Seven years. It's been seven years since Hailey and Justin Bieber took over a luxury resort in South Carolina, and honestly, we still haven't moved on.
You’ve seen the images. The grainy black-and-whites. The glowing skin. That legendary veil. Hailey Bieber wedding photos didn't just document a celebrity marriage; they basically rewrote the rulebook for what a "modern" bride looks like. Even now, in 2026, brides are still walking into boutiques with these exact screenshots saved on their phones.
The Off-White Masterpiece
The center of the universe for this wedding was undoubtedly the dress. Designed by the late Virgil Abloh for Off-White, it was a weird, beautiful collision of high-fashion streetwear and traditional lace.
It was a custom mermaid-style gown. Long sleeves. Off-the-shoulder. It looked classic from a distance, but the closer you got, the more "Virgil" it became. He literally used pearls to spell out "WEDDING DRESS" on the back of the gown. Most people missed that detail because they were staring at the veil.
That veil was a monster. A cathedral-length statement piece that ended with the words "TILL DEATH DO US PART" in Abloh’s signature block-lettering and quotation marks. It was bold. It was polarizing. It was exactly what Hailey wanted.
The Reception Swaps
She didn't stay in the lace for long. Hailey is the queen of the "outfit change," and she didn't disappoint.
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- Ralph & Russo: A custom silk halter-neck gown with a thigh-high slit. It gave major Meghan Markle vibes but felt more "cool girl" than "royal."
- Vera Wang: A minimalist white slip dress paired with—wait for it—white sneakers. This was the moment she basically gave every bride permission to be comfortable.
- Celine Leather Jacket: She threw a custom leather motorcycle jacket over her reception dress. On the back? The word "Wife" embroidered in crystals.
What Really Happened in South Carolina
The ceremony itself went down on September 30, 2019, at the Montage Palmetto Bluff. It was their second wedding, actually. They’d already done the courthouse thing in NYC a year prior, but this was the "big show" for God and family.
There were 154 guests. A small number for a pop star, really. They wanted it intimate. Kendall Jenner, Kylie Jenner, and Jaden Smith were there. Travis Scott was there. It was a massive party disguised as a wedding.
Justin was apparently a nervous wreck. During the vows, he kept tripping over his words. He had to restart a few times. Hailey just laughed it off. Honestly, that’s probably why the photos feel so real—they weren't trying to be perfect. They were just two people who had been through a lot of drama finally making it official.
The Photo Booth Effect
If you look at the Hailey Bieber wedding photos that actually went viral, most of them weren't the professional portraits. They were the photo booth shots.
The Biebers hired The Collective You, a company that specializes in high-end, black-and-white portraits that look like they belong in Vogue. These weren't your typical "grab a plastic mustache and a sign" photo booth pics. These were art. They were moody. They used high-contrast lighting that made everyone look like a movie star.
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This single choice changed wedding photography forever. Now, every "Pinterest bride" wants a black-and-white portrait station.
Why the Photos Still Matter
It’s about the "Clean Girl" aesthetic before that was even a term. Hailey’s hair was in a simple, sleek bun. Her makeup was barely there—lots of skin prep, very little foundation. It was the antithesis of the heavy "Instagram glam" that was popular in the late 2010s.
She wore Tiffany & Co. diamond studs (5 carats, no big deal) and kept the jewelry minimal. It was a masterclass in restraint.
The Cost of Perfection
People estimate the whole weekend cost over $500,000.
- The Venue: Montage Palmetto Bluff is not cheap.
- The Booze: Custom Moët & Chandon bottles covered in nearly 10,000 Swarovski crystals.
- The Music: Daniel Caesar performed. Dan + Shay sang "10,000 Hours."
But the real value wasn't the money. It was the branding. This wedding solidified Hailey as a fashion icon in her own right, separate from Justin’s shadow.
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How to Get the Look Today
If you’re trying to replicate the vibe of those Hailey Bieber wedding photos, you don't need a Virgil Abloh budget.
Focus on the lighting first. If your photographer doesn't know how to handle high-contrast black-and-white film, the "Bieber look" will just look like a dark photo. You need that crisp, glowing edge.
Second, the "Wife" jacket. It’s a classic move now. Grab a vintage leather jacket and find a local embroidery shop. It’s a 150-dollar DIY that looks like a million bucks.
Lastly, don't overdo the hair. The sleek bun is the most "Hailey" thing you can do. It keeps the focus on your face and the neckline of the dress.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Wedding
- Hire a Portrait Specialist: Specifically ask photographers for their "black and white editorial" portfolio. If they only do bright and airy, they aren't your person.
- Prioritize Skin Prep: Hailey’s look relies on a "glow from within." Start a serious hydration and facial routine six months out.
- Think About the "Second Look": If you want to dance, get the sneakers. Don't be the bride sitting in the corner because her heels are killing her.
- Personalize the Veil: You don't have to write "Till Death Do Us Part," but adding a hidden date or a meaningful quote in a modern font is a great way to nod to the trend without straight-up copying it.
The Bieber wedding was a moment in time, but the aesthetic is permanent. It’s proof that when you mix traditional elements with a bit of "street" attitude, you get something that stays relevant for decades.