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Antonia Gorga Celebrates Her 18th Birthday with Friends, Family, and a Hot Pink Cake
RHONJ's Melissa and Joe Gorga also sent the sweetest birthday messages to their oldest child.
Melissa Gorga turned back the clock as her oldest child, Antonia Gorga, hit another big milestone.
The Real Housewives of New Jersey mom took to Instagram on Saturday, Aug. 12, to share a heartfelt message in honor of her daughter’s 18th birthday. The post featured dozens of throwback photos and several videos that chronicled Antonia’s life — beginning from her infant days and all the way up to her high school graduation.
Melissa's Emotional Message to Antonia
“I simply can’t believe you’re 18. I’m gonna cry all day,” Melissa captioned the post. “Watching you grow up has been such a blessing. You are my only baby girl and I will cherish you forever. Spread your wings and fly. In just a few weeks my house will never be the same. I’m so proud of you! Happy birthday my beautiful girl [Antonia Gorga]. love u more than you know.”
Antonia was pretty in pink at her birthday celebration
Melissa returned to Instagram several hours later and posted photos from Antonia’s intimate birthday brunch. The event took place at Elia Mediterranean Restaurant in East Rutherford, where Antonia was joined by close friends and family.
The carousel showed the recent high school grad donning a light pink mini dress from Melissa’s fashion boutique, Envy. The piece featured a playful twist detail on the bodice and a small cutout under the bust. The Jersey daughter accessorized the look with multiple gold necklaces, gold earrings, bracelet stacks, and a pair of clear heels.
Antonia's glowing glam was done by celebrity makeup artist Alex Natoli, while her hairstyle was credited to extension specialist Kirsten Deegan.
Antonia's Decadent Pink Birthday Cake
Of course, it wouldn’t be a birthday party without some sweet treats. Photos and videos shared on Instagram captured the Gorgas singing “Happy Birthday” to Antonia as she sat in front of a hot pink cake by JG Desserts. The multi-layered cake was covered with rosettes and edible diamonds, and topped off with gold numeral candles and a couple of sparklers.
Joe sends a sweet birthday message to Antonia
Antonia’s father, Joe, also shared the celebration on his Instagram, along with a sweet message to his little girl.
“Where did the time go,” he captioned the Aug. 12 post. “I can’t believe you are 18. You have made me so proud. I love you so much.”
What's next for Antonia?
The birthday brunch went down as Antonia prepares to leave the nest and begin college at the University of Delaware. Melissa and Joe shared the big news back in May after Antonia had been accepted to multiple top-tier schools, including Penn State University, the University of Rhode Island, and Rutgers University.
Months before Antonia’s high school graduation, Melissa expressed excitement over her daughter’s new journey and all the lessons she’ll learn along the way.
“She needs to know what it’s like to wash her own clothes and buy her own detergent. I just think she needs that,” the Jersey mom told People magazine. “I do everything for her. It’s good for her to be independent and learn who she is, so I’m excited for her. It’s going to be a huge change not to have her bossing us around this house like she does, but I think it’s going to be great for her.”
