In a whirlwind of lace, lilies, and A-list glamour, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco tied the knot on September 27, 2025, in a sun-drenched ceremony just north of Santa Barbara, California. The 33-year-old pop sensation and actress, known for her chart-topping hits and Emmy-nominated role in Only Murders in the Building, exchanged vows with the 37-year-old music producer in what was billed as a “dreamy, intimate affair.” But beneath the fairy-tale facade—complete with a custom Ralph Lauren gown, celebrity speeches, and Instagram-worthy snapshots—body language experts and eagle-eyed fans have spotted subtle undercurrents of tension. From Gomez’s assertive “controlling” gestures to Blanco’s apparent unease in the spotlight, and a peculiar “awkward” moment that slipped past the polished social media feed, the wedding has sparked endless speculation. Was it pure bliss, or a glimpse into deeper dynamics?

The couple’s nuptials came nine months after their engagement announcement in December 2024, when Gomez flashed a stunning marquise diamond ring on social media, captioning it with a simple heart emoji that sent fans into a frenzy. Their relationship, which blossomed from a professional collaboration on Gomez’s 2019 hit “I Can’t Get Enough,” had been a subject of public fascination. Blanco, born Benjamin Levin, is a prolific producer behind tracks for artists like Rihanna, Katy Perry, and Justin Bieber. Gomez, a former Disney star who rose to fame on Wizards of Waverly Place, has navigated high-profile romances in the past, including with Bieber and The Weeknd. But with Blanco, she seemed to have found stability—or so the narrative went.

The wedding weekend kicked off with a lavish rehearsal dinner on Friday at a 10-bedroom mansion in Goleta’s upscale Hope Ranch neighborhood. Guests arrived in style, with Taylor Swift pulling up in a motorcade, setting the tone for a star-studded event. The ceremony itself unfolded on Saturday amid marquees dotting a scenic field, transformed into a romantic haven with floral arches and twinkling lights. Gomez stunned in a hand-draped halter-neck satin gown by Ralph Lauren, embroidered with delicate details, paired with a modest bouquet of lily of the valley—symbols of happiness and purity. Blanco complemented her in a classic black tuxedo from the same designer, his look accented by a jeweled watch worth $600,000, a gift from his bride.

A-listers dotted the guest list: Swift, Ed Sheeran, Finneas, SZA, Camila Cabello, and Gomez’s Only Murders co-stars Steve Martin and Martin Short, who delivered heartfelt toasts at the rehearsal. Mark Ronson spun tunes as DJ, while speeches from Swift and Sheeran reportedly “moved guests to tears.” Gomez’s mother, Mandy Teefey, addressed snub rumors by revealing she gave an emotional speech, and Gomez’s grandfather, David Cornette, walked her down the aisle—a touching family nod. The festivities wrapped with an intimate family lunch on Sunday, where drizzle couldn’t dampen the spirits.

Yet, it’s the candid moments shared on Instagram that have fueled the most discussion. Gomez posted a carousel of photos captioned “🤍 9.27.25 🤍,” racking up over 20 million likes. Blanco followed suit, sharing snaps including one of Gomez asleep on his chest, captioned “i married a real life disney princess.” These images, while romantic, prompted body language expert Judi James to dissect the couple’s dynamics for the Daily Mail.

James, a renowned analyst who’s scrutinized everyone from royals to reality stars, described Gomez’s gestures as indicative of a “leading and controlling role.” In one photo, Gomez adjusts Blanco’s bow tie with a flirty smile, her hands near his neck—a move James calls possessive. “Most of her gestures suggest a more leading and controlling role in the relationship,” James explained. Another shot shows Gomez encircling Blanco’s neck with her bouquet arm while placing her other hand on his chest, right over his heart. “This is a gesture of ownership and possession,” James noted, adding it reflects “high levels of trust and feelings of security.”

These actions, James says, paint Gomez as the dominant force, rewarding Blanco with tender touches like cupping his face after a kiss or smoothing his jacket. “Selena’s body language here lets us know that she has, quite simply, found ‘the one,’” James told the Mail. “She appears blissfully happy with the concept of marriage and with being someone’s wife.” The expert highlighted Gomez’s overall vibe as one of “ecstasy,” likening her to a woman fulfilling a lifelong dream.

Blanco, however, tells a different story through his posture. James observed his “muted expressions,” with features often appearing “expressionless” and eyes “almost closed.” In face-to-face poses, he seemed in a “bliss coma,” but less comfortable overall. “Benny is clearly besotted but he appears less comfortable with the cameras and the poses,” James said. A key moment: When Gomez places her hands near his neck, Blanco pushes them down and turns away toward the cameras—a subtle deflection that hints at discomfort. Another striking image shows Gomez running radiantly toward Blanco, who stands in the background looking detached, “as though waiting for a bus,” per James.

Then there’s the skipping scene: Gomez, barefoot and buoyant, skips across the lawn, bouquet in hand, tugging Blanco behind her. James interprets this as “teenage joy,” but notes Blanco’s reluctance, suggesting he’s being “dragged along” rather than leading. This gesture underscores Gomez’s control, turning what could be mutual playfulness into a one-sided pull.

The “awkward” moment? Buried in Blanco’s post is a candid snap of a young boy in a tuxedo sprawled on the red patterned rug before the floral altar, the officiant still present. This unscripted chaos—perhaps a ring bearer or family member mid-tantrum—contrasts the curated perfection, hinting at real-life imperfections the cameras tried to conceal. Fans on X speculated: “That kid stealing the show is the real MVP,” while others saw it as a “hidden gem” amid the gloss.

Social media erupted with mixed reactions. While many gushed—”They look so in love!”—others zeroed in on Blanco’s demeanor: “Why is Benny not smiling!?” and “Benny looking like a hostage.” Gomez’s cousin clapped back at Justin Bieber trolls, defending the union. Numerology enthusiasts like @GrimReaper228 noted the date’s “double 9” energy signaling endings, not beginnings.

Their story began professionally in 2019, evolving into romance by 2023. Gomez confirmed it in December 2023, praising Blanco as her “absolute everything.” Engagement followed in 2024, with Blanco adding a second diamond ring at the wedding, totaling $1.1 million. Despite past heartbreaks, Gomez has spoken of finding peace.

Experts like James insist the love is genuine: “Selena seems to have found her ecstasy ‘sweet spot’… Benny looks like a guy who adores her but might be happier alone.” As the dust settles, this wedding—equal parts magic and mystery—proves even fairy tales have their shadows.