When the Influencer Gets Married

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED

When Allysia Antolowitz and Nicholas Zotto got engaged in November 2020, they didn’t realize how overwhelming the process of planning a wedding would be.

“I felt tons of pressure,” said Allysia. “I had a million people in my ear.”

The Third Time Is The Charm

Feeling rushed and uneasy about their original plans, the couple, who had met five years earlier, ended up canceling the first venue they booked. Then, after planning much of their Jacksonville, FL destination wedding, in October 2021, during the venue walkthrough, they realized it couldn’t accommodate the 235 guests they were anticipating if it rained. Wedding number two was cancelled.

Feeling defeated and struggling to find an affordable venue that could host the large wedding the couple envisioned, they explored the possibility of postponing yet again when Glen Sanders Mansion miraculously had a cancellation. The Zotto wedding was booked for September 17th, 2022.

“We were already nine months out in the craziest wedding year ever. I said, ‘there’s just no way.’ It was going to be like the literal Hunger Games to find the A-Team list of vendors for my wedding,” said Allysia.

Surprisingly, the majority were available and the Zotto wedding was absolutely amazing. Allysia chronicled it all on social media.

Raw Connection

Allysia first became a lifestyle influencer on a whim while living in Chicago. Naturally outgoing, she loves to talk with people about her experiences and used the platform to connect with followers. After moving back to New York, Allysia began freelancing full-time doing social media management for several local businesses. Her personal Instagram page also picked up traction.

“I showed it all – the ins and outs, the good, bad, and the ugly.” From product posts and lifestyle trends, to relatable, funny videos, her platform is her in her rawest form, she said.

To help address other brides’ questions, Allysia also launched the 518Brides group on Facebook.

“I want to connect more brides with vendors, answer questions, and walk brides through the process. I want to be that person in this area. It’s my niche, even though it’s not part of my life anymore.”

With their first child due in July, Allysia’s Instagram page is full of baby products and prep these days. She spends hours each day messaging, posting, and answering followers’ questions. Find Allysia Zotto online @leeebean on Instagram.