Almost two months have passed since Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce got married at Madison Square Garden, and to the chagrin of Swifties everywhere, they're yet to share a photo from their big day.
As a mega Taylor fan myself, I've pretty much given up hope that we'll ever get to see a glimpse of the musician's bridal outfit, so when a wedding photo of the couple landed on social media on Monday night, I dropped everything to look at it.
I was promptly disappointed to see that the photo wasn't from Taylor and Travis' own wedding, but the nuptials of friends of the couple, Chelsea Barrie and Eli London, which took place in Brooklyn in May of this year.
© InstagramLess disappointing was the adorable insight into Taylor and Travis' relationship provided by the photo, with the couple gleefully posing in the back of the photo.
With Taylor dressed in a beautiful bronze dress, she looks happier than ever, beaming ear to ear. The snap sees the NFL player lift his now-wife into the air – and fans lapped up the physical connection between the duo.
© Instagram"Travis lifting her up! Finally, someone who matches her energy," one fan wrote. While another commented: "He does the opposite to hide her she lifted her up!! In a room full of people!!" and: "Can we talk about how happy she looks?"
While their wedding has been kept under wraps, Taylor and Travis have been surprisingly open about their relationship, in stark contrast to Taylor's six-year relationship with actor Joe Alwyn, which they guarded fiercely, rarely talking about one another.
As you can see from the comments, fans love to see Travis openly praising his wife, and rightfully so.
Making Taylor feel bejewelled
"Having a partner who publicly celebrates you can make you feel bejewelled: seen, valued and understood," says relationship and sex therapist Georgina Vass. "When your partner celebrates your wins it can nurture self-esteem and wellbeing, reinforcing the feeling that you’re stronger together and building a shared sense of 'us'. When a partner is in someone’s corner, it can support them to feel fearless and safe to shine."
Emotional intelligence specialist Penny Newton-Hurley, author of The Human Language, adds that being publicly lifted up (physically and metaphorically) can "meet deep human needs for recognition, belonging, reassurance and connection."
© GC ImagesOn how a partner who publicly celebrates us can help us to heal from past, less supportive, relationships, Penny continues: "A partner who consistently and sincerely celebrates our courage, achievements and individuality offers us a different experience.
"Their words and actions provide new evidence that we are seen, valued and worthy of care. Over time, this can soften old beliefs, rebuild trust and help us feel safe enough to be vulnerable again."
Open affection
In addition, Taylor's willingness to openly display affection to her NFL partner shows a sense of safety, says BACP-accredited therapist Rebecca Vivash. "When a couple can joke around and show affection in public, like Taylor and Travis in this photo, it often speaks to a sense of safety and trust between them.
"That kind of easy playfulness gives us a glimpse of the genuine connection they share in private. It shows they enjoy each other's company, can laugh together, and feel secure enough in their bond to let others see it.
© Getty ImagesFellow BACP therapist LJ Jones notes that their playfulness could speak to an ongoing commitment, explaining: "Casual displays of affection can act as an ongoing investment in the relationship. Every small compliment or nickname is like putting another coin in the trust bank.
"Over time, these small acts build a deep sense of 'us against the world'- whether super famous like Kelce and Swift or not. When affection is both private and public, it strengthens the feeling that your relationship is a safe, consistent space, no matter who's watching."
