On Friday, top journalist Lauren Sánchez was seen in the picturesque city of Venice, just hours before her highly anticipated wedding to Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos. The couple’s extravagant—and controversial—wedding has attracted a multitude of celebrities and billionaires to the romantic Italian destination.
In a surprising twist, it has been reported by the Wall Street Journal that Bezos extended an invitation to former President Donald Trump for the wedding. However, due to scheduling conflicts, Trump will not be in attendance. This revelation adds a layer of intrigue to an already star-studded event.
Details regarding the guest list for Bezos' wedding have remained largely confidential. However, sources from TMZ have disclosed that a number of high-profile celebrities are among those invited. Notable guests include pop star Katy Perry, journalist Gayle King—who famously flew to the edge of space with Sánchez on a Blue Origin mission—along with media mogul Oprah Winfrey, reality TV star Kris Jenner, and celebrity Kim Kardashian. Other attendees are expected to be singer Jewel, model Karlie Kloss, and entrepreneur Joshua Kushner.
Additionally, former NFL tight end Tony Gonzalez, who shares a son with Sánchez, will also be present at the wedding festivities. City officials have confirmed that the guest list is capped at 200 people, ensuring an intimate celebration.
Bezos and Sánchez are set to exchange vows on Friday, marking the highlight of a lavish three-day celebration. The couple will wed on San Giorgio Island, a serene locale known for its historic church and iconic bell tower. The ceremony will feature a special performance by Matteo Bocelli, son of renowned opera singer Andrea Bocelli.
The wedding festivities kicked off on Thursday with a party at the Madonna dell’Orto cathedral, and the celebrations are expected to wrap up on Saturday at the historic Arsenale in Venice, which once served as a shipyard and armory.
Despite the glamour, the event has not been without controversy. Local residents have expressed frustrations over the issue of overtourism and Bezos' connections to Donald Trump, leading to protests in the city. As a result of these local tensions, Bezos was reportedly compelled to relocate a wedding party from a bustling nightlife area to a more secluded part of Venice, according to Reuters.
For more information on the protests and the implications for Bezos' wedding, read the article titled Protests May Force Billionaire Bezos To Move Venice Wedding Venue on Forbes.
