The Reagan family dinner may be the centerpiece of Blue Bloods, but for actor Steve Schirripa (who plays the beloved Anthony Abetemarco), the spotlight recently shifted to a very real and deeply personal family gathering: the wedding of his youngest daughter, Ciara Schirripa.
Ciara, 27, married her longtime college sweetheart, Zach Binder, in a beautiful, emotional ceremony and reception at the Tribeca Grill in New York City. The event was a true “family affair,” as the proud father described it, reflecting the deep bonds that have always been central to Schirripa’s life, both on and off-screen. The celebration was a blend of rustic charm, New York elegance, and heartfelt cultural traditions, all culminating in a joyous party that brought friends and family together to usher the happy couple into their new life.
A Father’s Pride: An Emotional Walk Down the Aisle
For a man known to many as the tough, no-nonsense Bobby Baccalieri on The Sopranos or the street-smart detective Anthony Abetemarco, Steve Schirripa’s emotions were understandably high. Walking his daughter down the aisle was one of the most poignant moments of the day.
Schirripa, 66, confessed that the event was “very emotional” for him, especially as Ciara is his youngest daughter, making him and his wife, Laura Schirripa, official empty-nesters.
Ciara walked down the aisle to the tune of “Wildest Dreams” by Taylor Swift, an unconventional yet perfectly romantic choice. The emotion was palpable, with Ciara herself noting that the moment the doors opened and she saw her father, the happy tears began to flow.
The scene captured the universal sentiment of a father letting go while celebrating a new chapter. Steve Schirripa expressed his immense pride in his new son-in-law, Zach Binder, who is a college sweetheart of Ciara’s, having been with the family for seven years. “Zach is I’m very, very proud to have him as [a son-in-law]. He’s going to take care of my daughter,” the actor shared, highlighting the deep approval and welcoming nature of the Schirripa family.
The Tribeca Tradition: A Venue with Deep Family Roots
The choice of the Tribeca Grill in New York City was no accident; for the Schirripa family, the venue holds a special, sentimental significance. Both Ciara and her older sister, Bria Schirripa, had worked at the iconic downtown restaurant during their college years. In fact, Ciara’s sister Bria also hosted her own wedding reception there in April 2021.
This continuity created a beautiful sense of history and comfort, turning the sophisticated New York venue into a true extension of the family home. The familiar surroundings allowed the celebration to feel intimate and personal, despite the inevitable attention that comes with a celebrity-attended event.
Whimsical and Rustic Details
Ciara and Zach, who met in 2014 while attending the University of Delaware and got engaged in October 2022, aimed for a wedding aesthetic that was both “whimsical” and “rustic,” despite Ciara joking that “nothing about the wedding was low-key.”
The venue was transformed with:
- Green and white accents throughout the decor.
- Twinkle lights and a disco ball to add a touch of playful glam.
- Floating candles and small vases of flowers, contributing to the romantic, rustic ambiance.
The bride, Ciara, wore a stunning strapless white Jude Jowilson gown featuring a dramatic bow at the back—a simple, yet slightly dramatic look that perfectly captured her style. Zach, for his part, wore a classic white tuxedo, creating a timeless visual for the New York wedding.
A Celebration of Heritage: Food, Music, and Culture
The Schirripa wedding was a true feast for the senses, honoring the couple’s background and love of great food and music.
The Taste of Home: Italian and Mexican Delights
Reflecting Ciara’s mother, Laura Schirripa’s Mexican-American heritage, and the family’s Italian roots, the menu was a grand, family-style affair that delighted guests:
- Italian Antipasti: A large table featured salami, various cheeses, and fruit, reflecting the Schirripa family’s well-known appreciation for Italian-American cuisine.
- The Main Course: Guests dined on a lavish spread that included short ribs, fried chicken, swordfish, spicy rigatoni, and butternut squash ravioli.
- Sweet Endings: The wedding cake, a beloved strawberry and whipped cream confection, came from Veniero’s, a famous Italian bakery in the East Village, topped off by Italian pastry favorite, cannoli.
The Soundtrack to Happiness
The music also paid homage to the family’s diverse heritage and desire for a party atmosphere. A five-piece mariachi group performed, a vibrant and energetic nod to Laura Schirripa’s Mexican-American roots. For dancing, a nine-piece band, Mari Entertainment (formerly known as NYC Swing), kept the energy high, ensuring the celebration truly felt like “one big party” as Steve Schirripa promised.
The wedding of Ciara Schirripa and Zach Binder was more than just a union of two college sweethearts; it was a powerful affirmation of family, tradition, and the enduring love that anchors the life of a television star. For the Blue Bloods and Sopranos faithful, seeing the always-loyal Anthony Abetemarco take on the role of proud father of the bride was a heart-melting reminder that even the biggest stars are just family men at heart. The New York City wedding, filled with laughter, tears, and spectacular food, provided a much-needed dose of joy and celebration for the extended Schirripa circle.
