2025-06-28T05:53:36Z

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In a spectacular ceremony, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his partner Lauren Sanchez exchanged vows on Friday on an enchanting island in the lagoon of Venice, surrounded by a cadre of the rich and famous. The nuptials came amidst contrasting sentiments from both guests and locals, as the couple celebrated their union out of earshot of protesters who decried the commodification of the historic city.

As Bezos navigated the picturesque canals of Venice by boat, he expressed his awe at the city, stating, "This city seems impossible! It can't exist and yet, here it is!" This sentiment was shared by many guests who reveled in the opulence of the event. However, outside the festivities, activists voiced their concerns regarding the city's future. Venice faces challenges such as rising sea levels, a dwindling local population, and the impact of mass tourism, which many believe jeopardizes its architectural heritage and cultural identity. Among the protest messages was a neon sign projecting "No Kings, No Bezos" on the St Mark's Campanile, symbolizing the disquiet felt by some residents.

Late Friday, Sanchez, who has adopted the Instagram handle laurensanchezbezos, shared a glimpse of the wedding on social media, showcasing her elegant flowing white gown alongside Bezos in a classic black tie. The couple celebrated their love with high-profile guests, including Kim and Khloe Kardashian, Oprah Winfrey, and Orlando Bloom, all of whom added to the glamour of the occasion.

The couple’s wedding took place at a luxurious black-tie ceremony on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, a location known for its stunning views of St Mark's Square. Reports suggest that the ceremony was held in a vast open-air amphitheater, creating a breathtaking backdrop for the vows. The newlyweds were serenaded by Matteo Bocelli, son of renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli, adding an exclusive touch to the event. The culinary experience for the celebration was crafted by Michelin-starred chef Fabrizio Mellino, with a wedding cake prepared by distinguished French pastry chef Cedric Grolet.

In preparation for the celebrations, Sanchez reportedly curated 27 different outfits to showcase over the course of the festivities. Guests, including luminaries such as Queen Rania of Jordan and NFL superstar Tom Brady, were spotted arriving via boats, adding to the exclusivity of the event.

The wedding festivities continued with a lavish lunch at Villa Baslini, located on the islet of San Giovanni Evangelista, before culminating in an extravagant party at the historic Arsenale shipyard complex. In a philanthropic gesture, Bezos and Sanchez pledged to donate €3 million (approximately $3.5 million) to Venice and have committed to employing local artisans for various wedding-related needs. Traditional pastries from Venice's oldest pastry maker, Rosa Salva, were included in party bags, showcasing the couple's appreciation for local craftsmanship. Additionally, attendees were treated to handblown glass pieces from Laguna B, a celebrated Murano glassmaker.

In a surprising twist, Ivanka Trump and her family engaged with Venetian artisans, visiting a glass-blowing workshop where they reportedly enjoyed experimenting with the craft. Massimiliano Schiavon, the workshop owner, noted their fascination, remarking that they were "amazed and enchanted by the magic of glass."

Despite the grandeur of the wedding, critics remained vocal about the implications of such opulence in a city already grappling with over-tourism. Protesters highlighted the environmental impact of the influx of private jets and yachts associated with the elite guest list, estimating that at least 95 private planes transported attendees. Activists criticized the wealth disparity highlighted by the event, with messages reading, "Tax Billionaires" and other remarks emphasizing socio-economic inequalities.

Conversely, some locals welcomed the event, suggesting that high-profile weddings could potentially benefit the city financially, with Italy's tourism ministry anticipating that the media attention could generate nearly €1 billion in revenue for Venice. As this extravagant celebration unfolded, Italy's health ministry issued a red heat alert for the region, coinciding with a heatwave sweeping through southern Europe.