The much-anticipated wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and former news anchor and licensed pilot Lauren Sanchez is set to take place in the enchanting city of Venice. This lavish event, expected to cost millions, has stirred excitement and curiosity among the public, especially amidst the backdrop of potential protests. Spokespeople for the couple remain mum on the details, and guests have been required to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), leading to rampant speculation about the wedding's particulars.
Guests can expect a delightful experience at Harry's Bar, a historic venue once frequented by literary giants like Ernest Hemingway. The establishment’s staff is eager for some of the 200 guests, which include A-list celebrities, political dignitaries, and influential business leaders, to stop by for one of their famed Bellini cocktails. The waitstaff expressed hope that Bezos might bring his groomsmen to the bar, reminiscent of George Clooney's wedding to Amal Alamuddin in 2014.
The wedding is being organized by boutique event planners Lanza and Baucina, known for their work in transforming Venice's Grand Canal into a stunning red carpet for the Clooneys' wedding. While some locals have expressed concerns about the wedding's impact on the city, Bezos's team has assured that their plans respect the unique challenges Venice faces as a popular tourist destination. In a statement to CNN, they emphasized, “Rumors of ‘taking over’ the city are entirely false and diametrically opposed to our goals and to reality.”
In a show of goodwill, the couple is sourcing around 80% of wedding provisions from local vendors. The historic Rosa Salva pastry shop, Venice’s oldest, has been tasked with creating approximately 200 goodie bags for the event. Additionally, Laguna B, a renowned Murano glassware designer, confirmed it is preparing special party favors for the celebration.
Concerns about managing such a high-profile wedding seem unfounded, according to Luca Zaia, the president of the Veneto region. He remarked that Venice regularly accommodates around 150,000 visitors daily and has hosted numerous celebrity weddings, including those of Clooney and Salma Hayek. Zaia even speculated on the possibility of former President Donald Trump being on the guest list, given his presence in Europe for the NATO summit.
With details of the guest list shrouded in secrecy, Sanchez's recent bachelorette party in Paris could offer clues. Notable attendees included Kim Kardashian, Katy Perry, and Oprah Winfrey, who are rumored to be among those invited. Sanchez is known for her sophisticated fashion sense, frequently donning designs from Dolce & Gabbana and Oscar de la Renta. The designer of her wedding gown remains a mystery, as is customary in such high-profile weddings.
In preparation for the wedding, around 30 of Venice's elite water taxis have been reserved, and gondolas are on standby. The city’s gondola association has confirmed they are ready for the event, while the city's nine yacht ports have been booked leading up to the wedding. Bezos's luxury yacht, the Koru, is already anchored in the Adriatic Sea, accompanied by the smaller vessel L’Abeona.
Despite Venice's airspace being closed to drones, arrangements have been made for private helicopters, particularly for guests requiring heightened security. The Marco Polo airport, familiar with accommodating private jets, offers a discreet area with direct access to water taxis, facilitating a smooth arrival for celebrity guests.
The exact date of the wedding remains a closely guarded secret, with sources indicating that the couple is keen on keeping everyone guessing until the last moment. Wedding planners have secured various venues and will make final decisions based on unpredictable factors like weather and potential protests. Among the rumored venues is the Cini Foundation on San Giorgio Maggiore, known for its picturesque gardens and historical significance.
Other potential locations include the luxurious Aman hotel on the Grand Canal, and the Scuola Grande della Misericordia, a historic armory that could serve as a stunning ceremony site but is also at risk of protest disruption. Interestingly, a gazebo reminiscent of wedding décor has appeared near the Excelsior Hotel, adding to the speculation surrounding the event.
As the city prepares for what promises to be a remarkable celebration, all eyes will be on Venice as it hosts one of the most talked-about weddings of the year.
