Stella del Carmen Banderas’ wedding, daughter of Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith, has already become one of the most elegant and talked-about events of the year. The ceremony took place at the majestic Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine, a 12th-century monastery turned luxury hotel and winery in the small town of Sardón del Duero, Valladolid, blending historic charm with modern sophistication. Little by little, more details are emerging about this exclusive celebration, designed to be intimate, cosmopolitan, and filled with a guest list that sparks plenty of curiosity.
The setting couldn’t have been more spectacular: a monastery turned five-star hotel, surrounded by century-old vineyards and home to a winery recognized by the Michelin Guide. “My greatest wish, and her mother’s as well, is for this day to be perfect, making sure every detail is ready so our guests can fully enjoy such a special day,” Banderas told ¡HOLA!.
Malia and Sasha Obama add a touch of Hollywood charm
But what truly captured everyone’s attention was the guest list. Among those in attendance were names no one expected to see. The most surprising of all were Malia and Sasha, daughters of former U.S. president Barack Obama, spotted in Valladolid. The Obama sisters, who are very close and prefer to stay out of the spotlight, currently live in Los Angeles where they keep a circle of friends connected to the worlds of art, culture, and film, spaces Stella also moves in.
Another guest who drew plenty of attention was Trudie Styler, wife of musician Sting and a well-known film producer and director. Her presence wasn’t unexpected, given her close ties to the film world and her recent work as the director of Rose’s Baby, a romantic comedy with dramatic tones starring Antonio Banderas and Úrsula Corberó. That project is said to have strengthened the friendship between the two families. Elegant and effortlessly poised, Styler stood out as one of the most notable international guests at the event.
The closest family, of course, was there. Actress Dakota Johnson, Stella's half-sister, embodied her usual charm and discretion, adding a touch of glamour to a day brimming with talent and artistry. Also expected was the presence of the great Tippi Hedren, the bride’s grandmother and a living Hollywood legend, there to support her granddaughter on such a meaningful day. At 95, the iconic star of The Birds and Marnie remains a symbol of elegance and strength. The union of three generations of women—Tippi, Melanie, and Stella—gave the wedding a profound sense of family continuity, where love and art intertwined as the true legacy of an unforgettable lineage.
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The wedding brought together Stella del Carmen Banderas (29) and Alex Gruszynski (28), an American entrepreneur of Polish descent and the bride’s childhood friend. The ceremony took place at the 12th-century Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine monastery in Sardón del Duero, Valladolid. It was announced as a strictly private event, with a complete ban on mobile phones and event staff required to sign confidentiality agreements to preserve secrecy.
The day’s program included an outdoor cocktail reception, a gala lunch, and finally a party with an open bar and live performances. To ensure comfort and exclusivity, some high-profile guests were flown in by helicopter, as the hotel has its own helipad. With around 200 to 250 attendees, the wedding was a celebration worthy of its exceptional setting, blending luxury, privacy, and an intimate atmosphere.