In a world where celebrity lives often play out under a relentless spotlight, Selena Gomez and her fiancé, Benny Blanco, have carved out a moment of quiet bliss. Just days after their respective bachelor and bachelorette parties, the couple retreated to a serene lakeside estate for a weekend of relaxation and connection, joined by close friends and family. The getaway, shared through a series of heartfelt Instagram posts on September 1, 2025, offered fans a glimpse into the couple’s pre-wedding joy, capturing intimate moments that underscored their deep bond. As Gomez captioned the photos simply, “lake life,” the images of cozy embraces, boat rides, and sun-soaked laughter painted a picture of a couple savoring love and tranquility before their much-anticipated September wedding.
Selena Gomez, the 33-year-old singer, actress, and Rare Beauty founder, has been a household name since her Disney Channel days. Her journey through fame has been marked by chart-topping hits like “Lose You to Love Me,” critically acclaimed roles in Only Murders in the Building, and a public battle with health challenges, including lupus and mental health struggles. Benny Blanco, 37, a music producer behind hits for artists like Rihanna and Ed Sheeran, has been a quieter force in the industry, known for his creative genius and quirky charm. Their romance, which began in June 2023 and culminated in an engagement announcement in December 2024, has captivated fans with its authenticity and warmth. The lakeside retreat, coming on the heels of their pre-wedding celebrations, was a chance for the couple to step away from their hectic schedules and focus on what matters most: each other.
The getaway took place at a private lake house in upstate New York, a secluded spot chosen for its peaceful ambiance and natural beauty. Nestled among rolling hills and surrounded by calm waters, the estate provided the perfect setting for Gomez and Blanco to unwind. The couple was joined by a tight-knit group, including Gomez’s longtime friends Raquelle Stevens and Ashley Cook, as well as Blanco’s collaborator and pal, rapper Lil Dicky. Family members, including Gomez’s cousins and Blanco’s brother, rounded out the gathering, creating a warm, familial atmosphere. “Selena and Benny wanted a low-key weekend with their inner circle,” a source close to the couple shared. “It was about recharging before the wedding and celebrating their love in a quiet way.”
Gomez’s Instagram carousel, which garnered over two million likes, offered a window into the weekend’s magic. One photo showed the couple wrapped in a cozy embrace on a wooden dock, with Gomez in a black sweater and Blanco nuzzling her cheek, a serene lake stretching behind them. Another captured them laughing on a boat, Gomez holding a lemon slice playfully while Blanco steered, his signature grin lighting up the frame. A candid shot of the group gathered around a patio heater, sharing stories under a starry sky, highlighted the easy camaraderie of the weekend. “Seeing you happy makes me happy too,” one fan commented, echoing the sentiment of thousands who flooded the post with heart emojis and well-wishes. “Cozy and cute!!” another wrote, capturing the universal appeal of the couple’s down-to-earth vibe.
The lakeside retreat came just days after Gomez’s bachelorette party in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and Blanco’s bachelor bash in Las Vegas. Gomez’s celebration, held on August 23, was a sun-soaked affair on a luxury yacht, where she donned a “bride-to-be” veil and posed with balloons spelling out “Mrs. Levin,” a nod to Blanco’s real name, Benjamin Levin. Blanco, meanwhile, partied at Resorts World Las Vegas, staying in a $25,000-a-night villa and hitting XS Nightclub with friends like Lil Dicky and The Bear star Matty Matheson. The contrast between the high-energy pre-wedding festivities and the tranquil lake getaway underscored the couple’s ability to balance glamour with simplicity. “They’re both so busy, but they make time for what matters,” a friend noted. “This weekend was about grounding themselves before the big day.”
Wedding planning, while exciting, hasn’t been without its challenges. Sources say Gomez has taken the lead on most decisions, from choosing the venue—a rumored two-day event in Montecito, California—to finalizing the guest list, which includes A-listers like Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, and Gomez’s Only Murders in the Building co-stars Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Meryl Streep. Blanco, known for his laid-back demeanor, has encouraged Gomez to craft her dream wedding, though some reports suggest she’s occasionally wished for more of his input. “It’s her day first, and ours second,” Blanco reportedly told her, a gesture that, while sweet, has sparked minor frustrations. “Selena loves that Benny trusts her vision, but she wouldn’t mind him stepping up on a few details,” a source shared. Despite these hiccups, the couple’s dynamic remains strong, built on mutual respect and shared humor.
The lakeside weekend was a testament to their connection. Activities were simple but meaningful: morning coffee on the dock, fishing trips with the kids in the group, and late-night bonfires where Gomez and Blanco traded stories and songs. One particularly touching moment came when Blanco, an accomplished producer, strummed an acoustic guitar and sang an unreleased ballad he wrote for Gomez, leaving her visibly emotional. “He’s my best friend,” Gomez later said in an interview. “That’s what makes this work—we laugh, we create, we support each other.” The group also enjoyed home-cooked meals, with Blanco, a known foodie, whipping up his famous tacos, a nod to the Taco Bell picnic he organized for their engagement.
Gomez’s openness about her health and mental well-being has endeared her to fans, and the lakeside photos radiated her hard-earned happiness. “Selena’s been through so much, and seeing her this content is everything,” one fan tweeted. The singer has spoken candidly about her lupus diagnosis and kidney transplant in 2017, as well as her struggles with anxiety and depression. Blanco, who has been by her side through recent health check-ins, has been a pillar of support. “He understands the world I live in, and he makes me feel safe,” Gomez said on the Therapuss with Jake Shane podcast in August 2025. “I’ve never felt so sure about anything.”
As the wedding approaches, the couple is keeping details under wraps, though insiders hint at a September ceremony filled with personal touches. Gomez has expressed a preference for a small, intimate cake—“just for us to freeze,” she told Rare Beauty in July—while favoring her grandmother’s biscuits and gravy as a quirky dessert choice. The guest list, while star-studded, will prioritize close friends and family, reflecting the couple’s desire for authenticity. “Selena wants it to be perfect, but she’s learning to let go of the small stuff,” a friend said. “Benny’s her rock, and they’re both so excited.”
The lakeside getaway wasn’t just a break from wedding planning—it was a celebration of the life Gomez and Blanco are building together. Fans have taken to social media to express their joy, with comments like “Selena deserves this happiness” and “Benny and Selena are couple goals.” The couple’s ability to find peace amid their busy lives—Gomez with her acting and beauty empire, Blanco with his music and upcoming cookbook—has resonated deeply. “They’re proof that love can be simple, even in the chaos,” one fan wrote.
As the sun set on their lakeside weekend, Gomez and Blanco were spotted sharing a quiet moment on the dock, their silhouettes framed against the water. It was a scene that captured the essence of their relationship: grounded, joyful, and unapologetically real. With their wedding on the horizon, the couple is ready to step into their next chapter, hand in hand, surrounded by the love of those who matter most. For Gomez and Blanco, the lake was more than a backdrop—it was a reminder that, no matter where life takes them, they’ll always find their way back to each other.
