George Lucas, the visionary creator of the Star Wars franchise, and Mellody Hobson, the respected finance executive and chairwoman of DreamWorks Animation, celebrated their marriage on Saturday, June 22, 2013, in an intimate and joyful ceremony held in Marin County, California.

The wedding took place near Lucas’s renowned Skywalker Ranch, a sprawling property that has served as the creative heart of many of his film projects over the decades. The picturesque Northern California location provided a fitting backdrop for the union of two influential figures from vastly different yet complementary worlds — one a legendary filmmaker whose stories have shaped popular culture for generations, the other a prominent business leader known for her sharp intellect and commitment to financial education and diversity in corporate America.

A source close to the couple confirmed the happy news to PEOPLE shortly after the ceremony. The wedding was attended by a select group of close friends and Hollywood colleagues, many of whom later took to social media to share their congratulations and reflections on the beautiful event.

Samuel L. Jackson, who famously voiced the character Mace Windu in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, offered a characteristically fun and thematic shout-out on Twitter. “Let’s give a Galactic shout out to Master George Lucas & his bride Mellody on this, their wedding day,” he posted, blending his affection for the couple with a playful nod to the iconic universe Lucas created.

Director Ron Howard, a longtime friend of Lucas and a fellow titan of the film industry, also shared his warm sentiments online. “Bill Moyers service was beautiful, nothing short of profound. Congrats Mr. & Mrs. Lucas,” Howard tweeted, referring to the moving remarks delivered by journalist and public intellectual Bill Moyers during the ceremony. Howard later described the entire event as “a joy to behold,” capturing the genuine happiness and emotional depth that marked the occasion.

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At 69 years old, George Lucas entered this new chapter of his life after a long and celebrated career that transformed the entertainment landscape. Best known as the creator of Star Wars and Indiana Jones, Lucas built an empire that extended far beyond directing. Through Lucasfilm, Industrial Light & Magic, and Skywalker Sound, he pioneered groundbreaking advancements in visual effects, sound design, and storytelling that continue to influence filmmakers worldwide. His previous marriage to film editor Marcia Lucas lasted from 1969 until their divorce in 1983; the couple had adopted three children together.

Mellody Hobson, 44 at the time of the wedding, brought her own impressive accomplishments to the partnership. As president of Ariel Investments, one of the nation’s leading minority-owned investment management firms, Hobson has established herself as a powerful voice in the world of finance. She is widely recognized for her thoughtful commentary on economic issues and her dedication to increasing diversity and inclusion in corporate boardrooms. Hobson also serves as a contributor and analyst on finance and the economy for CBS News and holds the position of chairman of the board at DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc.

The couple first began dating in 2006 and kept their relationship relatively private over the years. Their engagement was announced in January 2013, sparking warm congratulations from friends and fans who appreciated the genuine connection between the two accomplished individuals. Their seven-year courtship allowed them to build a strong foundation of mutual respect, shared values, and quiet companionship away from the constant glare of Hollywood spotlights.

The wedding itself was described as elegant yet understated, reflecting the couple’s preference for meaningful moments over extravagant displays. Bill Moyers, a respected journalist known for his thoughtful explorations of American life, culture, and values, officiated the ceremony and delivered remarks that guests found particularly moving and profound. The inclusion of Moyers added a layer of intellectual and spiritual depth to the celebration, aligning with the couple’s shared interest in ideas that extend beyond entertainment and finance.

For George Lucas, the marriage represented a new beginning after decades focused intensely on his creative work and raising his children. Friends noted that Hobson’s grounded perspective and warmth had brought a sense of balance and joy into his life. For Hobson, marrying Lucas meant joining a partner whose creativity and vision matched her own drive and intellectual curiosity. Together, they formed a powerful union of art and business, imagination and pragmatism.

In the days following the wedding, the couple’s Hollywood friends continued to express their happiness. The outpouring of support on social media highlighted how well-liked and respected both Lucas and Hobson are within the entertainment and business communities. Their wedding was not just a personal milestone but also a moment that brought together people who admired their individual contributions to culture and society.

George Lucas’s influence on modern filmmaking cannot be overstated. From the creation of the Star Wars saga in the 1970s to his pioneering work in digital technology and storytelling, he redefined what was possible in cinema. His decision to sell Lucasfilm to The Walt Disney Company in 2012 marked the end of one era and the beginning of another, allowing him more freedom to focus on personal projects and, ultimately, his life with Mellody Hobson.

Hobson, meanwhile, has used her platform to advocate for financial literacy, especially among communities that have historically been underserved by traditional investment advice. Her leadership at Ariel Investments and her board role at DreamWorks Animation demonstrate her ability to bridge the worlds of finance and creative industries — a synergy that likely deepened her connection with Lucas.

Their marriage also symbolized a beautiful blending of different backgrounds and experiences. Lucas, raised in Modesto, California, and shaped by his love of cars, comics, and cinema, found common ground with Hobson, a Chicago native whose career was built on discipline, strategic thinking, and a passion for economic empowerment. Friends described them as intellectually compatible, with a shared appreciation for thoughtful conversation, philanthropy, and living purposefully.

As news of the wedding spread, fans of Star Wars and admirers of Hobson’s work celebrated the union. Many saw it as a reminder that even larger-than-life figures like George Lucas find happiness in genuine human connection. The couple’s decision to keep the ceremony relatively private allowed them to focus on the personal significance of the day rather than turning it into a media spectacle.

In the years since their 2013 wedding, George Lucas and Mellody Hobson have continued to support each other’s endeavors while maintaining a relatively low public profile. Lucas has remained involved in select creative projects and philanthropic efforts, while Hobson has expanded her influence in business and advocacy. Their partnership has been marked by mutual respect and a shared commitment to making positive contributions in their respective fields.

The story of their marriage serves as an inspiring example of two accomplished individuals finding love later in life after following their own ambitious paths. It demonstrates that success in career and creativity can be beautifully complemented by a supportive and loving relationship. For George Lucas, the man who gave the world Star Wars and taught generations about the power of hope, friendship, and redemption, finding personal happiness with Mellody Hobson represented his own real-life happy ending.

Their wedding in Marin County, surrounded by close friends and marked by profound and joyful moments, remains a cherished memory. From Samuel L. Jackson’s playful “Galactic shout out” to Ron Howard’s heartfelt description of the ceremony as “a joy to behold,” the day was filled with warmth, laughter, and genuine celebration.

As George Lucas and Mellody Hobson began their married life together, they did so with the support of a community that recognized and respected their individual journeys. Their union reminded everyone that even the most extraordinary lives are enriched by love, partnership, and the simple human desire to share life’s adventures with someone special.

May the Force of wedded bliss continue to be with them.