Selena Gomez’s Mother Makes Strange Move After Daughter’s Wedding, Sparks Backlash

The recent Selena Gomez wedding to music producer Benny Blanco was meant to be a magical moment in the pop star’s life, but the celebrations also brought a wave of emotions and unexpected family drama. According to reports, Selena Gomez’s mother, Mandy Teefey, was deeply disappointed after her daughter made a surprising decision about who would walk her down the aisle.

Instead of choosing her mother or stepfather, Selena decided to honor her grandfather, David Cornett, by having him accompany her during the emotional walk to the altar. While the wedding was filled with love, laughter, and star-studded guests, this particular choice is said to have left Mandy Teefey heartbroken.

In this article, we will explore the full story of Selena’s wedding, the role of her family, the significance of her decision, and why this moment has sparked conversations among fans worldwide.

Selena Gomez’s Emotional Wedding in Santa Barbara

On September 27, 2025, Selena Gomez tied the knot with her longtime friend turned fiancé, Benny Blanco, in a beautiful and private ceremony in Santa Barbara, California. The wedding took place at a luxurious private villa, surrounded by close friends, family, and a number of Hollywood stars.

Among the celebrity guests were Taylor Swift, one of Selena’s closest friends, and her Only Murders in the Building co-stars Martin Short, Paul Rudd, and Steve Martin. The entire weekend was carefully planned, with the celebration beginning on the evening of September 26 at a rehearsal dinner held in Hope Ranch, a scenic area in the Goleta Valley.

The ceremony itself was intimate and exclusive, lasting the entire weekend with heavy security measures to ensure privacy. Guests were accommodated at the El Encanto Hotel in Montecito, a five-star resort, and shuttled to the secret location of the wedding.

While the celebration was filled with joy, one decision by Selena made headlines and stirred emotions—her choice to have her grandfather walk her down the aisle instead of her mother.

Why Selena Gomez Chose Her Grandfather

Traditionally, many brides choose their father to escort them to the altar. In Selena’s case, her parents divorced when she was young, and her mother, Mandy Teefey, raised her from the age of 16. Over the years, Mandy played a critical role in Selena’s life, both personally and professionally. She was there during the early stages of Selena’s career on Disney Channel and continued to influence many of her life choices.

However, for her wedding day, Selena chose her maternal grandfather, David Cornett, to fulfill this symbolic role. According to a source cited by Daily Mail, Selena made this decision early in her wedding planning process.

The source revealed:
“Selena’s mother and stepfather, Brian, felt devastated when she didn’t choose them to walk her down the aisle. Instead, Selena unexpectedly picked her grandfather David. She had made this decision from the very beginning.”

This choice is said to have left Mandy Teefey disappointed, as she had always been a central figure in Selena’s life and had even been responsible for introducing Selena to Benny Blanco years earlier.

Mandy Teefey’s Important Role in Selena’s Life

It is no secret that Selena Gomez shares a complicated but strong bond with her mother. Mandy Teefey gave birth to Selena when she was just 16 years old and raised her through many hardships. She often described her daughter as her motivation and pride, supporting her through her acting beginnings and later her transition into music superstardom.

Mandy also reportedly played a role in Selena’s love life. She arranged the very first meeting between Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco, long before they ever became romantically involved. At that time, Selena was still carving out her path as a singer, while Blanco was already establishing himself as one of the most in-demand music producers in the industry.

Given this history, Mandy’s disappointment at not being chosen for such a symbolic moment at the wedding is understandable. While the bond between mother and daughter remains strong, this incident highlights the complexities that exist even in the most loving families.

A Star-Studded Celebration

Despite the family tension, the wedding itself was a glamorous and heartwarming event. The private villa in Santa Barbara was decorated elegantly, reflecting Selena’s taste for simplicity with touches of luxury.

One of the most notable guests was Taylor Swift, who has been Selena’s best friend for over a decade. For security reasons, Taylor opted not to stay at the same hotel as other guests and instead rented a private home nearby. She was spotted arriving in Santa Barbara carrying a beautifully wrapped white gift box and shielded by a large black umbrella to maintain privacy.

The presence of Selena’s Only Murders in the Building co-stars added a special touch, as the trio—Selena, Steve Martin, and Martin Short—share a close bond off-screen. Their attendance highlighted the mix of family, friends, and professional connections that have shaped Selena’s life over the years.

The Engagement That Led to the Wedding

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco had been friends for years before they officially became a couple. Their romance began after Selena’s 31st birthday in 2023, when their friendship blossomed into something more.

By December 2024, Selena made her engagement public through an Instagram post with the caption “forever begins now”, sharing a photo of her stunning marquise-cut diamond ring. The announcement took fans by surprise but was widely celebrated.

Their relationship was admired for being rooted in friendship, mutual respect, and shared creative interests. Benny Blanco, known for producing chart-topping hits for major artists, has always spoken highly of Selena’s artistry and resilience.

Family Disappointment: A Natural Part of Life Decisions

Weddings are often emotional events that bring joy but can also stir up complicated family dynamics. For Selena Gomez, her choice to honor her grandfather over her mother was deeply personal. While Mandy Teefey’s disappointment is understandable, it does not diminish the important role she has played in Selena’s life.

It’s possible that Selena’s decision was influenced by a desire to recognize her grandfather’s presence and support throughout her life. Choosing who walks you down the aisle is one of the most meaningful parts of a wedding, and every bride has her own reasons for making such decisions.

Public Reaction to Selena’s Wedding Choice

Fans around the world reacted to the news of Selena’s wedding and her decision to choose her grandfather over her mother. Many expressed admiration for her honoring a different family member, while others sympathized with Mandy Teefey’s reported disappointment.

Social media platforms buzzed with discussions about the symbolism of her choice. Some fans noted that Selena has always spoken about her family struggles and her desire to carve her own path, suggesting this was simply another example of her independence.

What This Means for Selena and Her Family

While reports highlight Mandy Teefey’s disappointment, it is important to note that weddings are just one day in a lifelong journey of relationships. Selena and her mother have shared countless experiences together, and this decision is unlikely to erase the deep love and bond they share.

Family dynamics are complex, and decisions made during weddings often reflect personal emotions, traditions, and the bride’s vision of her special day. Selena Gomez’s choice may have surprised many, but it ultimately represents her personal journey and her right to shape her wedding the way she wanted.

A Wedding Filled With Love, But Not Without Emotion

The Selena Gomez wedding to Benny Blanco will be remembered as one of the most beautiful celebrity events of 2025. From the Santa Barbara villa to the presence of Taylor Swift and other Hollywood stars, the celebration was a glamorous and intimate affair.

Yet, beyond the glitz and glamour, the event also highlighted the emotional side of weddings—the tough family choices, the unexpected disappointments, and the moments of heartfelt symbolism.

Selena Gomez’s decision to have her grandfather, David Cornett, walk her down the aisle may have left her mother, Mandy Teefey, feeling hurt, but it also underscores the deeply personal nature of weddings.

At the end of the day, Selena’s wedding was a celebration of love—not only between her and Benny Blanco but also of the family, friends, and history that have shaped her journey. And while some hearts may have felt heavy during the ceremony, the occasion remains a powerful reminder that every bride has the right to design her wedding in a way that feels most authentic to her.