Who is Katie Ginella's husband? 'RHOC' Season 18 newbie split from abusive ex to marry pro golf journalist
ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA: After recently moving to Orange County, Katie Ginella connected with Bravo's casting directors. She is married to Matt Ginella, a newcomer on Season 18 of 'The Real Housewives of Orange County', and they live in Newport with their four children. Katie and Matt are happily married. His Instagram bio describes him as a 'digital creator.'
However, Matt also calls himself the 'CEO of Fire Pit Collective, a production company' and 'Host of Fire Pit Podcast.' Matt is also an Editor-at-Large and travel insider for the Golf Channel, however, this isn't mentioned in his bio. Given this, he probably travels frequently.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Matt graduated from Saint Mary's College of California with a bachelor's degree in communications and later earned a Master of Arts in Journalism from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism.
In 1995, Matt began his tenure at Sports Illustrated, serving as their picture editor for golf for over six years. Later, he covered baseball, horse racing, and professional and collegiate football.
In 2001, he moved to Golf Digest, where he held roles for more than 11 years. Initially, Matt served as the senior travel editor before transitioning to the director of photography.
Matt worked for Golf Channel's Morning Drive as a Travel Insider for over seven years, covering golf courses, resorts, and the enthusiastic amateur golfer, before launching his own business.
When did 'RHOC' Season 18 newbie Katie Ginella meet Matt Ginella?
Matt met Katie when her daughter Kaili was ten, exhibiting a maturity beyond her years. Katie initially started her career as a journalist, which later evolved into a travel reporting role for Back 9 Network. Katie covered topics such as leisure, travel, and collegiate golf during her tenure at Back 9 Network, which is no longer operational.
The two most likely met through their work. A little over a year later, Matt asked Kaili for Katie's hand in marriage, receiving her enthusiastic approval, who, happily, gave him the green light.
'RHOC' Season 18 newbie Katie Ginella's wedding was featured in 'Say Yes to the Dress'
Katie and Matt married in 2015, although her 'Say Yes to the Dress' episode aired in 2017. Katie told Southern Bride a lot about her videotaped trip to the altar in a David Fielden satin sheath at Kleinfeld Bridal in New York City.
When it came to choosing her ideal gown, Katie knew she had to visit Kleinfeld Bridal in New York City. She completed her look with a long veil, Jimmy Choo heels, and a lariat necklace made of moonstone, her favorite gemstone.
The bride also accessorized her gown with a large bouquet of locally sourced flowers. "Six months into dating Matt, he was at Big Cedar Lodge covering a work event; for The Golf Channel, featuring the best destinations and golf courses. He called me from The Chapel of the Ozarks at Top of the Rock and said, 'If we ever get married, it has to be here,'" Katie shared.
"Fast forward 18 months after he proposed, and without ever seeing Big Cedar myself, we booked the date," she said, only to reveal a very thrilling fact. "Shortly after, I got a call from 'Say Yes To the Dress'. They heard about our engagement and the location we chose and wanted to come along for the wedding.”
Katie and Matt met on October 15, 2016, at the Chapel of the Ozarks, a stone chapel overlooking Table Rock Lake on the golf course. They had spent the day with Matt playing golf and the girls enjoying a spa day.
Inside the chapel, Katie walked down the aisle to Ray Lamontagne's 'Let It Be' and met Matt in front of a giant wooden crucifix. They exchanged vows, sharing laughter and tears in the presence of 26 of their closest friends.
Katie continued, explaining that after their friends gave toasts, "Matt announced that we were expecting our first child together." Their son Bandon was born the following spring. After a short photo session on the golf course, the newlyweds chauffeured their guests to dinner in Matt's favored mode of transport: a golf cart.
Dinner was served at the Osage Restaurant on the Top of the Rock, offering stunning views overlooking a beautiful lake. The bride maintained her rustic motif in the décor, adorning the tabletops with candles, local flowers, and wooden embellishments.
'RHOC' Season 18 newbie Katie Ginella split from her abusive ex-husband
Katie's previous marriage to Andrew ended before she met Matt. Her three oldest children, Maxon (2009), Gavin (2006), and Kaili (2004), are from her marriage to Andrew, who is their father.
It was alleged in a pretty horrifying 2018 court document—which we hope we never locate and read—that Andrew gave Max a peanut and punched Gavin "in the chest" in an attempt to "test" whether he was truly allergic. After Kaili moved in with Katie, the filing revealed that he was, and he also "turned Kaili's room into an Xbox room."
Season 18 of 'The Real Housewives of Orange County' will begin with a 75-minute supersized episode on Thursday, July 11 at 9/8c on Bravo. Episodes will be available for viewing the following day on Peacock.