Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Celebrate Lavish Wedding in Venice

In a grand display of luxury, Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, and former television host Lauren Sánchez concluded their wedding festivities in Venice over the weekend. The three-day celebration, which was filled with high-profile guests, elaborate fashion, and culinary excellence, attracted both admiration and protest.

The wedding events culminated on Saturday, marked by a mix of gratitude from the local mayor and discontent from hundreds of demonstrators. Mayor Luigi Brugnaro expressed that the residents of Venice were honored to host Bezos and Sánchez, emphasizing their welcome for the couple's future visits. Conversely, representatives of the approximately 500 protesters voiced concerns about the challenges posed by the high-profile event, such as increased security measures and the closure of canals and neighborhoods.

Although the couple had already legally wed in the United States weeks prior, Sánchez officially changed her surname to Sánchez Bezos during the ceremony held on the exclusive island of San Giorgio Maggiore. Her wedding dress, crafted by the renowned fashion house Dolce & Gabbana, paid tribute to the iconic Italian actress Sophia Loren, who wore a similar gown in the classic film "Houseboat."

Dolce & Gabbana also provided the bridal jewelry, which included diamond earrings that were borrowed for the occasion. The groom, Bezos, donned a stylish tuxedo that complemented the elegant setting.

Guests were instructed not to take photographs or share images from the event, as the couple had sold exclusive rights to a major fashion magazine. For the evening celebration, Sánchez donned a stunning Oscar de la Renta gown, while the entertainment featured Matteo Bocelli, son of renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli, rather than the expected performances by other famous artists.

Renowned chef Fabrizio Mellino was responsible for the wedding menu, which was served during a casual post-ceremony celebration at the Arsenal in the Castello district of Venice. The event was humorously branded a "pajama party," with guests arriving in various attires, from elegant evening wear to comfortable loungewear.

The couple also hosted a farewell lunch on Sunday at Harry's Bar, a celebrated establishment in Venice frequented by Hollywood elites. Attendees included several notable figures from the entertainment industry.

During their time in Venice, Bezos and Sánchez made efforts to engage with onlookers, sharing waves and smiles while navigating the city's canals. However, Bezos reportedly expressed his frustration regarding the protests, asserting their commitment to not only enjoy the city but also contribute positively to its preservation.

In an effort to address environmental concerns, the couple has made a substantial donation to organizations dedicated to preserving Venice's cultural heritage and delicate lagoon ecosystem. Their departure from the city was anticipated to take place on Sunday evening.