At a Glance
- Dolores Catania (55) and Paulie Connell (51) announced their engagement after five years together.
- She revealed a dream wedding that could host up to 5,000 guests and might take place on New Year’s Eve.
- The entire Bravo cast will be invited in a grand celebration.
Why it matters: The couple’s plans offer fans a glimpse into the future of reality TV stars’ personal lives and promise a spectacular event.
After a five-year romance, The Real Housewives of New Jersey star Dolores Catania (55) confirmed her engagement to longtime partner Paul “Paulie” Connell (51) during a special screening of the new series The Wrecking Crew. In a candid interview with News Of Los Angeles, she shared her vision for a grand celebration that could include as many as 5,000 guests and might even take place on New Year’s Eve. The couple’s plans have sparked excitement among fans and cast members alike.
Wedding Dreams
At the New York City screening of The Wrecking Crew on January 15, 2024, Catania spoke to News Of Los Angeles about her future as a bride. She described the experience as a whirlwind and teased details of her dream wedding. She said, “Geez, you know, I hate to dream because I get scared,” before adding, “Oh my God, you know, my dream wedding would be to have one actual big party.”
She elaborated that the celebration would be very special, with intricate details and a personal touch reflecting her partner. “It would be very special, a lot of intricate details, very personable because I would want it to be a reflection of him and I,” she explained. This emphasis on personalization signals a shift from the typical reality-TV wedding spectacle to a more intimate design.
Looking ahead, Catania hinted at a specific date that would add extra flair. “I would love a New Year’s Eve wedding,” she said. “Make it a big party, you know?”
She also admitted to fantasizing about a fairy-tale setting, saying, “I used to dream about getting married in a castle in Ireland, but maybe I could get married a few times to the same guy, you know, a few different weddings.” This playful remark shows her willingness to explore unconventional wedding formats.
Guest List Ambitions
One of the most striking aspects of Catania’s vision is the size of the guest list. She confessed that she is torn between having a massive turnout and feeling overwhelmed. “We love so many people,” she told News Of Los Angeles. “Like if I meet you, I would be like, ‘Come.’ I don’t even know where the list would stop. So I really am torn between, ‘Do I have 5,000 people, or do I run away?'”
While she never set a concrete number, the possibility of inviting up to 5,000 guests has been mentioned. This scale would rival some of the largest celebrity weddings in history. The sheer logistics of accommodating such a crowd would require extensive planning and coordination.
Catania also mused about the idea of multiple ceremonies. She said, “Maybe I could get married a few times to the same guy, you know, a few different weddings.” This suggests she might consider a series of smaller, themed events rather than a single grand affair.
Her openness about the guest list reflects her desire for the celebration to truly represent her community of friends and family. It also underscores the balancing act between inclusivity and manageability that many engaged couples face.
Bravo Cast Invitations
Catania emphasized that the Bravo cast would be a central part of her wedding. “All of them. My whole cast,” she said. “I’ve spent 10 years with them. I started in 2016, so, you know, we’re all going back to 20 … We’ve traveled the world together, we’ve cried, we’ve fought, we’ve loved together, and no matter where we stand, I would want everybody there for my special day.”
Her reference to a decade of friendship highlights the longevity of the show, which began airing in 2016. Over those years, the cast has shared dramatic moments and heartfelt bonds that fans have followed closely.
She recalled traveling the world with her co-stars, experiencing both joyous and challenging moments. These shared experiences have cemented a sense of family among the cast, making her wedding invitation feel like a reunion.
For viewers, the prospect of seeing all beloved characters in one place adds a layer of excitement. It also signals a potential crossover event that could boost viewership for the upcoming season.
Engagement Joy
In November, News Of Los Angeles first revealed that Catania and Connell had become engaged after five years of dating. The announcement was met with widespread congratulations from fans and fellow cast members.
Catania described her excitement in vivid terms. “You know when you feel that happiness down in your gut? That’s where this excitement stems from for me,” she said. “I feel so blessed, I almost feel guilty! Like, I don’t deserve to be loved this way.”
Connell echoed her sentiment, saying, “I keep telling Dolores, she deserves that and so much more. She’s an incredible woman. And when I was proposing to her, I was able to articulate to her everything I see that she is, and everything I see that she does, and the impact she has on everybody around her. She’s one in a million.”
With the engagement confirmed, the couple is now focusing on wedding planning and preparing to share the joyous occasion with their fans. Their story continues to be a highlight of the Bravo community.
Key Takeaways
- Dolores Catania and Paul “Paulie” Connell are engaged after five years together.
- The bride envisions a massive, personalized wedding that could host up to 5,000 guests and may take place on New Year’s Eve.
- She plans to invite the entire Bravo cast, reflecting a decade of shared history since 2016.
- Both partners express deep gratitude and excitement, underscoring the emotional significance of their union.
