Cover Max Levy and Lindsay Jang (Photo: courtesy of Jang)
Max Levy and Lindsay Jang (Photo: courtesy of Jang)
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Yardbird restaurateur Lindsay Jang married chef Max Levy on May 11 at the Tseung Kwan O marriage registry—with no fuss, no friends, and just family by their side. They tell Tatler why the low-key ceremony was just what the doctor ordered
Renowned for her dining establishments Yardbird and the newly opened Always Joy, as well as her work in the wellness industry, Lindsay Jang has always charted her own course. Max Levy, celebrated for his acclaimed izakaya Okra, which closed in 2021 and OkraWorks, a dynamic food and beverage consultancy, shares a similar independent spirit. On May 11, they embarked on a new chapter that defied expectations.
In a world where weddings often become public spectacles, Jang and Levy opted for an intensely private ceremony at the Tseung Kwan O marriage registry. No grand guest list, no elaborate fanfare—just the couple, their family members and a supreme desire for intimacy. Their decision to keep their nuptials under wraps— a contrast to their public personas— speaks volumes about their priorities. Jang and Levy open up about their unexpected reconnection, the unique dynamics of their blended family and why their low-key celebration just made sense.
See also: Lindsay Jang’s latest wellness venture, Rooms, harnesses the magic of microdosing
Above Max Levy and Lindsay Jang and her two children, Lili and Ronin, with their father Matt Abergel and his partner Kelly Wong (far left).
Max Levy and Lindsay Jang and her two children, Lili and Ronin, with their father Matt Abergel and his partner Kelly Wong (far left).
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Let’s start with your love story—was it a chance encounter, a long friendship or something else?
Lindsay Jang: We first met back in 2011 when Yardbird opened—we were friendly, just acquaintances really. Then we reconnected unexpectedly on April 12, 2024, when we ran into each other at [Black Sheep Restaurants’ bakery] Butter. I was grabbing a birthday cake for my daughter, Lili, and he was buying cookies.
Max Levy: All I wanted was a cookie.
Lindsay, you’ve openly talked about never being the girl who dreamed of a big white wedding. This is your first marriage. When did you realise you wanted to spend your lives together?
Jang: I guess the saying “When you know you know” is actually true. Honestly, I knew almost immediately—but I was definitely trying my best to play it cool.
Levy: She literally said to me “Is this just going to be a texting relationship or are we going to hang out in real life, ever?”. I’ve known her for years, but I don’t think we ever looked at each other the way that we do now, and I don’t think that the people we were before would click the way that we do now either.
What inspired you to have such an intimate wedding?
Jang: I’ve spent the last 20-plus years hosting and entertaining as part of my career. It was important to me that this moment stayed very private. I didn’t want any pressure to take care of everyone else.
Levy: Every time we would talk about a wedding of 50, 30 or 20 people, it honestly just felt like what we do for work, and I didn’t want our wedding day to feel like that for anyone involved. We have been lucky to be able to fall into each other’s lives quite comfortably, and I wanted the day to feel just like that.
How did your families react to the idea of a private ceremony?
Jang: Completely unphased.
Levy: “Send some photos!” After Covid-19, I think everyone appreciates time spent hanging out together more than stressing over big events.
Your blended family dynamic is unique and so inspiring. Lindsay, you and Matt Abergel [Jang’s business partner and former life partner] co-parent your two kids, and Max and Matt are old friends. How did that friendship evolve into this family structure?
Jang: Matt is my closest friend, and his opinion matters a lot to me. He was actually the first person I called after running into Max. I remember saying, “Hey, guess who’s in Hong Kong, single and looks good? Max Levy. What are his red flags?”. Matt replied, “No red flags. He’s a little critical.” They share many of the same values, which has made this modern family frictionless.
Levy: I think the main thing that we all have now is maturity and being able to use that maturity and experience to focus on what’s really important.
What was the most memorable moment of the day?
Jang: Our wedding “administrator”, who spoke exactly like the priest from [1987 cult classic] The Princess Bride—somewhat nonsensical.
Levy: Luckily I like reading forms, because I understood nothing that was coming out of his mouth.
Did you miss having friends or a larger crowd present?
Jang: No.
Levy: That’s like me saying “Did I forget to have an anxiety attack last night before bed?"
How do you balance your personal and professional lives as a couple?
Jang: We both have a lot of freedom over our schedules and our work overlaps in many ways. What’s special is that we get to talk about our projects at home, but not in that negative sense of “bringing work home”. It’s really valuable to have someone whose opinion matters and who offers insight from a completely different perspective. Of course, we don’t always agree, but that’s part of the dynamic.
Levy: Actually, that’s been one of the best dynamics about our relationship sometimes: learning how to respectfully disagree with each other’s opinions. We look at the same things very differently, but I trust her opinion because I know that she’s going to be honest.
Lindsay, how do your kids feel about this new chapter in your lives?
Jang: They’re happy as long as I’m happy. They’re teenagers, and we’ve always had a very open, honest household, so there are a lot of jokes and good-natured teasing.
Levy: “Good-natured…”
What’s next for you two—honeymoon, projects or simply enjoying married life?
Jang: All of the above.
As Content Director at Tatler Hong Kong, Tara shapes the brand's editorial vision across social, digital and print, and reports on Asia's most influential figures — from CEOs and leaders across business, style and the arts. In her dual role as Head of VIP, she also drives the planning and execution of Tatler's flagship IPs, curating star-studded events and building the relationships and communities that define the brand. Born and raised in the Middle East, she honed her craft in Dubai, crafting communication strategies for luxury brands across the Gulf. Follow her on Instagram @tarasobti.
