Eva Longoria married José 'Pepe' Bastón on Saturday, after living out a fairy tale-like romance for over three years. It was expected to be one of the Hollywood weddings of the year, and the actress and the TV executive didn't disappoint. The happy couple said "I do's" surrounded by 80 relatives and close friends, which included lots of glamorous and familiar faces.
Eva Longoria and Pepe Baston glowing after saying "I do." Photo: Donna Newman
The gorgeous setting for the wedding was the garden of the house that Pepe owns in Valle de Bravo —an exclusive vacation spot located West of Mexico City and on the edge of Lake Avándaro—, while celebrities in attendance included Victoria and David Beckham, Ricky Martin, Mario Lopez and Melanie Griffith.
Eva and Pepe gave HOLA! USA the privilege of publishing the first exclusive photo of them as newlyweds. The actress and the media executive were glowing after sealing their love story.
As expected, Eva, 41, looked stunning in a custom-made signature silhouette white dress designed by her good friend Victoria Beckham while her hairstyle was designed by close friend and Hollywood celebrity stylist Ken Paves. Pepe, in turn, chose a three-piece gray suit custom made by Italian designer Brunello Cucinelli.
The ceremony and the party were planned by Pepe's own sister, Rosalía Bastón, and wedding planner Troy Williams following the concept of "white quiet elegant." The festivities started with cocktails, while the band Pro Down —formed by special needs musicians, a cause dear to Eva's heart— added the live music.
An interesting detail is that the vows were exchanged in a bilingual ceremony, performed by "Father Pedro." Eva did not have bridesmaids, but Tali and Mariana, Pepe's daughters from his previous marriage, walked before the bride and groom towards the altar. After their vows, the bride and groom exchanged simple white gold bands made by Berger.
When the ceremony was over, the glowing newlyweds and their guests enjoyed a dinner prepared by Mexican chefs Eduardo Kholman and Enrique Olvera, while their first dance highlighted their Latin roots: it was the touching hit song Volví a Nacer by Colombian musician Carlos Vives, whose choir says "I want to marry you/ Stay by your side / Be the one blessed by your love."
But that wasn't the only musical detail of the night. At the end of the ceremony, pop star Vanessa Williams —who has known Eva since Desperate Housewives— surprised the bride by singing her signature song, Save the Best for Last, and what a special moment it was! Eva didn't even realize that Vanessa was there until the singer turned around halfway through the tune, to her complete disbelief.
"I've been waiting for a day like this my entire life," said Eva.
The night, of course, ended with an spectacular display of fireworks.
Pepe Bastón proposed to his now-wife in Dubai in early December by giving her a stunning ruby ring. The happy newlyweds met through a friend in 2013 but funnily enough Eva didn't fall for Pepe the first time she laid eyes on him. It wasn't until the second time that Longoria met José that she felt the chemistry and that the "angels were singing."
The newlyweds will now embark on a honeymoon that will last until 1 June. May they live happily ever after!