Fans of Jennifer Aniston have waited for years for her to tie the knot with Justin Theroux, and tabloids have alternately claimed throughout their engagement that they have split or have been married. But on Wednesday, Aug. 5, the couple surprised many people when they tied the knot at their Bel-Air home without the whole world knowing about it. 

TMZ was the first to break the news of the nuptials as the website posted some pictures of the couple's special day. According to the site, the pair told their celebrity friends that they were celebrating Theroux's birthday, as the actor is about to turn 44 next week, but upon arrival, the couple reportedly admitted that they were going to have a wedding right then and there. TMZ adds that some guests showed up in jeans since they thought that they were celebrating Theroux's birthday and that it was just a casual affair. 

Certain details alerted the site that there was something special about to take place later that evening, as TMZ noted the arrival of a pastor holding a bible walking into the house. Moreover, a cake with male and female puppet toppers was delivered to the mansion. 

Guests including Howard Stern, Ellen DeGeneres, Portia de Rossi, Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Chelsea Handler, Sia, Jimmy Kimmel and Jason Bateman, among others, were there to witness the union. Aniston's "Friends" co-stars Lisa Kudrow and Courteney Cox were also in attendance. People magazine reports that Cox served as Aniston's maid of honor, while Theroux's friend, Scott Campbell, served as best man. 

Aniston reportedly wore a "flowy, white and summery" dress, according to TMZ, and an Us Weekly source said that her hair was styled by her longtime hairstylist and good friend Chris McMillan. Aniston and Theroux's wedding rings were designed by the actress' friend, Jennifer Meyer. The couple's friend, photographer Terry Richardson, snapped the wedding pictures, and guests feasted on pasta, chicken, and fish at the reception, said the Us insider.

Aniston and Theroux started dating in May 2011. The actor proposed to the "Cake" actress on his birthday on August 2012.