When Ally Romano—daughter of beloved actor Ray Romano—married Zachary Wilezol, it wasn’t just a wedding. It was an ode to their love story, New York City, and the beauty of personal details. Held at the iconic New York Public Library, the day blended old-world Italian romance with modern flair. “We wanted the wedding to feel like us,” Ally said. “Every choice, from the flowers to the food, had to have meaning.”
1. The Venue That Stole Their Hearts
The couple didn’t spend weeks venue-hunting. “The New York Public Library was the very first place we visited,” Ally shared. “As soon as we walked in, I looked at Zach and said, ‘This is it.’”
The soaring marble columns, sweeping staircases, and rich history fit their vision perfectly. For Ally, it wasn’t just about the look—it was about the location. “Manhattan is where we met, fell in love, and built our life together. It made sense that it’s where we’d start this new chapter.”
2. From Modest Plan to Grand Celebration
Initially, they planned for a cozy wedding of about 100 people. But, as Ally joked, “Once we found the venue, the guest list kind of… took on a life of its own.”
The final tally? 254 guests. “It sounds huge, but it still felt intimate because we were surrounded by people we truly love,” Zach added.
3. Italian Garden Theme: Romantic and Lush
Celebrity event planner Marcy Blum brought their vision to life, transforming the grand library halls into an Italian garden dream. “We wanted it to feel like you’d stepped into a storybook courtyard,” Ally explained.
Astor Hall was dressed in lush greenery and locally grown blooms, while the reception room was awash in warm tones of pinks, reds, and deep greens. Guests sat on chairs with toille-patterned cushions, surrounded by flowers that seemed to grow right out of the marble floors.
4. A Bride with Style and Sentiment
Ally wore a two-piece duchess silk gown in a candlelight hue designed by Dana Harel. “I didn’t want pure white,” she said. “This soft shade felt warmer and more romantic.” Her veil was adorned with peach blossoms and green leaves, creating a whimsical, garden-like halo.
For her “something old,” Ally had a piece of her mother’s wedding gown sewn into her bouquet wrap. She also wore her mother’s earrings and bracelet. “Carrying those pieces with me made me feel like she was part of every step I took,” she said.
5. A Ceremony Full of Heart
Ray Romano walked his daughter down the aisle to a live string rendition of Etta James’ At Last. “I was doing fine until halfway down,” Ray admitted later. “Then I saw her smile at Zach and… well, I lost it.”
In place of a traditional bridal party, the couple had siblings and parents process in. Zach’s entrance was accompanied by a string quartet playing a theme from The Lord of the Rings. “It’s one of my favorite pieces,” Zach said with a grin. “I didn’t tell Ally, but she loved it when she heard it.”
6. Flavors That Told a Story
Guests were welcomed with champagne and small grape baskets filled with smoked Camembert, fig jam, and balsamic glaze. Dinner featured a three-course Italian menu beginning with antipasto, followed by porcini mushroom lasagna, and ending with a choice of coffee-marinated short rib or branzino.
“We both love Italian food, so it was important that the menu felt like home to us,” Ally said.
7. Sweet Endings and Playful Touches
The wedding cake—a petite three-tier creation—was adorned with fondant fruit blossoms and boasted flavors like Earl Grey and olive oil. “We didn’t want a massive cake,” Ally laughed. “Just something elegant and delicious.”
Guests also enjoyed a bakery bar with Circo’s cookies, a nod to Ally’s mom’s favorite, alongside an endless selection of Entenmann’s treats—Zach’s childhood favorite.
8. Comfort over Convention
In a move that had guests grinning, Ally and Zach changed into matching Air Force 1 sneakers embroidered with their initials. Ally’s pair had pink laces; Zach’s had black. “I wanted to dance all night, not tiptoe,” Ally said.
9. The Little NYC Details
Everywhere you looked, there were touches of New York—from flowers wrapped in The New York Times to a late-night hot dog truck parked outside. “We wanted our guests to feel like they were experiencing our New York,” Zach explained.
10. Dancing Until the Lights Came Up
The couple hired a 16-piece band, Rhythm Collective, to keep the dance floor alive. DJ YaGirlAsh took over later in the night, blending club vibes with wedding classics.
“One of my favorite memories,” Ally said, “was when ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’ came on and our friends made a huge dance circle around us. I’ve watched that moment on video about 200 times.”
11. How It All Began
Their love story started with a martini mishap in May 2021. “I accidentally spilled my drink on her,” Zach laughed, “and then I told her she looked like Carmella Soprano. I thought I’d ruined my chances—turns out, it was the opposite.”
Two years later, Zach proposed in Ally’s apartment. “It was just us,” Ally said. “Then we celebrated with dinner and a Broadway show. Simple and perfect.”
12. Ray Romano’s Proud Dad Moment
Ray later joked on The Tonight Show that now “it’s a race for a grandkid” between his married children. “I’m even putting up prize money,” he said with a wink. “I’m ready for grandpa duty.”
Conclusion
Ally Romano and Zachary Wilezol’s wedding was more than a beautiful event—it was an authentic reflection of their story. From an iconic New York venue to meaningful traditions and playful details, every moment was a chapter in their shared love letter to each other and the city they call home.
FAQs
Q1: Where did the wedding take place?
At the New York Public Library, chosen for both its beauty and its deep personal connection to the couple.
Q2: How many guests attended?
254—more than double their original plan, but filled with friends and family they adore.
Q3: What was unique about Ally’s bridal look?
A candlelight-hued two-piece gown, a floral veil, and sentimental accessories from her mother.
Q4: What were some standout wedding details?
Custom sneakers, a hot dog truck, bakery bar, and New York-themed floral wraps.
Q5: How did Ally and Zach meet?
Through mutual friends at a bar, when Zach accidentally spilled a martini on Ally and made a bold comment that won her over.
