On The Real Housewives of New Jersey Season 14, Episode 9, Melissa Gorga and Joe Gorga attended a family wedding for Melissa’s cousin Nick and his husband-to-be, Mike. They weren’t just guests, either: Nick and Mike asked Joe to officiate the wedding for them, and our hearts were so full. Spoilers ahead if you haven’t seen the episode yet — and if you have, you might not want to touch up your makeup until after reading!
Ahead of the ceremony, Joe revealed to Melissa and the couple that he was a little nervous about the officiant role, because he knew how special and important it was. Nick and Mike quickly assured him that they knew he was the perfect man for the job.
“The reason we asked you to marry us,” Mike said, “Is that you breathe love.”
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Melissa Gorga sits with her cousin’s fiancé, Mike, before his wedding.
Photo: Bravo
Nick agreed, “You’re able to light up a room with the love that you give family, and that’s why we love you so much.” Joe was visibly moved by this, as was Melissa. “Oh my god, you guys,” she joked, “I just put makeup on!”
In her confessional, Melissa explained why she was so happy to be a part of the wedding.
“Nick and Mike are just such a great example of true love,” she gushed. Melissa added that it wasn’t easy for Nick to come out to his family, and Mike’s family chose not to attend at all. It was important to the Gorgas that Melissa’s cousins feel loved and accepted for exactly who they are.
Overall, Melissa said, “It’s just such a great example for my children to see that love is love.”
A little bit of rain didn’t dampen the proceedings — nor the guests’ styles. Fellow RHONJ cast members Margaret Josephs and Joe Benigno arrived looking lovely, as did Dolores Catania and Paul Connell. Even though the rain had stopped by the time the couple arrived at the altar, there was hardly a dry eye on the lawn.
“To my cousins, my best friends: I love you both,” Joe began. He then thanked Nick for the “opportunity” to know Nick as his authentic self, and the guests cheered.
Joe Gorga officiates a family wedding during The Real Housewives of New Jersey.
Photo: Bravo
In his confessional, Joe said of officiating, “It was just a beautiful moment. And when I met Mike, we really connected.”
“The [Gorgas] accepted me from the moment I met them,” he reflected, “And that’s what we do. We cheer each other on. We love each other.” He then took a moment before adding, “I’m very proud.”
Melissa Gorga attends the family wedding of her cousin Nick and his now-husband, Mike.
Photo: Bravo
The stunning decor at Nick and Mike’s RHONJ wedding.