Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez are gearing up for their highly anticipated wedding in Venice, Italy, later this month. As details emerge about the lavish event, some locals are expressing concerns about the scale of the festivities in a city already overwhelmed by tourism.
The couple is keeping most of the wedding details under wraps, with reports indicating that guests have been required to sign non-disclosure agreements. However, it is known that the multi-day celebration will be organized by Lanza and Baucina, the same event planners behind George and Amal Clooney’s wedding in 2014.
Local vendors are set to play a significant role in the event, with about 80% of the wedding suppliers hailing from Venice. This includes pastries from Rosa Salva, the city’s oldest patisserie, which has been in business for nearly 150 years. The owner, Antonio Rosa Salva, has been tasked with preparing around 200 goodie bags for the guests. Additionally, the couple has enlisted a design studio known for its exquisite Murano glass.
In preparation for the wedding, around 30 of Venice’s high-end water taxis have been reserved, and both of Bezos’s yachts, Koru and Abeona, are currently docked in the Adriatic Sea. The city’s airspace will be restricted to drones and unauthorized aircraft during the event, although arrangements have been made for private helicopters and high-profile guests who require security.
While the exact venue remains a mystery, speculation suggests that the Cini Foundation on San Giorgio Maggiore Island could host the ceremony. This site has a history of hosting significant events, including G7 meetings.
The guest list is star-studded, featuring names like Oprah Winfrey, Mick Jagger, and Ivanka Trump. Social media posts from Sanchez’s recent bachelorette party hinted at other high-profile attendees, including Kim Kardashian and Katy Perry. Reports suggest that only a few hotels will accommodate the 200 guests, with festivities kicking off on June 24.
However, not everyone is excited about the wedding. Local activists have organized protests scheduled for June 26 to 28, coinciding with the wedding dates. Banners with messages like “No Space for Bezos” have appeared around the city, reflecting concerns about the impact of such a large-scale event on Venice’s already strained infrastructure.
Despite the protests, Venice’s Mayor Luigi Brugnaro has expressed pride in hosting the wedding, stating that the city is well-equipped to handle high-profile events. He emphasized that the city is committed to ensuring the festivities are respectful of its unique character and charm.
As the date approaches, all eyes will be on Venice, where the blend of celebrity glamour and local sentiment will unfold in a city that thrives on its rich history and cultural significance.