Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez tie the knot in extravagant Venice wedding

In Italy, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez are set to marry in a lavish three-day wedding celebration in Venice, scheduled to start on Thursday and culminate with the ceremony on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Notably, this marks Bezos' second marriage after his prior union with philanthropist Mackenzie Scott ended in 2019. The event is expected to attract a significant number of celebrity guests, as reports suggest that well-known figures like Ivanka Trump and Tom Brady are attending. However, the wedding has drawn mixed reactions from locals, prompting protests against the perceived disruption of their city. The protests stem from frustrations regarding the influx of wealthy tourists and the local government's decision to accommodate events like Bezos's wedding, which some residents argue hinders their quality of life. As the wedding date approaches, tensions have escalated, leading the couple to change one of their wedding venues from an iconic historic site to a more secluded shipyard location, aiming to address concerns about security and public backlash. This move reflects ongoing local discontent over the recent trend of high-profile events overshadowing the needs of everyday citizens. While Bezos's net worth is reported to be around $230 billion, the wedding itself is rumored to cost between $64 million and $76 million, with about 80% of the provisions sourced from local Venetian vendors. These include artisanal pastries and Murano glass products, emphasizing the couple's commitment to supporting local businesses amidst the extravagant celebrations. The wedding planners have highlighted their efforts to minimize disruptions and respect the city's residents while organizing this high-profile event, aiming to dispel misconceptions about the impact of such lavish gatherings on the city’s daily life. In light of these challenges, many in Venice continue to voice their opinions, with a local group named “No Space for Bezos” leading demonstrations against the event. They argue that the reality of local life is often sacrificed for the sake of accommodating celebrities and billionaires. Despite the anticipated opulence of the wedding, the juxtaposition of luxury against local concerns presents a poignant commentary on the broader issues of tourism, wealth inequality, and community values in one of the world's most famous floating cities.