Our Story

Our first moment was nothing short of a fairytale encounter. When Ryan first locked eyes with Isabella, he knew she was the one. The only things he remembered from that day were her radiant smile, her golden blonde hair, and that striking bright blue suit as she walked out of the restaurant. What started as working side by side quickly turned into something special. As they spent the summer opening Gekkō in Brickell, there were long days, late nights and plenty of laughs along the way. 

Their first date felt straight out of a movie. Ryan took Isabella to LPM (La Petite Maison) in Brickell, his favorite French restaurant, where Champagne was already waiting at the table. Between incredible food, amazing wine, and non-stop laughter, the chemistry was undeniable. The night didn’t end there, continuing at the Broken Shaker, with espresso martinis sealing the deal. From that moment on, they knew this was just the beginning…and the rest, truly, is history.

Isabella Capuano was born in Laguna Niguel, California, and grew up in Potomac, Maryland. She attended Holton-Arms School and followed in her father’s footsteps to Cornell University’s Hotel School. Her internships broadened her world: restoring priceless art and historic churches with Save Venice in Italy, immersing herself in luxury hospitality at the Beverly Hills Hotel, and - most fatefully - working with Groot Hospitality, where she met Ryan.

Ryan Lithgow was born in Neptune, New Jersey, and raised in Freehold. An active kid, passionate about baseball, his path shifted after a childhood diagnosis of ITP (Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura), a rare blood disorder that ended his sports days. Undeterred, he discovered cooking while spending cherished time in the kitchen with his grandmothers - Amale’s garden-fresh meals and Kay’s exquisite wedding cakes. That inspiration led him to Johnson & Wales University in Miami, specializing in Japanese cuisine and eventually opening his own concept, Sushi Fly Chicken with a prominent Miami restaurant group.

During Isabella’s internship, they began dating while collaborating on Gekkō’s high-stakes opening. After the launch, they escaped to romantic Venice together where their love deepened. Isabella finished her degree at Cornell while Ryan launched another restaurant in Dallas. Distance only strengthened their bond. They soon reunited in Pacific Palisades, California, buying their first home and building a life full of shared dreams and adventures.

After a year of thriving in California - working, growing, and dreaming side by side - tragedy struck when the devastating Palisades wildfire ravaged their home and much of the community. Through the ashes, their resilience and love shone brighter than ever, proving they could weather any storm. Today, Isabella and Ryan are thrilled to embark on their next chapter in Newport Beach, California, with their marriage as the beautiful first step in a lifetime of shared joy and unwavering partnership. Their journey has been one of serendipity, strength, and soul-deep connection - and they cannot wait to celebrate it with you!