The actress likened her wedding experience to an "intervention," recalling how her parents, brother, and others close to her implored her to go through with it. "They just took me to court," she recounted. "I had a phobia of marriage." Hayek further revealed that she was nervous and had initially agreed to the marriage proposal, but deep down, she had no intention of showing up on the designated day. Despite feeling coerced into walking down the aisle, Hayek expressed relief when she realized that her relationship with Pinault didn't feel drastically different after becoming husband and wife.
The actress and the 60-year-old businessman had a civil wedding on February 14, 2009, followed by a more elaborate celebration two months later, surrounded by their loved ones. They now commemorate both dates as anniversaries. At the time of their marriage, Hayek and Pinault had been in a relationship for three years and already shared a daughter named Valentina Paloma, who is now 15 years old.
Before finally saying "I do," Salma Hayek rejected two marriage proposals from François-Henri Pinault. In an interview with the Times of India in February 2021, the Oscar nominee admitted, "I'm embarrassed to admit how many times he had to ask me. Three times! It was the biggest fear I have ever overcome." Encouraging other women who may also harbor fears about marriage, Hayek urged them to confront those fears and find their own sense of freedom.
Hayek spoke highly of her husband, praising him as an incredible man who is both confident and a feminist, appreciating strong women. She explained that while Pinault draws upon her power and determination in his work, he also values having someone to take care of and support at home, taking the reins in that domain.
