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 renowned cake designer and celebrity chef Ron Ben-Israel, 68, officially married Hiroyuki “Hiro” Aihara, 55, a senior pattern maker at Coach, on September 19 in a civil ceremony held at the Office of the City Clerk in New York City. The couple chose a simple yet meaningful approach to their wedding, opting for a small gathering of close friends and family to witness their union. Following the ceremony, they enjoyed a cozy luncheon at Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Tarrytown, New York, a location known for its farm-to-table cuisine and intimate atmosphere.
Ben-Israel shared with exclusive insights that the timing was intentional: “We wanted to get married soon, just before the Jewish New Year, and to keep it intimate and sweet.” The couple’s preference for a weekday ceremony and luncheon over a traditional full dinner reception reflects their desire for a relaxed and personal celebration. Both Ron and Hiro had demanding schedules—Hiro was busy with Fashion Week, while Ron was in the midst of his busy wedding cake season—so this brief pause was a cherished moment for the couple.
The ceremony itself was a dream come true for Ben-Israel, who described it as “a celebration of two kindred spirits from opposite sides of the world who by fate became whole as a couple in N.Y.C.” The couple’s story is one of serendipity and connection, introduced by mutual friends from the cake community, highlighting the power of friendship and fate in bringing them together.
The Surprise Wedding Celebration: A Joyous Rosh Hashanah Dinner
Just three days after their civil ceremony, on September 22, Ron and Hiro were surprised with an unexpected wedding celebration in Weston, Connecticut. What was initially presented as a Rosh Hashanah dinner—a Jewish New Year tradition—turned into an elaborate party honoring their marriage. The event was organized by close friends and collaborators, including Robin Selden and Jeffrey Selden of Marcia Selden Catering, who consider Ron “like a brother” and wanted to ensure his marriage was celebrated in style despite the couple’s families being overseas.
Guests were greeted with floral boutonnieres as Ron and Hiro entered the home, immediately making them feel like the center of attention. The celebration featured live music, elegant decor, and a specially curated menu that blended traditional holiday favorites with gourmet dishes. The highlight was a surprise wedding cake crafted by Ron’s own cake team, which beautifully incorporated elements from both their Jewish and Japanese heritages. The cake featured layers of green tea matcha buttercream and almond cake with sesame halvah in tahini buttercream, topped with a miniature draped chuppah adorned with Japanese cherry blossoms—a perfect symbol of their union.
Adding to the fun was a second whimsical sheet cake decorated with sugar roses and a printed photo of the couple depicted as angels with halos. The couple was so enamored with this cake that they hesitated to cut it, underscoring the playful and heartfelt nature of the celebration.
The party also included personalized touches such as custom wedding cake cookies with guests’ names serving as place cards, and sweet honey jars labeled “Meant to Bee” to honor the Rosh Hashanah tradition of dipping apples in honey for a sweet new year. A special cookie modeled after Ron’s childhood stuffed dog, Vow Vow, was made to ensure the beloved toy was part of the festivities.
The menu was a delicious fusion of tradition and innovation, featuring heart-shaped chopped liver, matzo ball soup, caviar with crème fraîche and chives, braised brisket, pan-seared chicken with shiitake beurre blanc, herb-roasted salmon, and a variety of seasonal vegetables. Mini butter cakes with herbed compound butter and truffle butter were served alongside challah, while dessert included an assortment of bite-sized cookies, sweetcakes, and white chocolate-dipped gooseberries—a favorite of the grooms.
Celebrating Love and Tradition: The Meaning Behind the Wedding Details
The surprise wedding celebration was deeply meaningful for Ron and Hiro, especially given the distance from their families—Ron’s family resides in Israel, and Hiro’s in Japan. The event allowed them to experience the warmth of extended family and friends, embracing Jewish wedding traditions such as the breaking of the glass, which Hiro was eager to participate in.
Robin Selden emphasized the significance of the occasion, noting, “Being in the business of creating delicious memories and incredible parties, we just could not let [the marriage] go by without a party.” The thoughtful incorporation of cultural elements and personalized details made the celebration not only a feast for the senses but also a heartfelt tribute to the couple’s backgrounds and love story.
Ron reflected on the experience, saying, “It was so special to feel celebrated and loved by the Selden family.” Hiro echoed these sentiments, expressing gratitude for the thoughtful touches and the joyful atmosphere that made the day unforgettable.
Looking ahead, Ron and Hiro plan to host a larger wedding reception next year, also catered by Marcia Selden Catering. Meanwhile, they are excited to embark on their married life together, which includes renovating their apartment and enjoying travel, cooking, and dining adventures. Ron also mentioned their hope to adopt a dog someday, adding a sweet note to their future plans.
Why This Wedding Inspires
Ron Ben-Israel’s wedding story is a beautiful example of how love, tradition, and friendship can come together to create unforgettable moments. From a simple civil ceremony in New York City to a surprise celebration filled with cultural symbolism and culinary delights, their wedding highlights the importance of personal touches and the joy of being surrounded by loved ones.
For couples planning their own weddings, Ron and Hiro’s approach offers inspiration to focus on meaningful experiences over extravagance, and to embrace traditions that resonate personally. Their story also underscores the power of community in celebrating life’s milestones, especially when family may be far away.
Conclusion
Ron Ben-Israel’s marriage to Hiroyuki Aihara is a heartwarming celebration of love, culture, and friendship. Their intimate New York City civil ceremony followed by a surprise wedding party beautifully blended Jewish and Japanese traditions, creating lasting memories for the couple and their loved ones. If you enjoyed this exclusive glimpse into Ron and Hiro’s special day, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more inspiring celebrity wedding stories and expert wedding planning tips. Start planning your dream wedding today and create moments that will be cherished forever!
