When Pastor Antonio Reyes stood at midfield during Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl 60 halftime show, he wasn’t just part of entertainment history—he was conducting a legally binding marriage ceremony for Thomas Wolter and Eleisa Aparicio in front of 70,000 fans at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
How Did a Legal Wedding Happen at the Super Bowl?
For California residents wondering how major life events like marriages are legally formalized—even in unconventional settings—this story offers valuable insights.
Reyes, a pastor at Project Church in Sacramento with entertainment industry connections, received a call about three weeks before Super Bowl 60.Initially kept in the dark about details, he was asked if he’d be interested in officiating a wedding for a couple—potentially celebrities—who needed a Spanish-speaking pastor.
After signing confidentiality agreements and discovering the ceremony would be part of the Super Bowl halftime show, Reyes spent the week before the game in Santa Clara rehearsing what he calls “the quickest ceremony I’ve ever done in my life.”
The Story Behind the Invitation
According to news reports, the couple had sent wedding invitations to celebrities they admired, including Bad Bunny.The Grammy Award-winning artist responded by inviting them to marry during his halftime performance—and even signed their marriage certificate.
During the live broadcast, Reyes’ voice was amplified stadium-wide as he pronounced in Spanish: “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. … You may kiss the bride.”
What Makes a Marriage Ceremony Legally Valid in California?
For California families planning weddings or other major life events, this story raises an important question: What makes a ceremony legally binding?
Key requirements typically include:
Why This Moment Mattered Beyond Entertainment
The ceremony was part of a broader performance celebrating Latin American identity and pride. For Reyes, a Mexican-American pastor, the opportunity held deep significance: “For me, as a Mexican, as a Latino, it was a privilege to be part of something monumental.”
He emphasized the importance of representation, especially as immigration enforcement efforts have unsettled Latino communities across the United States.”Moments like these help us with that representation,” Reyes said. “That we are not just migrants, but human beings with talents, with skills, with something valuable to bring to the table.”
Planning Your Family’s Legal Milestones in California
While most Californians won’t marry at a Super Bowl, everyone faces important legal planning moments:
For California residents managing life transitions—whether you’re planning a wedding, preparing for retirement, or protecting your family’s legacy—having experienced legal guidance makes these complex processes manageable.
Ready to Protect Your Family’s Future?
At California Probate and Trust, PC, we specialize in helping California families navigate estate planning, probate, and trust administration with transparency and compassion. Our Sacramento-based team offers free consultations to walk you through your needs, scope of goals, and budget.
Whether you’re creating your first will, establishing a trust, or managing probate proceedings, we provide the one-stop-shop approach that California families need.
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Legal Disclaimer
This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information presented is based on publicly available news reporting and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional legal counsel. Every legal situation is unique, and outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances. For advice regarding your particular situation, please consult with a qualified California attorney. California Probate and Trust, PC is not affiliated with any parties mentioned in this article.
Source: The Athletic – “Pastor shares inside story of legal wedding at Bad Bunny Super Bowl halftime show”