Bezos Gets Married, Venice Gets Mad: Here’s What Went Down in Italy

Jeff Bezos & Lauren Sánchez’s Venice Wedding

Billionaire Jeff Bezos and media personality Lauren Sánchez just wrapped up one of the year’s most extravagant weddings, set against the romantic canals of Venice, Italy. But while the A-listers toasted love inside, protestors outside weren’t raising glasses.

👗 The Dress:

Lauren wore a custom Dolce & Gabbana gown inspired by Sophia Loren’s iconic look in the 1958 film Houseboat. A nod to old-school Italian glamour with a modern billionaire twist.

💸 The Price Tag:

Estimates vary, but insiders peg the event at upwards of $25 million, including a reported €3 million donation to Venetian institutions and environmental causes. The couple covered everything from local sourcing to police overtime.

🎭 The Events:

• Welcome dinner at a 15th-century cloister

• Vows exchanged at San Giorgio Maggiore

• Star-studded after parties, including a Gatsby-themed soirée and a foam party

• Final masquerade bash at the historic Arsenale

✊🏻 The Backlash:

Locals and activists protested what they called a "Disneyfication" of Venice. Chants of “Eat the Rich” echoed through the streets, smoke bombs lit up bridges, and banners declared: “Kisses Yes, Bezos No.” The main party venue was even moved last-minute due to public pressure.

🛥️ Fun Facts:

• 80% of event goods were sourced locally

• No gifts! Guests were asked to donate to charities

• A Jeff Bezos dummy in an Amazon uniform was floated down a canal by protestors

• Water taxis replaced limos, and the red carpet? It floated.

🎬 Final Scene:

A wedding full of fashion, fireworks, famous faces and fierce resistance. Venice sparkled, but the message was clear: not everyone welcomed the Bezos-sized love story.

Source: Forbes