In a world of over-the-top, staged proposals, Paulie Connell just delivered a masterclass in heartfelt, chaotic, and utterly perfect romance. The “Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Dolores Catania is engaged, and the story of how her longtime love popped the question—in the middle of an Apple Store, with a fake PEOPLE interview as a decoy—is a tale of pure, unscripted magic.
The plan was elaborate. Dolores was told she had a PEOPLE interview for a new medication she was promoting. After getting full hair and makeup, the meeting was “canceled.” Seizing the opportunity, Paulie insisted they finally go get her new iPhone. “I kept saying, ‘Just go get it for me! Why do you need me?'” Dolores recalled. But Paulie was relentless, inventing a story about the “only one iPhone Pro Max in the area” being held for her.
At the Apple Store in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey—the very spot where they first met nearly five years ago—Paulie’s nerves began to show. “He was sweating so bad, his T-shirt was soaked, his face was beet red,” Dolores laughed. “He started saying these sweet, beautiful things to me out of nowhere and I was like, ‘Paul, are you okay?'”
As an employee led them to the exact table where their love story began, Paulie’s mind was racing. “I was so nervous, my knees where knocking,” he confessed. “I’m like, ‘What are you doing? Don’t start getting sad, you’re meant to be happy!'”
While he was trying to deliver a heartfelt speech, Dolores was still completely oblivious, even joking to the employee, “Wouldn’t it be funny if we got engaged here?”
Then, he pulled the box from his pocket. That’s when reality hit. “I immediately said yes,” Dolores gushed. The ring, a show-stopping 11-carat centerpiece from John Anthony Jewelers, was a testament to his devotion. “Go big or go home,” Dolores laughed.
This wasn’t the first ring Paulie had bought. He revealed he’d purchased a stone years ago, but after getting to know Dolores better, he realized it was the “opposite of what I got.” This new ring, which he’d had for over a year and a half, was perfect.
The proposal was a symphony of sentimental details. The date, November 10th, was the same day Dolores had moved in with him four years prior. The celebration dinner was at Rocco’s steakhouse, the site of their very first date. “There’s not a thing this guy didn’t think of,” Dolores said.
For years, Bravo fans have relentlessly asked, “When is he going to propose?” Now, they have their answer. In the most unexpected of locations, surrounded by iPhones and unsuspecting shoppers, Dolores Catania’s next chapter has officially begun. And as Paulie laughed, “I’m just glad Dolores won’t have to answer a stupid question anymore.”
THE DANCING With The Stars judges have all been slammed for a subtle diss at a former winner of the show.
Kaitlyn Bristowe made her big return to Dancing With The Stars this week for the 20th anniversary special – but the judges failed to acknowledge her.
Paired up with Andy Richter, Kaitlyn put on a sensational performance as she twirled around on the dance floor doing a Viennese Waltz.
She and Andy were not the only pair on the dance floor for the performance, because Dylan Efron and Rumer Willis danced along too.
After their performance, judges gave feedback but failed to mention Kaitlyn’s big return to the show.
Fans were quick to slam the show and its judges for failing to acknowledge her, with many angry and annoyed.
“Kaitlyn did so good! I felt bad for her none of the judges even mentioned her name,” said one person.
“That was sooo strange??? I’m glad she responded like that when she was about to leave the dance floor,” penned a second.
“They mentioned every other partner,” noted a third.
“Were you invisible? I know I saw you.
“Very rude of the judges for not acknowledging you. You did a great job,” said a fourth.
“Absolutely shameful how the judges snubbed you!
“Not one mention of you Kaitlyn or welcoming you back! You deserved better,” penned a fifth.
“The way they didn’t acknowledge you.. diabolical,” fumed a sixth.
A seventh said, “JUSTICE FOR KB. I saw you girl, you slayed.”
While an eighth penned, “I was screaming at the tv for them to say something to you!”
And a ninth said, “You did so well! sad they didn’t give you the credit you deserve.”
But someone else noticed how Derek did speak to Kaitlyn after and told her that she did “good”.
Kaitlyn won the hit dancing show in 2020 when she was partnered with professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev.
The Canadian television personality is perhaps best known for her leading role on the eleventh season of ABC’s The Bachelorette.
She is also a successful entrepreneur with her own podcast Off the Vine with Kaitlyn Bristowe and a wine label named Spade & Sparrows.
She danced with Andy Ritcher on Tuesday nightCredit: Getty