The Wedding of Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco — seen through the eyes of a Provence wedding photographer
In this new series, I take a fresh look at celebrity wedding and couple photos.
When a wedding photographer in Provence analyses photos of celebrities
A professional look at images of celebrities
The idea is to bring you my insight as a wedding photographer in Provence so you can better understand — and better enjoy — the images of your favourite celebrities.
And for this first episode, I naturally had to start with the wedding of Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco, which took place on 27 September and whose photos were shared only a few days ago.
Copyright note: the photos discussed here are not mine. They belong to photographer Petra Collins, and of course to Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco.
1) Lightning-fast delivery
Images released on the wedding day (or the morning after)
The first thing that struck me is how quickly the images were released — on the same day as the wedding, or perhaps the next morning. That strongly suggests these are preview selections that will still be refined by Petra Collins.
AI-assisted editing — speed vs. consistency
That said, it’s entirely possible the images were culled and lightly processed almost instantly using AI-assisted tools. There are very capable solutions on the market that can edit an entire wedding in a few hours — sometimes minutes.
Why a human eye still matters
Even when using assisted editing, a human eye remains essential for consistent tones, natural skin, contrast, and narrative flow — everything that gives a wedding reportage its signature feel.
So even if these images are close to final, I expect further refinement. And it’s perfectly possible the full final gallery won’t be made public by Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco — which is absolutely their prerogative.
My advice if you want next-day sneak peeks
Tip for your wedding in Provence: if you’d love sneak peeks the next day, discuss it with your photographer. I usually try to provide a small preview the following day, but I don’t promise it in the contract — unforeseen tech hiccups can occasionally add a delay.
2) A boldly dreamy vintage aesthetic
Petra Collins’ unmistakable visual language
If I’m honest, before I checked dates, the first thing that hit me was the retro / dreamy direction of the imagery.
1970s film vibes — bloom, blur and grain
You’ll notice slightly greenish, washed tones, blooming highlights, a hint of blur, and grain — images that could almost have been shot on a 1970s film camera.
This visual language is highly recognisable (you can spot Petra Collins’ sensibility) and doesn’t aim for neutrality — it aims to tell a mood.
Style is personal — pick what resonates
This direction won’t be for everyone — and that’s fine. Personally, it’s not my favourite look. But if our newlyweds chose Petra Collins, it’s precisely because her style resonates with them.
Cohesion between outfits, setting and mood
That’s ultimately what matters: alignment between the chosen aesthetic and the couple’s personality. Here, it’s spot on: a clean Ralph Lauren look, delicate accessories, greenery — everything speaks the same visual language.
Aside: this is a very different style from what could be observed in the engagement photos of Taylor Swift. In those images, everything was perfectly controlled and carefully crafted, without preventing the emergence of genuine emotion.
3) Emotion-rich images (the real luxury)
Genuine gestures and in-between moments
Beyond the treatment, every frame radiates tenderness: spontaneous gestures, shared glances, tiny in-between moments.
Despite the blur, the grain and the colour bloom, the pictures overflow with love — and that’s genuinely beautiful.
What makes a wedding photo timeless
For me, that’s what gives wedding photos their lasting value: in five, ten or twenty years, the couple can relive the feelings.
Pro tip for natural couple photos in Provence
Pro tip for couple photos in Provence: aim for soft light (golden hour in Aix, the calanques near Marseille, vineyards in the Pays d’Aix), keep gestures simple (walk, talk, hold each other), and let your photographer set the rhythm without freezing your emotions.
4) Additional, more modern photos
Samm Blake’s refined editorial approach
Just when I thought this article was complete, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco shared more images, this time captured by Australian photographer Samm Blake.
Sharp focus on dresses, veil and décor details
Here, the look is more classic and editorial: elegant poses, pin-sharp focus, and controlled light. You can fully appreciate Selena Gomez’s dresses, her veil, her bouquet, and even the cake and décor details — everything appears crisp, precise and refined.
Poised images, heartfelt emotion
And while the approach is more posed, the emotion remains central. From the kiss she plants on his cheek outdoors, to the tender glance as they walk the aisle, their knowing looks while seated together on a sofa, and of course that passionate kiss during their dance — with Selena barefoot — each photograph radiates love and happiness.
Takeaway — love outlasts style trends
Takeaway: whatever your photographer’s style — dreamy vintage or modern editorial — if love is present, your photos will show it and stand the test of time.
5) Key takeaways for future brides & grooms
- Choose a style before a price. Decide which look speaks to you (editorial, filmic, bright, contrasty, vintage…) and find the photographer who truly embodies it.
- Plan a two-stage delivery. A quick teaser + a polished final gallery gives you the best of both worlds.
- Trust the art direction. Wardrobe, flowers, venue, light — coherence across these choices makes images stronger.
- Emotion beats perfection. A flying veil, tricky light — if the feeling is there, the photo lives.
FAQ — Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco’s Wedding
Who photographed Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco’s wedding?
The publicly shared images are credited to photographer Petra Collins.
Where did the ceremony take place?
In California, in the Santa Barbara / Montecito area, according to media reports.
What was the overall aesthetic?
A deliberately vintage / dreamy look — luminous, soft and nostalgically retro.
Will the full final gallery be made public?
It’s possible the couple will keep the complete gallery private. What we’ve seen so far appears to be a curated selection.
How can we get next-day “sneak peeks” for our own wedding in Provence?
Discuss this in advance with your photographer. I often provide a small preview the next day when feasible, but it isn’t guaranteed in the contract to avoid over-promising if technical delays occur.
Planning a destination wedding in Provence or the South of France?
From getting-ready to the dance floor — a coherent story
Whether you dream of a sun-kissed reportage in the Marseille calanques, an intimate session among the vines of the Pays d’Aix, or an editorial-chic celebration on the coast, I’ll craft imagery that feels like you — from the getting-ready to the late-night dance floor.
Get in touch — let’s craft images that feel like you
Get in touch to shape a coherent, heartfelt visual story for your day.
📚 For further information
Vogue’s coverage of Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco’s wedding, with the first official images by Petra Collins.
The LA Times article detailing the ceremony, guests, and key moments from the celebration.
Explore Petra Collins’s visual universe and projects, known for her dreamy, vintage-inspired aesthetic.
The portfolio of Samm Blake, an Australian photographer crafting refined, editorial wedding stories.
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