies after meeting on social media, they requested that their pianist play ’80s romance songs during cocktail hour, and that their DJ, On the Go DJ Pro, do the same during reception.

The duo selected a more modern, though just as heartfelt, track for their first dance song — “I Choose You” by Forest Blakk.

The couple’s “dream-like celebration filled with so much love,” joined by those “who have always been there” for them, was “more meaningful than words can express.”

“I get to spend the rest of my life with my best friend, growing together each day in faith and love,” Burton says, with Lundstrom adding that marriage “means everything” to them.

Tying the knot with Burton was an especially emotional moment for Lundstrom, who has “never felt so safe and loved” by someone.

“Gosh, he’s proven that fairy tale love truly exists,” she tells PEOPLE. “He’s like pure sunshine — always uplifting, endlessly caring. His love makes me a better person every single day.”

She continues, “To have the most incredible man I’ve ever known by my side forever brings me so much peace and happiness. He is the love of my life, and I feel so blessed to call him mine.”

Burton is equally as excited to start a new chapter with Lundstrom.

“Honestly, I’ve never felt so loved and cared for in my entire life,” he admits. “I’m incredibly grateful to have her by my side. She is the most amazing, beautiful, and selfless woman I’ve ever known. I love her so much.”

The pair enjoyed a “dreamy” candlelit dinner with their guests.

The master chefs at Montage “blew away” Burton and Lundstrom with “incredible” culinary creations. The Days of Our Lives alum especially enjoyed the savory beef tenderloin. However, Burton wanted something less luxurious for his wedding cake, requesting the dessert “to taste as close to a classic grocery store sheet cake as possible.” However, he ultimately expanded his palate, compromising on a vanilla sponge cake with vanilla cream and fresh berries.

The following day, the newlyweds hosted a Sunday brunch “to celebrate once more before everyone headed home.”

The nuptials took place just four months after the couple got engaged. Lundstrom admits that planning a wedding so soon alongside The Ashlyn Company was “fun and a little crazy.”

“We didn’t want to wait to become husband and wife,” she explains.

Burton let Lundstrom “make most of the decisions,” but had “a way of keeping everything stress free.”

Burton announced his separation from his wife of 23 years Sheree Burton in May 2022. At the time, it was revealed that his ex was expecting a baby, and Burton released a statement explaining that the child was not his. Their divorce was finalized in December 2023.

Five months later in May 2024, PEOPLE confirmed that Burton was in a relationship with Lundstrom. The following month, Burton brought Lundstrom as his date to the Daytime Emmy Awards.

“Although we had been friends for a while and lived in different states, there was always an undeniable, electric connection between us,” Burton says. “She is a breath of fresh air.”

Lundstrom notes that she and Burton “built a deep, meaningful friendship before [their] relationship turned romantic.” It didn’t take long, however, for them to realize that they were each other’s perfect match, with the soap opera star popping the question on Jan. 3 in Nashville, Tennessee.

“I found a beautiful farm that had a cool stage with string lights and a small romantic chapel. I told Michelle we were going to look at a piece of property to possibly buy,” Burton remembers. “The plan unfolded perfectly and she said yes!”

“It was incredibly sweet,” Lundstrom says of the proposal. “He had a backdrop of the first place we met in person set up on the stage. When he got down on one knee, I was filled with emotion and a bit in shock. But, of course, I said yes! He then led me into the chapel, where rose petals, candles, and our photos surrounded us. We slow danced to our favorite songs as I cried happy tears. He’s very romantic. Afterward, we joined our kids and closest friends for an intimate dinner to celebrate.”

Now, the married couple is honeymooning in Maui, Hawaii.