A timeless bond cultivated on Disney Channel’s Wizards of Waverly Place continues to thrive as David Henrie, who played Selena Gomez’s on-screen brother, recently opened up about missing her highly anticipated wedding to Benny Blanco. Despite his absence due to a work commitment, Henrie shared the invaluable, heartfelt advice he imparted to Gomez before her special day, emphasizing the importance of soaking in every precious moment.
The friendship between David Henrie and Selena Gomez, cemented by their roles as siblings Justin and Alex Russo on Disney Channel’s beloved series Wizards of Waverly Place, has captivated fans for years. Recently, as Gomez embarked on a new chapter with her marriage to producer Benny Blanco, Henrie revealed the bittersweet reason he couldn’t be by her side on her special day, alongside the deeply personal advice he offered her.
A Friendship Forged in Magic: From Waverly Place to Beyond
From 2007 to 2012, Henrie and Gomez enchanted audiences as the magical siblings on Wizards of Waverly Place. Gomez, then 15, portrayed the mischievous Alex, while Henrie played her responsible older brother, Justin. The show followed the Russo family’s attempts to keep their wizardry a secret while navigating everyday teenage life, culminating in a family competition to determine who would retain their powers.
Their on-screen chemistry blossomed into a lasting off-screen friendship, a bond that continues today. The pair have recently reunited for the sequel series, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, where Gomez not only serves as an executive producer but also reprises her role as Alex Russo in select episodes. This continued collaboration highlights the enduring connection between the former co-stars.
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David Henrie (left) and Selena Gomez in October 2024
The Reason for His Absence: A Heartfelt Miss
During an appearance on the Zach Sang Show, Henrie addressed why he was absent from Gomez’s wedding to Benny Blanco, which took place on September 27 in Santa Barbara, California. Although he had previously told Parade Magazine that he would “100%” be there and was “very excited,” unforeseen circumstances prevented his attendance.
He explained that he was engaged with an out-of-state project, which he was “about to announce,” and despite his best efforts, he couldn’t make it back in time. “I literally tried every single way to try to get back. Breaks my heart,” Henrie shared on the Zach Sang Show, expressing his deep disappointment at missing his friend’s big day.
The Priceless Wedding Advice: Cherishing “Our Minute”
Even though he couldn’t physically attend, Henrie still played a role in Gomez’s wedding preparations, discussing details like the dress and planning with her and his wife, Maria Cahill. He also offered the couple a singular piece of advice, drawn from his own wedding experience with Maria in 2017.
He recounted the advice he received: “Hey dude, hold your wife’s hand and take like a solid minute and just look around the room. Look at your wife and go, ‘This is our minute,’ and look around the room and just remember.” Henrie revealed that this moment remains his “one memory” from his own wedding, highlighting its profound impact.
Understanding the whirlwind nature of celebrity weddings, Henrie passed on this wisdom to Gomez, hoping she would take a moment to “just take it in” amidst the crowd and well-wishers. He emphasized its importance for a bride who would undoubtedly be “pulled in every direction.”
Courtesy of Selena Gomez’s Instagram
Benny Blanco (left) and Selena Gomez
Wizards Reunited: Who Attended Selena’s Special Day
While Henrie was unable to attend, other beloved members of the Wizards of Waverly Place cast were present to celebrate Selena Gomez’s marriage to Benny Blanco. Her on-screen parents, Maria Canals-Barrera (Theresa Russo) and David DeLuise (Jerry Russo), along with Jennifer Stone (Harper Finkle), were among the celebrity guests.
Maria Canals-Barrera attended with her husband, David Barrera, and their daughters. David DeLuise was accompanied by his wife, Julia DeLuise, and later penned a heartfelt message on Instagram to his “pretend daughter,” expressing his joy for the newlyweds and even hoping to become a “pretend grandfather” one day. Jennifer Stone was also spotted with fellow Disney Channel alums Maiara Walsh and Garrett Clayton.
Beyond the Wizards family, the wedding reportedly saw a star-studded guest list including Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Paris Hilton, and the cast of Only Murders in the Building, signifying the broad reach of Gomez and Blanco’s connections in the entertainment world.
benny blanco/instagram
Selena Gomez (left) and Benny Blanco
The Enduring Legacy of the Russo Family
The story of David Henrie’s missed wedding attendance and his thoughtful advice resonates deeply with fans, underscoring the authentic and enduring nature of the relationships formed on Wizards of Waverly Place. It’s a testament to the fact that while careers evolve and lives change, the bonds created in formative years, especially in a shared “magical” experience, can truly last a lifetime.
This commitment to their friendship, evident in their continued collaboration on Wizards Beyond Waverly Place and the heartfelt exchange surrounding Gomez’s wedding, ensures that the spirit of the Russo family remains alive for a new generation of fans.
