Food Network Star Zac Young Marries Michael Schade in Surprise Backyard Wedding (Exclusive)

In a delightful twist that brought family and friends together in unexpected harmony, renowned Food Network star Zac Young wed his partner Michael Schade on 6th September in an intimate backyard ceremony held at their Pound Ridge, New York home. Seizing on their shared love for surprises, the couple managed to pull off a secret wedding that left their 32 invited guests astounded.

Initially, the couple had misled guests with the promise of a photo shoot, painting a picture of a relaxed gathering that would allow everyone to come as they were. Young, a judge on the Halloween Baking Championship, explained their rationale: “Weddings can be stressful for guests, deciding what to wear and how to engage in small talk. We wanted our loved ones to feel comfortable.” To set the stage for the ruse, they sent out faux save-the-date invitations, suggesting that their actual wedding would be held the following year.

Upon arrival, guests were further convinced of the charade when a friend of the couple posed as a journalist, who interviewed them about Young and Schade. Participants were even asked to sign photo release forms, reinforcing the playful deception. Just as guests settled in, preparations took an unexpected turn when the couple faced a surprise visit from the local fire department due to a fire alarm set off by the cooking from their wedding feast. “We laughed so hard,” Young recalled, appreciating the absurdity of the situation while joyfully posing for photos with the firefighters.

Eventually, the couple presided over the gathering as they made their way through their flourishing garden, the very place where they had become engaged the previous year. Their entrance was heralded by a live performance of “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by the mariachi band, Mariachi Sol Mixteco, creating a magical atmosphere. Emotion ran high as the pair exchanged vows under a floral archway supported by their local nursery, surrounded by blooms they had nurtured themselves.

The beauty of the setting was a testament to their relationship, with Schade and Young having transformed their home and garden together. Young remarked, “I joke that we saved a ton of money on flowers by building the garden.” Months of careful planning had gone into ensuring everything was perfect, with Young pruning dahlias and zinnias to achieve an array of sunset colours in time for their special day.

Officiated by close friend Ashley Higgins, the ceremony could have gone awry with the earlier alarm incident but instead strengthened the couple’s bond, highlighting their playful approach to life together. “When Michael bought the house, it was all white. Together, we’ve made it vivid and vibrant, just like our relationship,” Young shared. Their garden was not just a venue, but a living representation of their journey, culminating in the celebration of their love.

Following the ceremony, family and friends convened at a beautifully set table adorned with candles and fresh garden flowers overlooking their tranquil pond. The couple partnered with chef Jeff Srole and Sarah Carey, the food content director for Martha Stewart, creating a meal reflective of their values and connectedness to the land. Uniquely sourced from their garden and local producers, the meal included an array of seasonal dishes and a selection of curated wines.

As evening set in, guests were treated to a bountiful spread of appetizers, including cheese and charcuterie, and Young’s much-loved focaccia. After a lively meal, the newlyweds donned matching kimonos, further expressing their shared aesthetics and flair for the unique. They presented a selection of fruit tarts, crowned by a carrot cake made by Young himself, underlining a sentimental connection to his family traditions.

With the joyous occasion still lingering in the air, Young looked forward to future adventures with Schade, dreaming of the family they wish to build together whilst continuing to create a home filled with their whimsical design style. “Kids, a petting zoo, and more light fixtures are on the horizon,” he grandly declared, hinting at a future filled with excitement and creativity.

As the evening closed, Zac Young was set to return as a judge for Season 12 of the Halloween Baking Championship, igniting more culinary inspiration for fans eager to see what delights await. With love and laughter at the forefront of their celebration, Zac Young and Michael Schade’s wedding not only marked their commitment to one another but illustrated the joy of sharing life authentically with those dearest to them.