Who Is Justin May? Inside His Marriage to Sammi Giancola

Introduction

Justin May is an American public figure best known as the husband of Sammi “Sweetheart” Giancola, one of the original stars of MTV’s Jersey Shore. He previously worked as a bouncer and bartender at Karma, the famous Seaside Heights nightclub visited by the show’s cast.

Justin and Sammi made their relationship public in November 2021. They became engaged in March 2024, welcomed their son Vincent Keith May in August 2025 and married in New Jersey on 4 December 2025.

As of July 2026, Justin’s public identity is mainly connected with his marriage, family life and appearances beside Sammi. He is not an original Jersey Shore cast member, but his relationship with Sammi has been featured in the wider story of Jersey Shore: Family Vacation.

Justin May Quick Facts

Detail	Verified information
Full name	Justin May
Known for	Being Sammi Giancola’s husband
Former work	Bouncer and bartender at Karma nightclub
Wife	Sammi “Sweetheart” Giancola
Relationship made public	November 2021
Engagement date	16 March 2024
Wedding date	4 December 2025
Wedding location	Park Château Estate & Gardens, New Jersey
Child	Vincent Keith May
Son’s birth date	20 August 2025
Television connection	Jersey Shore: Family Vacation
Public Instagram	@j_may36

Why Is Justin May Famous?

Justin May became widely recognised because of his relationship with Sammi Giancola. Sammi became famous in 2009 when she joined the original cast of MTV’s Jersey Shore.

Justin was not part of the original programme. However, he had an interesting connection with the show’s early years because he worked at Karma, a nightclub regularly visited by the cast.

His public profile later grew when Sammi returned to television through Jersey Shore: Family Vacation. Viewers learned more about their relationship, engagement, fertility journey and plans for a family.

Justin is therefore best described as a public-facing spouse connected with a major reality television franchise. Similar to a reality television personality, his recognition is closely linked to relationships, family events and television coverage.

Justin May’s Work at Karma Nightclub

Before becoming publicly known as Sammi’s partner, Justin worked as a bouncer and bartender at Karma in Seaside Heights, New Jersey.

Karma was strongly connected with the early Jersey Shore period. Sammi and her castmates regularly visited the nightclub while filming the programme.

Sammi later explained that Justin had seen her at the club years before they became a couple. She joked that he had seen her cry many times and had once helped cast member Deena Cortese during an incident at the venue.

This means Justin was indirectly connected with Sammi’s television world long before their romantic relationship began. However, reliable sources describe the Karma job as his former employment. His current profession has not been established through an authoritative public source.

A detailed People profile about Justin May confirms his former work as a bouncer and bartender at Karma.

How Did Justin May and Sammi Giancola Meet?

Justin and Sammi had crossed paths during the years when he worked at Karma, but they did not begin a publicly documented relationship at that time.

The couple revealed their relationship over Thanksgiving weekend in November 2021. Sammi shared a photograph showing them holding hands, introducing Justin to her followers.

Their relationship attracted attention because Sammi had previously kept much of her personal life away from the television cameras. Justin gradually began appearing in her social-media posts and later became part of her story on Jersey Shore: Family Vacation.

The couple’s relationship reflects the experience of other people living a private life beside a famous spouse. Justin appears publicly when supporting Sammi, but he has not built a separate celebrity career around his name.

Justin May and Sammi Giancola’s Engagement

Justin proposed to Sammi on 16 March 2024.

Sammi announced the engagement on Instagram on 1 April 2024. Because the post appeared on April Fools’ Day, she clearly told followers that the engagement was real and not a joke.

She described accepting Justin’s proposal as the easiest question she had ever answered. Photographs showed a round-cut diamond ring placed on a gold band.

Their engagement received warm messages from Sammi’s Jersey Shore colleagues, including Jenni “JWoww” Farley, Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino, Angelina Pivarnick and Pauly D.

Like many couples experiencing a celebrity marriage, Justin and Sammi shared important moments publicly while keeping many everyday details within their family.

Their IVF Journey and Pregnancy Loss

Sammi has spoken publicly about the couple’s difficult fertility journey.

During an episode of Jersey Shore: Family Vacation, she explained that she became pregnant following IVF treatment but later suffered a miscarriage. She described the experience as devastating.

Sammi also explained that Justin remained positive, patient and supportive throughout the process. He was willing to pause treatment for as long as she needed and stayed beside her during the emotional period.

This part of their story showed viewers that their road to parenthood included pain, uncertainty and repeated medical treatment. Their decision to discuss it publicly helped other families understand that fertility treatment does not always follow a simple path.

