When the two first made their romance public, nobody thought actress Sandra Bullock and reality tv star/mechanic Jesse James would go the distance. But this weekend, the two seemingly polar opposites got married.
In the planning stages for several weeks, the secret sunset ceremony took place Saturday, July 16, at the Folded Hills Ranch in Santa Ynez Valley's wine country. While most brides want pomp and ceremony, Bullock requested a wedding with a vintage western barbecue feel. Transported by shuttle bus to the hotel, to keep the location secret, the guests sat on haystacks covered with horse blankets.
The couple arrived in a modern day horse carriage -- a giant red monster truck that James was driving -- and walked down a red and white flower-filled aisle to a taped recording of the aria "Casta Diva" sung by the bride's mother, an opera singer who passed away five years ago.
The reception was held in a nearby tent, where guests dined on a southern-style menu of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and barbecued ribs, before dancing the night away to bluegrass music. Bullock's sister, Gesine Prado, created the wedding cake, which had a personalized topper of a bride and groom on a bicycle.
With assistance from jeweler Neil Lane, James designed a vintage-inspired engagement ring with the theme of "You and Me," that had two intertwined diamonds, along with a pave wedding band for his bride. Bullock went a little more DIY with her offering, making James' stainless steel wedding band herself at his bike shop.
She did, however, go vintage with her custom-designed lace gown by Angel Sanchez, which she accessorized with ivory satin cowboy boots.
Celebrity guest attending included Bullock's former co-stars Hugh Grant, William Shatner and Regina King, as well as the groom's rocker friends, such as Metallica frontman, James Hetfield.
It was the first marriage for Bullock, 40, who was previously engaged to actor Tate Donovan, as well as being romantically linked to actors Matthew McConaughey and Ryan Gosling. Recent film roles include Miss Congeniality 2 and Crash.
James, 36, has been married twice before and has three children. He appears on The Discovery Channel's hit show, Monster Garage. He also founded the West Coast Choppers. which in addition to selling one-of-a-kind customized bikes, launched a popular clothing and lifestyle line of products.
