Food Network Star Ron Ben-Israel Marries in N.Y.C. Civil Ceremony, Gets Surprise Wedding Celebration Days Later (Exclusive)
Ron Ben-Israel’s Intimate New York City Civil Wedding Ceremony
Food Network’s beloved cake designer and celebrity chef Ron Ben-Israel, 68, recently celebrated a beautiful milestone in his personal life by marrying Hiroyuki “Hiro” Aihara, a senior pattern maker at Coach. The couple exchanged vows on September 19th in a civil ceremony held at the Office of the City Clerk in New York City. This intimate event was attended by a small circle of close friends and marked the beginning of their married life together.
Choosing a civil ceremony in the heart of New York City was a meaningful decision for the couple. Ron shared that they wanted a simple yet heartfelt wedding just before the Jewish New Year, embracing the city’s rich tradition of City Hall weddings. The ceremony was followed by a cozy luncheon at Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Tarrytown, New York, where the couple and their guests enjoyed an elegant meal in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Despite their busy schedules—Hiro with Fashion Week and Ron in the midst of a bustling wedding cake season—the pair prioritized this special day, carving out a moment to celebrate their love. Ron described the day as “a dream come true,” symbolizing the union of two kindred spirits from different parts of the world who found each other in New York City.
Surprise Wedding Celebration: A Joyful Rosh Hashanah Dinner Turned Festive Party
Just three days after their civil ceremony, Ron and Hiro were treated to an unexpected surprise that made their wedding experience even more memorable. On September 22nd, what they believed to be a traditional Rosh Hashanah dinner in Connecticut transformed into a vibrant wedding celebration orchestrated by their close friends.
The surprise event was held at Jeffrey Selden’s home in Weston, Connecticut. Jeffrey and his sister Robin Selden, managing partner at Marcia Selden Catering, organized the celebration as a heartfelt tribute to Ron, whom they consider family. Robin explained that since Ron’s family is in Israel and Hiro’s is in Japan, they wanted to create a meaningful and joyous occasion during the Jewish New Year, a time rich with beautiful traditions.
Upon arrival, the couple was greeted with floral boutonnieres and warm embraces, instantly making them feel like the center of attention. The evening featured live music, elegant decor, and a curated menu blending traditional holiday favorites with gourmet touches. The highlight was a custom wedding cake crafted by Ron’s own cake team, combining elements from both their Jewish and Japanese heritages.
The cake was a single-tier masterpiece featuring green tea cake with matcha buttercream alongside almond cake with sesame halvah in tahini buttercream. Topping the cake was a delicate mini draped chuppah adorned with Japanese cherry blossoms, symbolizing the fusion of their cultures. Another whimsical sheet cake displayed a photo of the couple as angels with halos, a fun and cherished keepsake they were reluctant to cut.
Guests enjoyed personalized wedding cake cookies serving as place cards, honey jars labeled “Meant to Bee” honoring the Rosh Hashanah tradition of dipping apples in honey for a sweet new year, and a custom cookie depicting Ron’s childhood stuffed dog, Vow Vow, ensuring the beloved toy was part of the celebration.
The menu was equally impressive, featuring heart-shaped chopped liver, matzo ball soup, caviar with crème fraîche, and a variety of main courses including braised brisket, pan-seared chicken with shiitake beurre blanc, herb-roasted salmon, and seasonal vegetables. Miniature butter cakes topped with piped butter hearts were served alongside challah bread, rounding out the festive meal.
The Significance of Ron Ben-Israel’s Wedding Celebration
Ron Ben-Israel’s wedding was more than just a union between two people; it was a heartfelt celebration of love, culture, and friendship. The civil ceremony allowed for an intimate moment shared with close friends, while the surprise party brought together an extended community that embraced the couple with warmth and joy.
The thoughtful details incorporated into the celebration—such as the blending of Jewish and Japanese traditions in the cake and menu—highlighted the couple’s respect for their heritages and their desire to create a meaningful experience. The breaking of the glass, a cherished Jewish wedding custom, was fulfilled during the surprise party, fulfilling Hiro’s wish and adding a traditional touch to their nuptials.
For Ron, who has spent many holidays with the Selden family and is affectionately known as “Uncle Ron,” the event was a testament to the deep bonds forged over the years. The surprise celebration was a reminder that even in a fast-paced world, love and friendship remain at the heart of life’s most important moments.
Looking ahead, Ron and Hiro plan to host a larger wedding reception next year, also catered by Marcia Selden Catering. They are excited to begin their married life by renovating their apartment, traveling, cooking, dining, and eventually adopting a dog.
Celebrate Love and Tradition with Ron Ben-Israel’s Wedding Story
Ron Ben-Israel’s wedding journey is a beautiful example of how love transcends distance, culture, and busy lives. From a simple civil ceremony in New York City to a surprise celebration filled with tradition and friendship, their story inspires couples to cherish meaningful moments and celebrate their unique bond.
Whether you’re planning an intimate wedding or a grand celebration, Ron and Hiro’s experience shows the importance of blending personal heritage with joyful gatherings. Their story also highlights the power of community in making life’s milestones unforgettable.
Conclusion
Ron Ben-Israel’s New York City civil ceremony and surprise wedding celebration beautifully illustrate the magic that happens when love, culture, and friendship come together. Their story encourages couples to embrace meaningful traditions and cherish every moment of their journey. If you’re inspired by Ron and Hiro’s wedding, start planning your own unforgettable celebration today—whether it’s an intimate ceremony or a grand event filled with surprises. Celebrate your love story with the people who matter most and create memories that will last a lifetime.
