The wedding of Stella del Carmen, daughter of Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith, to Alex Gruszynski was intended to be an exceptionally private affair. A five-star hotel, helicopters, unprecedented security measures, and a strict ban on mobile phones—all were designed to keep the ceremony away from prying eyes. Yet, as is often the case, even the strictest prohibitions can prove powerless against human curiosity and social media.
It was thanks to one such “careless” guest that the appearance of the bride’s famous half-sister, Dakota Johnson, became public knowledge. The “Fifty Shades of Grey” star was captured completely by chance, appearing in the background of a selfie taken by another couple enjoying cocktails in the gardens of the historic monastery. Although the image is not of the highest quality, the actress’s elegant look can be discerned. For the Spanish celebration, she chose understated luxury: a black lace halter-neck dress with a cape. Her hair was styled in a neat bun, revealing her face and signature bangs. Beside her was her close friend, actor Blake Lee, whom she had invited as her companion.
While guests were discreetly taking photos, the bride’s father, Antonio Banderas, turned out to be the only one from the famous family who readily spoke to the press. Clearly moved, he told journalists that the atmosphere at the celebration was incredibly warm and family-oriented. The actor admitted there were “a few tears,” since his daughter and son-in-law have known each other for a quarter of a century, practically since childhood.
Taking the opportunity, Banderas also denied one of the most prominent rumors surrounding the wedding. This referred to the possible performance by Chris Martin, the Coldplay frontman and Dakota’s former partner. Antonio assured reporters that the British musician was not at the event and his participation had never been planned, thus putting an end to all speculation.
Dakota’s trip to Spain became yet another testament not only to her strong bond with her sister, but also with her former stepfather. The actress has never hidden her deep affection for Banderas, whom she affectionately calls “Papi.” A few years ago, at an awards ceremony, she delivered a touching speech, saying that when her mother married Antonio, their entire family “married Spain”—with its amazing people, flamenco, and jamón. She emphasized how proud and loving the whole family is of him.
The event itself, held in Valladolid where Banderas arrived by private jet to oversee the final preparations, was also marked by a few memorable moments. Local residents displayed a banner reading “Americanos, os recibimos con alegría”, a reference to the famous 1953 Spanish film. In addition, one family came specifically to the hotel so their daughter could catch a glimpse of her idol, Dakota Johnson, while another individual was stopped by security while trying to deliver a personal letter to Antonio Banderas, which he ultimately managed to do.
