RHONJ: Why Dina Manzo Skipped Teresa Giudice's Wedding To Luis Ruelas
When Teresa Giudice tied the knot with Luis Ruelas, a former "Real Housewives of New Jersey" co-star was not present. "RHONJ" alum Dina Manzo, who was one of the original cast members of the Bravo reality series, left the show amid its second season. She then appeared on "RHONJ" Season 6 but ended up departing a second time.
In 2016, Manzo spoke to Entertainment Tonight about her reasoning behind going back for Season 6, which included being there for her friend, Giudice. "I was there to support Teresa," Manzo said. She added, "I'm not gonna lie, the paycheck was good! You know, I was going through a divorce, and it was a nice chunk of change to start my new life." Prior to this, Manzo opened up about how Giudice had helped continue their friendship in a 2013 "Oprah: Where Are They Now" chat. "When I left the show, I chose to distance myself from everyone, Teresa included," Manzo said. She went on to say, "And [Giudice] showed up at my door ... She made the effort to notice I was missing out of her life and made the effort to fix it."
In August 2022, Giudice and Ruelas got hitched. However, Manzo surprisingly was not in attendance, and an explanation has since been offered.
Dina Manzo didn't go to Teresa Giudice's wedding because she '[didn't] want to be in front of the camera'
Turns out that Dina Manzo didn't attend the wedding of Teresa Giudice and Luis Ruelas in order to avoid the spotlight. In August 2022, Giudice took to Instagram to share a video documenting moments from the wedding while giving gratitude to those who were at the event. "Thank you to all of our loved ones who came to celebrate with us — our love bubble is only bigger and stronger with all of your support," Giudice wrote.
Following the nuptials, in November 2022, Giudice chatted on the "Two T's in a Pod" podcast with Teddi Mellencamp and Tamra Judge. Giudice first confirmed that she and Manzo are on positive terms, saying, "We're good, we're all good." Giudice then said Manzo didn't go to the wedding because the reality TV alum didn't want to deal with being filmed. "Once you're on TV, and then you're not on TV anymore, you don't want to be in front of the camera," Giudice said. "I totally get it. It's like you're working, and you don't want to work unless you're getting paid." Furthermore, Manzo's spouse, David Cantin, didn't have the desire to be filmed, Giudice added. "I totally respect that — all good," she said.
Dina Manzo and Teresa Giudice maintain that their friendship is in a good place
Since Teresa Giudice's wedding, she and Dina Manzo have shown that their friendship is secure. This contradicts statements that have been made by certain "Real Housewives of New Jersey" stars. In an April 2023 episode of the reality series, Giudice's sister-in-law, Melissa Gorga, detailed that she was told Giudice and Manzo's friendship had been strained over tensions between their significant others. "I hear Louie [Ruelas] and Dina's man had an argument over business, and these two are no longer friends," Gorga said.
However, Giudice and Manzo have recently been supportive of one another on social media. Manzo explained that she and Giudice remain friends in a November 2022 Instagram Stories Q&A, according to Bravo. "We were never not friends," Manzo said of herself and Giudice. "Sometimes friendships go [through phases], but in the end, true friendships will always find their way back when the time is right."
Additionally, in March 2023, Giudice wished Manzo a happy birthday in the comment section of Manzo's Instagram post. In September 2022, a month after Giudice's wedding, Manzo also celebrated the birthday of Teresa's daughter Audriana, who is also Manzo's goddaughter. "Sweet beautiful Audriana turns 13 today!" Manzo wrote for the Instagram tribute alongside a photo of herself and the ten. "You're such a wonderful blessing. Keep shining your gorgeous talented light." In response, Giudice commented several red heart emojis.