Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas’ Daughter Gets Married — Fans Shocked by the Gothic Outfits and Unusual Flower Choices

What was supposed to be a fairy-tale wedding in a historic Spanish abbey has turned into a full-blown online fashion frenzy, leaving fans stunned and divided.

Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas' daughter, Stella Banderas, tied the knot in Spain — but it wasn't the traditional, colorful wedding fans expected. Most online users were left divided over the gothic theme of Stella's nuptials to longtime love Alex Gruszynski.

A netizen reacts to the wedding of Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas's daughter, from a post dated October 22, 2025 | Source: Instagram/dvkotajohnson

The 29-year-old beauty tied the knot with her childhood sweetheart, Alex, on October 18, inside the historic Retuerta Le Domaine Abbey in Valladolid, Spain. But this wasn't your average celebrity wedding.

Stella, looking every bit the gothic goddess in an off-the-shoulder lace wedding gown with trailing sleeves, clutching a dramatic black bouquet. Alex, her groom, matched the mood in a black tuxedo.

Meanwhile, bridesmaids — including Stella's half-sister Dakota Johnson — wore black lace gowns and carried blood-red flowers. Even most male guests sported black-on-black formalwear. The mother-of-the-bride, Melanie, stood out in a striking gray lace dress.

But while the wedding exuded sophistication and individuality, many fans couldn't look past the color choices. Social media was soon flooded with comments questioning the gothic theme.

One user wrote, "Looks like Halloween. I didn't like it," and another person agreeing "Yes mom looked like she was dressed as Halloween [sic[." Some people noted, "There is something creepy about black kalas as a bouquet for a bride, not to mention black lace dresses for bridesmaids .gives kind of funeral vibe [sic]."

Stella del Carmen Banderas attends the "RABAT Magic Cosmos" photocall at the Circulo de las Bellas Artes Cultural Center in Madrid, Spain on October 25, 2023 | Source: Getty Images

Others focused on the color scheme, with one person saying, "Beautiful ladies but awful fkowers [sic] & colour choice of bridesmaid dresses," while another individual joked, "Omg .looks like the Adams family." Someone else echoed, "The Adams Family? Black flowers kind of Wednesday 😮"

Stella del Carmen Banderas' wedding guests arrive at the wedding venue in Valladolid, Spain on October 16, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Not everyone was critical, though. One fan admired the style, writing, "I don't like the black flowers but the dresses are stunning, all them [sic]." Another person offered a more thoughtful take, "Beautiful, black flowers have a good meaning, everything is not what it seems."

Stella Del Carmen attends "Crucero Collection" fashion show presentation by Dior at Plaza de España on June 16, 2022 in Seville, Spain | Source: Getty Images

Attention also turned to the famous family, with one user gushing, "Gorgeous bride!!! 🔥 Melani looks spectacular!!! 🔥." Some couldn't help but praise the fashion, "Melanie’s dress….. Magnificent 🌿🌿🌿" and one curious fan simply asked, "Where’s Antonio??🤷‍♀️"

Some fans wondered why Antonio didn't appear in many of the wedding photos, leading to speculation that he might have missed the ceremony. However, the actor was indeed present at his daughter's big day.

Two days later, the movie legend poured his heart out in a rare and deeply personal Instagram post. The "Desperado" actor attached a message that offered a glimpse into just how profound the day had been in the October 20, 2025, video montage.

Antonio Banderas, his daughter Stella and Melanie Griffith attend the 3rd annual Starlite Charity Gala in Marbella, Spain on August 4, 2012 | Source: Getty Images

He wrote, "My daughter Stella's wedding has turned into a heartfelt family reunion, emotional, joyful, and full of laughter. Thank you to everyone who made this possible."

The day wasn't just about love — it was a reclaiming of heritage, a reconnection with roots, and a proud nod to the homeland that shaped him.

In an interview with ¡HOLA! Magazine before the big day, Antonio Banderas made no secret of what this moment meant to him as both a father and a Spaniard.

Antonio Banderas and his daughter Stella during the premiere of the musical "Company" at the Soho Caixabank Theatre, in Malaga, Spain on November 17, 2021 | Source: Getty Images

"Seeing my daughter dressed as a bride will be one of the most beautiful moments of my life. I get to be the father of the bride, and it's a role I take on with all the emotion in the world," he said. And it wasn't just about the moment's beauty for the movie star; it was about heritage, belonging, and the pride of seeing his daughter honor her roots.

"Having her get married in Spain fills me with pride. She's very Andalusian, very much from Málaga, even if she grew up in the U.S. This is her way of reconnecting with her roots and sharing her homeland with her future husband and his family," he added.

Antonio Banderas and his daughter Stella attend the red carpet of the the opening ceremony of 69th San Sebastian International Film Festival at the Kursaal Palace in San Sebastian, Spain on September 17, 2021 | Source: Getty Images

Stella echoed that deep connection. Also speaking with ¡HOLA!, she reflected on the powerful symbolism behind her choice to return to her birthplace for such a life-defining event.

"I feel so lucky to be getting married in the country where I was born," she said, describing how closely she feels tied to her father's Málaga heritage.

Stella del Carmen Banderas attends the "RABAT Magic Cosmos" photocall at the Circulo de las Bellas Artes Cultural Center in Madrid, Spain on October 25, 2023 | Source: Getty Images

Their wedding took place in 2025, but Stella and Alex's love story spans decades. They first met in preschool. On August 20, 2024, Stella shared the happy news of their engagement in a gleeful Instagram post.

"I get to hang out with my favorite person on earth forever!!!!!!!! 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍" she wrote, attaching a carousel of nostalgic and heartwarming photos.

Teenage Stella Banderas and Alex Gruszynski as seen in a post dated August 20, 2024 | Source: Instagram/stellabanderasgriffith

Among them was a precious image from their childhood — a candid schoolyard snapshot of a young Alex in a white T-shirt with a dragon motif, looking down shyly. At the same time, Stella stood close, smiling softly at the camera in a sleeveless white top. The lighting, the innocence, the setting — it all whispered of the early days of a storybook romance.

Little Stella Banderas and Alex Gruszynski are standing close together, as seen in a post dated August 20, 2024 | Source: Instagram/stellabanderasgriffith

Another photo in Stella's engagement announcement captured a new chapter: a sun-drenched park, Alex reclined on a blanket, smiling at Stella — her hand in the foreground, the sparkling rectangular-cut diamond on her ring finger catching the light. Her mauve-painted nails complemented the tender simplicity of the scene.

That same day, Stella's mother, Melanie, a beloved Hollywood actress, also joined the celebration with her own jubilant post.

One of her photos showed Stella in a sleeveless white dress, gazing off to the side, her engagement ring gleaming. The background was filled with subtle romantic touches — pillows and what appeared to be a heart made of petals — adding an ethereal layer to an already emotional moment.

Stella Banderas in a sleeveless, low-cut white dress shows off her engagement ring, as seen in a post dated August 20, 2024 | Source: Instagram/melaniegriffith

"He asked…. On bended knee… she said yes ♥️ Stella and Alex are engaged to be married ♥️ Their love story began in preschool! True love, deep love! Congratulations to the beloveds!!! ♥️💥♥️💫♥️," she wrote.

The wedding itself was more than a glamorous affair — it was a heartfelt union that brought together not only families, but generations of culture and history. From childhood photos to Andalusian traditions, it was a ceremony steeped in memory and meaning — and for the "The Skin I Live In" actor, it brought life full circle.

Through his heartfelt Instagram tribute, the actor reminded the world that, despite a lifetime in the spotlight and countless roles, the one that matters most isn't on screen — it's the role of father of the bride.