Hollywood icons Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith are proud parents. Their daughter, Stella Banderas, is over the moon as she celebrates a special moment.
The 27-year-old is officially engaged and couldn't wait to share the exciting news with her followers. Stella took to Instagram to announce her engagement to Alex Gruszynski, and her joy was contagious. Stella posted a collection of photos that perfectly captured the couple's journey over the years.
A photo of Stella Banderas and her fiancé, Alex Gruszynski posted on August 19, 2024 | Source: Instagram/stellabanderasgriffith
Alongside the snapshots, she gushed in her caption, "I get to hang out with my favorite person on earth forever!!!!!!!! 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼🤍🤍🤍🤍." The photos are a nostalgic trip down memory lane. They start with a throwback gem of Stella and Alex as kids, standing alongside other children, their cuteness shining through.
A photo of Stella Banderas and her fiancé, Alex Gruszynski posted on August 19, 2024 | Source: Instagram/stellabanderasgriffith
Fast forward a few years, and the next picture captures them as teenagers in school, where they rock white T-shirts and look effortlessly adorable as Stella cradles Alex near their lockers.
A photo of Stella Banderas and her fiancé, Alex Gruszynski posted on August 19, 2024 | Source: Instagram/stellabanderasgriffith
As fans scrolled through the post, the couple's love story blossomed before their eyes. The pair, now young adults, seemed more in love than ever. In one romantic shot, Stella sits gracefully on Alex's lap. The couple, who are both dressed in matching black outfits are seen locking lips in a passionate kiss.
A photo of Stella Banderas and her fiancé, Alex Gruszynski posted on August 19, 2024 | Source: Instagram/stellabanderasgriffith
Another photo showcases the couple enjoying a vibrant celebration with friends, their happiness radiating through the screen.
A photo of Stella Banderas and her fiancé, Alex Gruszynski posted on August 19, 2024 | Source: Instagram/stellabanderasgriffith
In another moment, Alex, in a bold red T-shirt that reads "Enjoy California," seems to be living his best life with his bride-to-be by his side.
A photo of Stella Banderas and her fiancé, Alex Gruszynski posted on August 19, 2024 | Source: Instagram/stellabanderasgriffith
The montage of photos closes with an intimate, black-and-white shot of Stella and Alex wrapped in each other's arms on a couch, passionately kissing, a visual echo of their timeless bond.
A photo of Stella Banderas and her fiancé, Alex Gruszynski posted on August 19, 2024 | Source: Instagram/stellabanderasgriffith
Stella also gave her fans a close-up of her sparkling engagement ring. This collection of candid moments reveals more than just a relationship; it's a testament to a love that has grown through the years.
Stella's post didn't just capture the hearts of her followers—it also drew emotional reactions from her family. Her mother, Melanie Griffith, was among the first to shower the couple with love. She commented, "I love you both sooooo much!! Congratulations again!!! ♥️♥️♥️♥️"
Melanie Griffith's comment dated August 19, 2024| Source: Instagram/stellabanderasgriffith
Her stepmother also couldn't contain her excitement. She chimed in with a heartfelt message, "Congratulations, Stella and Alex! Destiny! I always knew it was going to be! ❤️"
With such warm blessings from both sides of the family, it's clear that Stella and Alex have a strong circle of support as they embark on this new chapter of their lives. Alex isn't just Stella's soon-to-be husband—he's also a powerhouse in his own right.
With an impressive academic background and a rapidly rising career, Alex is making his mark in the creative industry. Per his LinkedIn page, Alex is a graduate of Wake Forest University and the USC Marshall School of Business. He studied Bachelor of Business Administration and Management in both institutions.
That strong foundation launched him into the entertainment world, where his talents have continued to grow. Currently, he is the Co-Founder and CEO of Nova, an organization committed to empowering and uplifting creatives. Before stepping into his entrepreneurial shoes, Alex gained valuable experience in different positions.
He worked at WME (William Morris Endeavor) as a Motion Picture Lit agent, navigating the fast-paced world of film. He also worked behind the scenes at Anonymous Content as a production intern, honing his skills in Los Angeles' vibrant entertainment hub.
Although Stella's parents divorced in 2015, they still show up for her as seen on Melanie's March 11, 2023, Instagram post, where she wrote, "Surrounding our Stella with love ♥️."
The rare images of the trio showed the former couple of 19 years sandwiching their only daughter. Fans were pleased to see the parents and their daughter looking so happy with one person commenting about the duo being "a real class act."
A photo of Antonio Banderas, Melanie Griffith and their daughter Stella, posted on March 11, 2023 | Source: Instagram/melaniegriffith
The followers felt not everyone was able to be decent to one another after breaking up, and they admired that in Melanie and Antonio. Someone else praised Stella for being pretty, noting how she was a "Spanish-American beauty."
A third person thought it was great to see the mother and father with their child. While someone else praised them for being able to remain divorced but still come together for the sake of their child.
As Stella celebrates her engagement, her sister Dakota Johnson is making headlines for a different reason. Rumors have been swirling that Dakota and her fiancé, Coldplay’s Chris Martin, had broken up. But Dakota quietly shut down those rumors in style.
Melanie Griffith, Stella Banderas and Dakota Johnson at the The 63rd Annual Golden Globe Awards in January 2006 | Source: Getty Images
On Friday, August 16, Dakota was seen out with friends in Malibu, California. She kept it casual, wearing a cozy tan coat and jeans. But the real standout? Her sparkling emerald engagement ring is still firmly on her left hand.
This subtle detail spoke volumes, confirming that Dakota and Chris are still happily together. The sighting came after plenty of breakup buzz, but Dakota's ring and a confirmation from her rep made it clear that the couple is still going strong.