Ray Romano's Daughter Ally Romano Marries Zachary Wilezol in 'Old-World Italian Garden' Wedding in NYC (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Ally Romano and Zachary Wilezol.Photo:Darren Ornitz Studio

Darren Ornitz Studio

Ally Romanois celebrating a new chapter in her love story!

Ally Romano and Zachary Wilezol kiss on the steps of the New York Public Library’s flagship building.Darren Ornitz Studio

She jokes that their guest list quickly swelled to match the sprawling space. “Initially, we said we wanted no more than 100 people — and then the library came along and the invite list exceeded 250,” she explains, noting that she and Wilezol had one simple goal for their big day: “What was most important to us was making sure that whatever we did felt like us. We wanted it to be one big, fun party for all of our friends and family.”

To help bring to life their vision of an “old-world Italian garden” theme — a nod to Ally’s Italian-American heritage — the couple worked with highly sought-after celebrity event plannerMarcy Blum, whose A-list clients includeLeBron James,Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent, andBill Gates' daughterJennifer Gates and Nayel Nassar.

The reception space was designed to create the vibe of a dinner in an Italian garden courtyard.Darren Ornitz Studio

As guests arrived, they were served champagne with petite grape baskets filled with smoked camembert, fig jam and balsamic glaze.

Ray Romano walks his daughter Ally Romano down the aisle at her wedding.Darren Ornitz Studio

“I actually didn’t go for it at first,” she says of her bridal ensemble. “But once I tried it on, with this amazing veil that was adorned with peach flowers and green leaves, I knew it wasthe one.”

In a sentimental touch, Ally had a piece of fabric cut from her momAnna Romano’s wedding dress and attached it to her bouquet. She also wore her mom’s earrings and bracelet.

For the afterparty, Ally changed into a vintage John Galliano dress fromHappy Islesin N.Y.C. She also ditched her heels for a fun, matching footwear moment with her new husband.

Ally Romano and Zachary Wilezol hold hands at their wedding.Darren Ornitz Studio

“I’m a sneaks gal, so Zack and I wore customized Air Force 1s with our initials stitched on the back of each heel,” she explains. “I had pink stitching and laces, and Zack’s were black.”

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Ally Romano and Zachary Wilezol celebrate their wedding ceremony.Darren Ornitz Studio

“I loved our ceremony,” she adds. “It was light, sweet, emotional and funny as well. Right after it ended, I told Zack I wanted to do it all again.”

Zachary Wilezol and Ally Romano cut their three-tier wedding cake.Darren Ornitz Studio

Ally, who specializes in publicity in the hospitality industry, tells PEOPLE that having “amazing” food was an absolute must for the wedding. “Food and dining has always been a crux of our relationship,” she explains. “We wanted to put food and drink at the forefront and make sure not one person was thirsty or hungry. I think we accomplished that!”

The couple chose a petite, three-tier wedding cake (from gluten-free bakeryLael Cakes) with hand-textured organic fondant decorated with sculpted fruit blossoms. The flavors included Earl Grey, olive oil, berry and vanilla and vanilla.

While guests were dancing, trays of cookies fromCirco’s— Ally’s mom’s favorite Italian bakery in Brooklyn — were set out. In honor of Wilezol’s love ofEntenmann’s treats, the afterparty featured “a full-on bakery” full of cakes, pastries and more from the brand.

Ray Romano gives a speech at his daughter Ally Romano’s wedding.Darren Ornitz Studio

During the reception, the father-of-the-bride gave a sweet speech in honor of his daughter and new son-in-law. “The toast was funny and heartfelt with spot-on comedic timing, as one would expect," Blum tells PEOPLE of theEverybody Loves Raymondstar.

Ally Romano and Zachary Wilezol’s wedding featured a hot dog cart.Darren Ornitz Studio

Ally and Wilezol first met through “friends of friends” at Beauty Bar in May 2021. “He spilled martinis all over me and told me I looked likeCarmella Soprano— I was smitten,” she recalls to PEOPLE, jokingly adding, “There’s more to that story!”

After nearly two years of dating, Wilezol popped the question on April 14, 2023, at Ally’s apartment, and the pair enjoyed a casual date night after the proposal with dinner at Arthur & Sons and a Broadway show (Shucked).

Zachary Wilezol and Ally Romano share a laugh at their wedding reception.Darren Ornitz Studio

“[It was] the wedding of my dreams,” she raves. “I could not have worked with a better team and have my vision executed in any other way. I am truly grateful to have worked with such incredible and talented people.”

source: people.com