Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi, the vivacious reality television personality who rose to fame on MTV's Jersey Shore, has seen her romantic life evolve significantly from her early days of "meatball" antics to her current role as a devoted wife and mother of three. While her early relationships were often brief and public, her enduring marriage to Jionni LaValle has become the cornerstone of her adult life, navigating fame, family, and public scrutiny.
In the initial seasons of Jersey Shore, Polizzi's dating life was a frequent topic of discussion, characterized by fleeting romances and casual hookups. One of her more memorable early connections was with Russ in the first season, a brief encounter that garnered attention due to his connection to Jenni "JWoww" Farley's boyfriend at the time. Following this, she had a short-lived relationship with Emilio Masella, which was documented on the show. Their romance quickly fizzled out, leading to another brief dalliance with Jeff Miranda. While these relationships were not long-term, they provided a glimpse into Polizzi's spirited personality and her journey to find a lasting connection.
Her romantic trajectory took a significant turn in 2010 when she met Jionni LaValle during the third season of Jersey Shore. Their initial encounter was somewhat rocky, with Polizzi admitting to being nervous because she found him so appealing. Despite the initial awkwardness, their connection deepened, and LaValle, who preferred to stay out of the spotlight compared to other cast members, became a steady presence in her life.
The couple's relationship progressed, and in March 2012, Polizzi announced their engagement, coupled with the exciting news that they were expecting their first child. This marked a pivotal moment, signaling a shift from her party-girl image to embracing motherhood and a more settled life. Their son, Lorenzo Dominic LaValle, was born on August 26, 2012, weighing 6 lbs, 5 oz. Polizzi often expressed her desire to settle down and start a family, and meeting Jionni provided her with that opportunity.
Two years later, Polizzi and LaValle expanded their family, welcoming their daughter, Giovanna Marie LaValle, on September 26, 2014. Giovanna weighed 6 lbs, 4 oz at birth. Just two months after Giovanna's arrival, Nicole Polizzi and Jionni LaValle tied the knot in a lavish Great Gatsby-themed wedding on November 29, 2014, in Garfield, New Jersey. The ceremony was attended by many of their Jersey Shore castmates, solidifying their commitment and celebrating their growing family.
Their marriage, like many public relationships, has faced its share of challenges. In 2015, following the Ashley Madison data breach, reports surfaced linking an email address allegedly belonging to Jionni LaValle to the infidelity website. Polizzi vehemently defended her husband against these allegations, taking to social media to express her unwavering support. > "Jionni is an amazing husband and father. He would never in a million years do that to his family. This is a load of s***," she stated, dismissing the rumors as baseless. LaValle himself also publicly denied the claims, asserting his commitment to his wife and family.
Despite the public speculation and persistent rumors of marital issues, including recent reports in 2024 suggesting they have been "living apart" or that their marriage has been "on the rocks," the couple has consistently presented a united front. Polizzi has often clarified that LaValle's absence from Jersey Shore: Family Vacation is due to his preference for a private life and his desire to be a "regular dad," rather than a sign of marital discord. She has also mentioned that they sometimes sleep in separate rooms, but attributes this to comfort and personal space, not relationship problems.
In May 2019, Polizzi and LaValle welcomed their third child, a son named Angelo James LaValle, weighing 7.5 lbs. Angelo's arrival further cemented their family unit, bringing their total to three children. Polizzi frequently shares glimpses of their family life on social media, showcasing their activities and milestones, often featuring all three children.
Nicole Polizzi's romantic journey highlights a significant transformation from her early reality TV persona. While her initial foray into dating was marked by public, fleeting relationships, her connection with Jionni LaValle has proven to be a lasting partnership. They have built a family together, navigating the complexities of fame and personal life, and consistently affirming their commitment to each other despite ongoing public scrutiny and rumors. Their story is one of growth, resilience, and the enduring power of family in the spotlight.