Stars Arrive in New York for Taylor Swift's Wedding
Television presenter Graham Norton and actress Phoebe Waller-Bridge have been seen arriving in New York City ahead of pop singer Taylor Swift's anticipated wedding to NFL player Travis Kelce.
During an appearance on Norton's BBC chat show last year, Swift was asked by the host about the timing of her wedding. She replied,
"Oh, you'll know. I was going to invite you to it."Norton also featured in the music video for Swift's song "Opalite."
Waller-Bridge was also spotted in New York prior to the event, which is expected to take place on Friday at Madison Square Garden. A rehearsal dinner is scheduled for Thursday at the same venue.
Although the full guest list has not been disclosed, Waller-Bridge and Swift have been known to socialize together in the past.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce began dating in 2023.
Norton was photographed at JFK Airport with his husband, Jono McLeod, while Waller-Bridge was seen separately.
Among the reported attendees are NFL San Francisco 49ers player George Kittle, singer Benson Boone, and English actress Suki Waterhouse.
Selena Gomez and Abigail Anderson Berard, a childhood friend of Swift who has appeared in several of her music videos, are also expected to attend.
It remains unclear whether actress Blake Lively will be invited. Lively was involved in a legal dispute with Swift related to Lively's film "It Ends With Us" co-star Justin Baldoni; the case was settled in May.
Preparations at Madison Square Garden include the delivery of props such as a grand piano, carpets, and a box of mirror balls. "No parking" signs have been placed around the venue.
A forklift operator wearing a Swift t-shirt was observed working at the arena.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge has been seen in New York.
Street Closures and Security Measures
City officials confirmed to the BBC that a street closure permit was filed near Madison Square Garden for the 4 July Independence Day weekend.
Dora Pekec, spokesperson for the New York City mayor's office, stated that the permit was submitted in early June to close roads around the arena from 2 to 4 July.
The New York Times initially reported the permit application and noted that several players from Kelce's Kansas City Chiefs team had reserved hotel rooms nearby.
Prior to this report, TMZ and other media outlets speculated that Madison Square Garden, a 22,000-seat arena primarily used for concerts and home to the New York Knicks basketball team, would host wedding celebrations.
The New York Times did not explicitly confirm the event as a wedding but described it as a celebration possibly related to the couple's nuptials.
An unnamed law enforcement official, familiar with security plans, confirmed the wedding to the Associated Press, mentioning preparations for an influx of Swift's fans, known as Swifties.
Lots of comings and goings have been taking place outside the venue.
Official Statements and Event Context
At a press conference on Wednesday, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed questions about the wedding, stating,
"We are fully prepared, there isn't anything to share beyond that."
In a social media post advising residents on coping with the city's heatwave, Mamdani added a lighthearted comment:
"Stay cool, especially if you're (hypothetically) having your wedding at MSG this weekend."
The date of 4 July is reportedly a favored national holiday of Swift's, which she has previously celebrated with large parties.
Swift announced her engagement to Travis Kelce, a Kansas City Chiefs player, in a joint Instagram post in August of the previous year.
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