A Fairytale Wedding in the Heart of Manhattan
Ally Romano, the daughter of beloved actor and comedian Ray Romano, tied the knot with Zachary Wilezol in a breathtaking ceremony at the New York Public Library. This iconic location, known for its grand architecture and literary charm, served as the perfect backdrop for a wedding that was both classic and uniquely personal.
A Love Story Born in Manhattan
Ally and Zach met in 2021 through mutual friends during a lively night in Manhattan. According to Ally, the spark flew when Zach accidentally spilled martinis on her. From that chaotic and hilarious moment, a beautiful love story began. He even said she looked like Carmela Soprano—definitely a bold first impression!
Why the New York Public Library?
The couple chose the New York Public Library not only for its grandeur but also because it represented everything they loved about the city—culture, history, and timeless beauty. The venue’s majestic marble interiors were transformed into a lush Italian garden inspired by the couple’s shared love of romantic, earthy aesthetics.
Guest List Grows to Fill the Space
What started as an intimate wedding with fewer than 100 guests soon expanded to 254 attendees. With a venue as iconic as this one, it was hard not to go big. The grand setting called for an equally grand celebration—and they delivered.
A Walk Down the Aisle to Remember
Ray Romano proudly walked his daughter down the aisle in one of the most emotional moments of the night. Ally and Zach stood beneath a floral arch dripping in greenery and deep jewel-toned blooms. The string quartet played as they exchanged personal, heartfelt vows—one of Ally’s favorite moments of the day.
Ally’s Stunning Bridal Look
Ally wore a custom off-white duchesse satin two-piece outfit by Dana Harel. Her look was finished with a floral-embroidered veil and Jimmy Choo shoes. A beautiful and sentimental detail: she wrapped a piece of her mother’s wedding dress into her bouquet, tying generations of love together in one symbolic gesture.
The Vibe: Italian Garden Romance
The reception space inside the library was completely transformed. Think rich greenery, dramatic florals, and soft lighting that made the space feel like an outdoor courtyard tucked away in Tuscany. The planning team nailed the vision with elegance and warmth.
A Menu to Remember
Guests were treated to a decadent Italian-inspired menu. From truffle lasagne to coffee-marinated short ribs, every dish was crafted to perfection. For dessert, a three-tier wedding cake from Lael Cakes—gluten-free, no less—stole the show. Flavors included vanilla bean with cherry compote and chocolate with hazelnut praline.
Touching Toasts and Family Moments
The evening included heartfelt and hilarious speeches from family and friends. Ray Romano delivered a toast full of fatherly love and signature humor, blending emotion with wit in a way only he could. Ally’s brothers also added warmth and laughter to the evening.
Fun Meets Elegance: The Afterparty
The celebration didn’t end with dinner and cake. Ally and Zach surprised guests with an afterparty complete with a martini bar, a hot dog truck, and personalized Nike sneakers featuring their initials. Guests danced the night away, fuelled by cocktails, classic New York snacks, and a whole lot of love.
Ally’s Second Look: Vintage Chic
For the afterparty, Ally changed into a vintage John Galliano dress, which paired perfectly with her comfy, customized sneakers. It was the perfect outfit for dancing and celebrating into the early hours without sacrificing style.
Sentimental Touches Everywhere
Every element of the wedding reflected Ally and Zach’s personalities and love story. From the floral arrangements wrapped in copies of the New York Times to their decision to skip the traditional guestbook and collect Polaroids instead, the celebration was filled with intentional, meaningful choices.
A Family Affair
Ray and his wife, Anna, beamed with pride throughout the entire weekend. The wedding was more than just a ceremony—it was a full-circle moment for the Romano family, with generations coming together to celebrate love, laughter, and lifelong commitment.
What Made This Wedding Unforgettable
It wasn’t just the venue or the dress. It was the genuine connection between Ally and Zach, the sentimental details, and the joy that radiated from every guest. This was a celebration full of authenticity, warmth, and heart—a perfect reflection of the couple.
Conclusion: A Modern Manhattan Love Story
Ally Romano’s wedding was nothing short of magical. By combining tradition with personal flair, she and Zach created an unforgettable experience. Their story—from spilled martinis to vows in a historic library—is a reminder that the best love stories often begin with the most unexpected moments.
FAQs
1. Where was Ally Romano’s wedding held?
At the iconic New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue.
2. How did Ally and Zach meet?
They met through mutual friends in Manhattan in 2021—during a night that involved a spilled martini and lots of laughter.
3. What was Ally’s wedding dress like?
She wore a stunning two-piece duchesse satin gown by Dana Harel, paired with a floral veil and Jimmy Choo heels.
4. How many guests attended the wedding?
254 guests attended the celebration, a jump from the originally planned intimate event.
5. What unique details made the wedding special?
Personal vows, a hot dog truck, custom sneakers, New York Times–wrapped flowers, and family heirlooms made the day unforgettable.
