Blake Lively appears to be shrugging off rumors of ex-bestie Taylor Swift’s wedding snub, enjoying a playful date night with husband Ryan Reynolds in New York City – as insiders say her absence from the celebration could become the ‘biggest story of the night.’
The Hollywood power couple enjoyed a night on the town Tuesday after grabbing dinner together at the Greenwich Hotel, exclusive Daily Mail photos show.
Despite the swirling headlines surrounding the actress’s falling out with the popstar, the pair looked happier and more carefree than ever, with Reynolds, 49, at one point giving his wife a piggyback ride down the sidewalk.
The loved-up display came hours after the two were seen earlier in the day, presenting a united front as they strolled arm-in-arm through the streets of Manhattan, even stopping to greet fans and pose for selfies along the way.
When the actress – dressed in a black and white polka dot ensemble paired with $1,500 Christian Louboutin black satin sandals – was asked to pose for a ‘fashion shot’, she joked: ‘This is the best fashion’ while playfully grabbing her husband’s backside.
The lighthearted scenes come as speculation continues to swirl over whether the actress will be snubbed from her superstar former best friend’s wedding.
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds were snapped leaving The Greenwich Hotel after dinner in New York City on Tuesday night
At one point, the couple showed off their playful side, with Reynolds giving his wife a piggyback ride outside the hotel
Sources suggest Taylor Swift’s wedding guest list could be the clearest indication yet of where her friendship with Lively stands
Swift, 36, is reportedly set to tie the knot with NFL star beau Travis Kelce over Fourth of July weekend at New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden – and insiders say any omission from the singer’s highly anticipated wedding guest list would be impossible for fans and fellow celebrities to ignore.
‘Madison Square Garden holds more than 20,000 people. If Blake isn’t there, nobody can blame a lack of space,’ a source told the Daily Mail.
‘The guest list is so massive that Blake’s absence becomes impossible to ignore. People will notice immediately.’
Speculation about the state of Lively and Swift’s once-close friendship has intensified over the past year after the actress’s bitter lawsuit with co-star Justin Baldoni pulled the singer into the drama and drove a wedge between them.
Now, sources say Swift’s wedding guest list could provide the clearest indication yet of where the two stand.
‘In a small wedding, exclusions happen. In a 20,000-seat arena, exclusions become statements,’ the source added.
The longtime couple looked happy and carefree despite the swirling rumors that ex-bestie Taylor Swift has snubbed them from her star-studded wedding
The actor and actress duo appeared determined not to let the rumors get them down
At one point, they even stopped to greet fans and pose for selfies along the way
‘Taylor could invite practically everyone she’s ever known. That’s why Blake not getting an invite would speak volumes.
‘This isn’t about logistics or capacity. If Blake is left off the list, it’s personal.
‘The bigger the wedding gets, the worse this looks for Blake,’ the source continued.
‘There will be movie stars, athletes, politicians, and music royalty in that arena,’ a source says.
‘When Blake isn’t among them, that becomes one of the biggest stories of the night and Taylor knows it.’
Taylor and Travis are said to have paid well into the millions for the venue, which they have booked for at least three days – one day for set up, the day of the wedding, and the day after – according to TMZ.
When asked to pose for a ‘fashion shot’, Lively playfully replied: ‘This is the best fashion’ before grabbing her husband’s backside
The couple appeared unfazed by recent headlines as they enjoyed a carefree date night together
Swift and Kelce did not get any discounts on the arena, which is reported to cost about $1 million per night.
The singer has performed a total of eight sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden throughout her career.
However, sources said the pair had to pay full price, as the venue is owned by a publicly traded company, Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corporation, which must prioritize shareholders.
Sources reported that the venue has several dark days scheduled ahead of the July 3 wedding event, which the singer is reportedly utilizing to set up something special for the occasion.
The World’s Most Famous Arena also offers a great amount of privacy for the superstar and her A-list guests, as there are no windows at the venue and there is underground parking.
While specific details about the ceremony remain tightly under wraps, the multi-day setup suggests that it will be an extravagant production.
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Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have reportedly rented New York City’s Madison Square Garden to host their wedding and paid well into the millions for the venue, which they have booked for at least three days
Lively and Swift were once among Hollywood’s closest celebrity friendships
They have decided to ’embrace the spectacle’ by hosting their wedding at the iconic venue.
A source also dished to the Daily Mail that the superstar couple were considering Casa Cipriani as a potential wedding venue prior to settling on MSG.
The luxe private members club, located in Manhattan’s Financial District close to the World Trade Center, may still be used by the lovebirds for a private celebration, per the source.
The insider also says the NYPD is already in discussions to help secure MSG ahead of the wedding.
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