Welcoming Their Son Vincent Keith May

In February 2025, Justin and Sammi announced that they were expecting their first child.

The couple described the pregnancy as a great blessing after years of fertility struggles. In May 2025, they revealed that they were expecting a boy.

Their son, Vincent Keith May, was born on 20 August 2025. Sammi announced his arrival several days later and described him as their “rainbow miracle baby.”

The name “rainbow baby” is commonly used for a child born after a family has experienced pregnancy loss.

Justin and Sammi’s transition into parenthood became an important part of their public story. It also showed how the original Jersey Shore world had changed from nightlife and parties to marriage, children and adult responsibilities.

Their experience connects with other public couples who balance parenthood with family life in the public eye.

Justin May and Sammi Giancola’s Wedding

Justin and Sammi married on 4 December 2025 at Park Château Estate & Gardens in East Brunswick, New Jersey.

The ceremony took place about three months after the birth of their son. Around 240 guests reportedly attended, and MTV cameras were present to record parts of the celebration.

Many of Sammi’s longtime Jersey Shore colleagues attended, including Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, Jenni “JWoww” Farley, Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino, Deena Cortese, Pauly D and Vinny Guadagnino.

The venue included elegant white flowers, greenery, chandeliers and candlelight. Sammi wore a strapless mermaid-style wedding dress, while Justin wore a formal black suit.

The couple selected “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls for their first dance. A detailed New Jersey Bride wedding report also confirmed that the wedding was filmed for television.

The wedding placed Justin among other public figures who became widely recognised through a famous partner and family story.

Is Justin May a Jersey Shore Cast Member?

Justin May is not an original or principal Jersey Shore cast member.

His connection with the franchise comes through:

• His marriage to Sammi Giancola
• His former job at Karma nightclub
• His appearances beside Sammi
• Their engagement and wedding
• Their fertility and parenting story
• His presence in Jersey Shore: Family Vacation content

Calling him a main Jersey Shore star would therefore be misleading. He is more accurately described as Sammi’s husband and a supporting public figure connected with the programme.

What Does Justin May Do Now?

Justin’s current professional position has not been confirmed through a reliable employer profile, official business record or direct public statement.

The strongest verified career information is that he previously worked as a bouncer and bartender at Karma nightclub.

His public appearances now focus mainly on family events, social-media posts and his connection with Sammi’s television life. He does not appear to promote himself as an independent actor, entertainer or reality television star.

Justin May’s Public Presence

Justin has used the Instagram username @j_may36.

His account has been credited in established entertainment reporting and connected with major family announcements. He has appeared in photographs covering his relationship, engagement, pregnancy journey, parenthood and marriage.

However, Justin generally maintains a quieter public profile than Sammi. His online presence appears centred on personal and family moments rather than professional promotion.

This approach is similar to other individuals who remain partly outside celebrity culture while supporting a well-known public partner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Justin May?

Justin May is the husband of television personality Sammi “Sweetheart” Giancola. He previously worked as a bouncer and bartender at Karma nightclub in Seaside Heights.

Why is Justin May famous?

He is famous mainly because of his marriage to Sammi Giancola and his connection with Jersey Shore: Family Vacation.

Is Justin May on Jersey Shore?

He is not an original or main cast member. He has appeared through storylines and public events connected with Sammi.

When did Justin May marry Sammi Giancola?

They married on 4 December 2025 at Park Château Estate & Gardens in East Brunswick, New Jersey.

When did Justin May and Sammi get engaged?

Justin proposed on 16 March 2024. Sammi publicly announced the engagement on 1 April 2024.

Does Justin May have children?

Yes. Justin and Sammi have one son, Vincent Keith May, who was born on 20 August 2025.

Where did Justin May work?

He previously worked as a bouncer and bartender at Karma nightclub in Seaside Heights.

Is Justin May still married to Sammi Giancola?

Yes. As of July 2026, Justin May and Sammi Giancola remain married. Recent reporting continues to identify them as husband and wife.

Final Thoughts

Justin May is best known as Sammi Giancola’s husband, but his connection with her story began years before their relationship. His former work at Karma placed him near the original Jersey Shore world, although he was not part of the cast.

The couple made their relationship public in 2021, became engaged in 2024, welcomed their son in August 2025 and married in December 2025.

Their public journey has included joyful celebrations as well as an emotional IVF experience and pregnancy loss. Through those events, Justin has been presented as a supportive partner, husband and father.

As of July 2026, his public profile remains closely connected with Sammi, their son Vincent and the final period of the Jersey Shore: Family Vacation story.