Celebrities and billionaire business tycoons have begun arriving in Venice for the lavish wedding of Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos and former news anchor Lauren Sanchez. Stars like Kim Kardashian, Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Usher, Kylie Jenner and Ivanka Trump were spotted for the extravagant ceremony that is expected to take place on Friday in Venice, costing over $50 million.
Private jets and superyachts have been rented to bring guests to the three-day event. According to a Guardian report, over 90 private jets were used to fly Bezos’ guests into the lagoon city’s Marco Polo airport.
First Day Of Bezos-Sanchez Wedding Celebrations
On Thursday, the celebrations began with a night party at the 14th-century Madonna dell’Orto church, home to works by Italian Renaissance painter Tintoretto. By early evening, private security personnel were seen blocking the bridge to the church, with police nearby and riot gear at alert as the celebrations kicked off amid protests against Bezos.
In view of the situation, Venice authorities have tightened security, banning pedestrians and water traffic to prevent planned protests from disrupting the celebrations.
A day ago, Bezos and Sanchez arrived in Venice by helicopter on Wednesday. The couple checked into the seven-star Aman hotel, where rooms start at €4,000 per night. The Guardian report added that Sanchez has packed 27 outfits for the three-day celebrations.
Meanwhile, protesters were seen gathering in St Mark’s Square, voicing their opposition to the extravagant wedding being organised at the UNESCO world heritage site.
Where Will The Wedding Take Place?
Bezos and Sanchez are set to marry on Friday in a black-tie ceremony on San Giorgio Maggiore Island. Guests will be entertained by Matteo Bocelli, son of renowned opera singer Andrea Bocelli. The island is famous for its stunning basilica, which is the home to many of the world’s most famous artistic masterpieces such as Tintoretto’s The Last Supper.
A report by Reuters said that the couple may have already legally married in the United States, as their upcoming Italian ceremony holds no legal status under Italy’s laws.
What Other Events Are Lined Up?
The Bezos-Sanchez wedding is packed with many exciting events for the guests. Festivities include a pajama party, a fun foam party and an elegant Great Gatsby-themed celebration.
Bezos got engaged to Sanchez in 2023, four years after his 25-year marriage to MacKenzie Scott ended in divorce.
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