Inside Jennifer Lopez's Surprise 40th Birthday Party

July 26 2009, Published 1:51 p.m. ET

Jennifer Lopez received a star-studded surprise birthday party for hitting the big 4-0 on Saturday evening in New York City.

Husband Marc Anthony arranged the to-do, called "An Evening for Lola," which kicked off with the couple arriving in a gray Bentley to the Edison Ballroom.

The marquee spelled out Lola (Anthony's nickname for Lopez) in gold embossing, the first hint that a fete was in store for the diva. After climbing from their car, the actress burst into tears of surprise as barricaded fans shrieked for her.

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Ever appreciative, Lopez promptly dragged her groom to the sidewalk to sign autographs before heading inside.

There, longtime friends like actress Leah Remini and Benny Medina awaited her, as well as Liza Minelli, Ricky Martin, producer LA Reid, Gayle King and family members.

Lopez looked stunning in a Grecian dress with gold chain detail.

Noticeably absent from the East Coast celebration were Jennifer's Hollywood pals--the likes of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett, Eva Longoria Parker and Tony Parker as well as Kate Beckinsale and hubby Len Wiseman.