Festivities persist for Bezos and Sánchez: unrelenting series of gatherings

An opulent nuptial extravaganza in Venice

Festivities persist for Bezos and Sánchez: unrelenting series of gatherings

In the heart of Italy, Venice transformed into the center of extravagance as the world's sixth richest man, Jeff Bezos, exchanged vows with television personality Lauren Sanchez. The multi-day celebration, veiled in privacy, culminated on Sunday night, continuing the party begun after their secret garden wedding on Friday.

Jeff Bezos, aged 61, and Lauren Sanchez, 55, donned designs by renowned Italian designers for their big day. Bezos, wearing a sleek Armani tuxedo, and Sanchez, resplendent in a custom Dolce & Gabbana gown inspired by Sophia Loren's iconic gown in the 1958 film "Houseboat," exchanged their vows in a former Benedictine monastery's garden on the lagoon island of San Giorgio.

Leaked Snapshots from the Party

With hefty security measures in place, including private security services, police, and military personnel, the wedding guests, including celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Oprah Winfrey, Ivanka Trump, Leonardo DiCaprio, Orlando Bloom, and Bill Gates, were reportedly instructed not to share images from the event. However, photos of Sanchez in her wedding gown surfaced on Instagram, captioned with the date "27th June 2025" and a red heart.

A Modest Event, Sanchez Claims

According to Vogue's exclusive wedding story, Lauren Sanchez described her experience as "like a princess." Despite the enormous costs estimated to be between 10 and 50 million euros, she insisted that the event was "extremely intimate" with 70 family members among the 200 guests. Media reports suggest that 27 dresses have been prepared for Sanchez for the festivities.

With an estimated net worth of $220 billion, Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, has shown off his wealth by throwing this grand affair. This is the second marriage for both, and together they have seven children from previous relationships. Opposition to the pricey celebrations has been mounting as critics perceive the lavish event as a flaunting of wealth and Venice's takeover for a hefty price. Demonstrations continue, with another planned for Saturday.

Bocelli's Son croons an Elvis classic

Matteo Bocelli, son of famed tenor Andrea Bocelli, serenaded the guests with an enchanting rendition of Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling in Love" during the island party. The evening concluded with a firework display on the Lido city beach.

The wedding festivities unfolded under tight security measures and a cloak of secrecy. Bezos and Sanchez reside in a luxury hotel on the Grand Canal, with a series of shopping sprees, museum visits, and selfie-taking excursions reported by the guests. Microsoft founder Gates and Ivanka Trump, daughter of U.S. President Donald Trump, opted to explore the exhibitions showcasing works by Leonardo da Vinci, Albrecht Dürer, and Michelangelo at the Gallerie dell'Accademia.

Vincente's City Benefit

Despite the estimated economic benefits of 950 million euros as claimed by Italy's Culture Minister Daniela Santanchè, many remain skeptical of the number. Actor Andrea Pennacchi expressed concerns in "La Repubblica" that Bezos' spending spree might not end with his wedding, predicting that the newlyweds might buy the Colosseum as an anniversary gift and later resell it.

In an attempt to balance the criticism, Bezos reportedly donated three million euros to various Venetian institutions. The couple also encouraged their guests to forego gifts and instead contribute to Venice's restoration, though the exact amount raised remains unknown.

Other celebrities, such as Kim Kardashian, Oprah Winfrey, Ivanka Trump, Leonardo DiCaprio, Orlando Bloom, and Bill Gates, were part of the intimate wedding celebrations. The lifestyle events extended to fashion-and-beauty, as Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez donned designs by Italian designers for their nuptials. The extravagant travel destination, Venice, also offered entertainment, with Matteo Bocelli performing an Elvis classic during the celebrations. Venice's restoration might receive funding from the wedding guests, as Bezos and Sanchez encouraged them to make charitable contributions instead of giving gifts.

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