Gabrielle Catania, the daughter of former Real Housewives of New Jersey stars Dolores and Frank Catania, has recently become engaged to Mike Tallia. The couple celebrated their joyful news following a picturesque proposal atop a mountain in Aspen, Colorado on March 19.
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In a charming winter setting during a snowboarding outing, Mike Tallia, 31, surprised Gabrielle, 30, with a beautiful 5.03-carat, oval-cut diamond ring. The diamond was sourced from John Anthony Jewelers, a luxury jeweller that also created the 11-carat engagement ring worn by Gabrielle’s mother, Dolores. The intimate proposal was expertly arranged by JoAnn Gregoli and was followed by a romantic dinner for the newly engaged couple.
Gabrielle, who works as a veterinarian, expressed her surprise and bliss at the proposal, stating that she arrived at the snowy peaks with “zero clue” that her boyfriend had planned such a significant moment. The excitement of the engagement was clear as Gabrielle joyfully displayed her new sparkler while skiing down the mountain.
Dolores, who is 55, shared her feelings about her daughter’s engagement with PEOPLE, reflecting on the unexpected nature of having both of her children engaged simultaneously. “When your children are little, you think about so many things for their future. I never imagined both of my kids would be engaged at the same time,” she expressed. Family is, without a doubt, central to Dolores, and she conveyed her happiness for the couple’s future together.
Dolores took to social media to congratulate the couple, leaving a heartfelt message on Gabrielle’s engagement announcement. “Congratulations Gabby and Mike, we are so happy for you. God bless and love you always,” she wrote. Meanwhile, Paul “Paulie” Connell, Dolores’ fiancé, also expressed his joy for the couple, stating they couldn’t wait to celebrate together.
The excitement around engagements in the Catania family is indeed resonating. Dolores herself became engaged to Connell on November 10 during a visit to the Apple Store in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, which held special significance, as it was where they first met nearly five years ago. Dolores has mentioned that while wedding plans are yet to be made, the couple is not in a rush for a big day.
On the family horizon, Gabrielle’s younger brother, Frankie Catania, recently announced his engagement to Nicole Perricho on February 22 this year, with the proposal taking place in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, New York City. The couple shared their joyous moment on social media, garnering support and excitement from family and friends.
Dolores has indicated that they are looking at having a wedding celebration that would be both big and personal, likely attended by many of her fellow Bravo stars. Additionally, it has been revealed that Frankie’s wedding is set to take place on August 1 in Portugal, further adding to the family’s happy news.
Notably, Frankie had previously disclosed during an appearance on Melissa Gorga’s PodcastOne series that he had secretly married Brittany Mattessich in November 2024 and they are considering hosting a second celebration for their family and friends.
With weddings on the near horizon and engagements celebrated, the Catania family is gearing up for a season filled with love and celebration, reminding them all how precious family ties can be amidst life’s joyful moments.