The Bezos-Sánchez Merger: The Ultimate Inside Guide to the Wedding of the Century

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Approaching the Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez wedding, the term “wedding of the century” has been used frequently, much like it was for Princess Diana’s marriage to Charles. However, there are significant differences between these two unions. While both groomswere exceptionally wealthy men, Charles was a prince, whereas Bezos, with a net worth of $233 billion, was raised by his mother who worked as a secretary. Moreover, the brides are strikingly different – Princess Diana was a young, blushing bride, while Lauren Sánchez, at 55, seems hardly to blush at all.

The wealthy couple reportedly plans to shell out over $10 million for their three-day wedding extravaganza starting June 24, which seems more like a social media spectacle than a fairy tale. In contrast to crowds of residents cheering them on at traditional weddings, locals in Venice are planning demonstrations against such extravagance in their struggling city. Their anger stems not only from the couple’s monopolization of water taxis and high-end hotel rooms, but also from concerns about the wedding’s environmental impact and potential to disrupt the entire city, causing inconvenience for everyone. Instead of selling souvenirs and photos of the couple, activists have put up posters reading “No room for Bezos!”, a play on words as his image is displayed atop a rocket ship.

The couple could encounter more than just Venetian politics-related issues; the guest list for their event, limited to 200 individuals, includes personalities as diverse as Donald Trump and Barack Obama, Leonardo DiCaprio and his former partner Camila Morrone, and Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry, who have recently been the subject of rumors about their troubled marriage.

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The couple might face political issues in Venice aside from those related to their relationship; their guest list, restricted to 200 people, includes figures as polarizing as Donald Trump and Barack Obama, Leonardo DiCaprio and his ex Camila Morrone, and Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry, who are reportedly experiencing marital strife.

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The couple might have additional political problems to address beyond those related to Venice; the guest list for their gathering, limited to 200 attendees, includes controversial figures such as Donald Trump and Barack Obama, Leonardo DiCaprio and his former girlfriend Camila Morrone, and Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry, who are said to be going through a tough time in their marriage.

The skilled arrangement of participants by the organizers won’t just happen during one night, as the festivities will span over the entire weekend, extending past the ceremony to a series of parties. Some of these events are scheduled on Bezos’ $500 million yacht, Koru. So, let the fun commence!

The Prenup

According to a source, the wedding was initially planned for winter in Aspen, but due to delays in finalizing the legal agreement, the festivities were pushed back. After Jeff Bezos’ high-profile divorce from MacKenzie Scott (one of the most expensive divorces on record, with her receiving over $38 billion worth of Amazon shares), his legal team spent months meticulously drafting robust legal documents.

The Hotels

The couple is reportedly residing at Aman, situated along the Grand Canal, a prestigious establishment where George and Amal Clooney tied the knot. Their rooms are priced between $3,000 to an astounding $32,000 per night. They have reserved a total of five hotels, among which are Aman, Gritti Palace, The St. Regis, Belmond Cipriani, and Hotel Danieli. Michael Torbiak, owner of M.Domo luxury concierge travel service that caters to the entertainment industry and tech world, remarks, “The beauty of the Aman’s interiors is so captivating that I find it hard to believe they aren’t utilizing it for one of their events.” He further adds, “The Belmond Cipriani stands out in the summer due to its expansive pool and vibrant dolce vita ambiance.

Jaclyn Sienna India, the CEO of high-end travel company Sienna Charles, who has collaborated with some guests attending Jeff Bezos’ wedding, remarks about Aman: “Some rooms boast stunning frescoes on the ceilings that date back centuries. The palace is a masterpiece of rococo architecture; it was restored and now houses contemporary Italian furniture within.

The Wedding Planner

This wedding carries a touch of royalty, as it is not just any ordinary event. Notably, the Jordanian queen is expected to grace the occasion. The planning company responsible for this grand spectacle is Lanza & Baucina, based in London. Interestingly, this company was founded by Prince Antonio Licata di Baucina and his cousins, Counts Riccardo and Aleramo Lanza, who possess a 16th century palace in Palermo. They have previously organized the weddings of celebrities like George Clooney, Salma Hayek, and François-Henri Pinault, giving them an advantageous position to arrange private travel and grant exclusive access to individuals such as Henry Kravis.

The City

Following the announcement of an upcoming wedding, Morris Ceron, head of Venice’s council, expressed his efforts to host the event in Venice to the London Times. However, the locals didn’t seem too excited. Activists who are concerned about the city’s disruption and the potential environmental damage from a large gathering have plastered posters around Venice criticizing Bezos and accusing him of wanting to transform the entire town into his personal celebration. They are planning on greeting this event with disruptive protests. Mayor Luigi Brugnaro has hinted that monetary contributions could help quell the disturbance, and reports suggest that such donations have indeed been made. However, Matteo Secchi, founder of Venessia.com, a group dedicated to preserving the city’s history, scoffed at the U.K. Telegraph, stating, “Venice is acting like a prostitute.

One of the busiest tourist seasons for Venice is June, and regular visitors express concern as well. The Sunday Times has given this situation the name “Jeff in Venice,” and according to India, it could ruin your trip to Venice if you’re an ordinary traveler. She forecasts that due to safety concerns, “the city will grind to a halt.

The Guests

Distinguished figures such as Barry Diller alongside Diane von Furstenberg, Brian Grazer, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Barbra Streisand, Andrew Garfield, Bloom, and Eva Longoria will join forces with tech moguls like Bill Gates; media icons including Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Oprah Winfrey, and Gayle King; influential family members including Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner, Donald Trump Jr. with his partner Bettina Anderson; music industry leaders Mick Jagger, Katy Perry, Jewel, Scooter Braun; models Camila Morrone and Karlie Kloss along with her husband Josh Kushner are expected to attend the gathering. It is also speculated that Barack Obama will be present, as well as Queen Rania.

The Dress

Following her suggestion for Sánchez to wear an Oscar de la Renta gown at the Met Ball, it’s rumored that Anna Wintour has provided fashion advice again and is sticking with the same designer. Interestingly, the bride also shares a strong bond with Dolce & Gabbana – her son Nikko Gonzalez walked their Milan Fashion Week runway last summer, and Morris Ceron, head of the Venice council, claims he learned about the wedding from Domenico Dolc. The couple was even seen having fittings at the Dolce & Gabbana store in Milan, suggesting they may wear designs by this brand during the upcoming celebrations. And let’s not forget her stunning 20-carat diamond ring that Bezos placed under her pillow before proposing!

The Ceremony

The exact location of the ceremony has yet to be revealed to the guests. Initially, it was hinted that the venue would be their yacht, Koru, but recent reports suggest otherwise. Potential sites include San Giorgio Maggiore, a small island with a monastery known as Fondazione Cini, and the Scuola Grande della Misericordia, a 14th-century charity building that can accommodate up to 1,000 people. This historic structure has hosted significant events such as a papal conclave in 1799 and a G7 summit in 1987. The irony of choosing venues with contrasting histories – one associated with the simplicity of monastic life, the other with grand Renaissance art – is likely not lost on discerning guests.

Billy Folchetti, an event planner based in Lake Como and New York who focuses on Italy and the South of France, proposes that since San Giorgio Maggiore Island is depicted in Monet’s renowned painting, it could serve as a fitting venue for their ceremony given their shared appreciation for art. Additionally, he suggests that the Scuola Grande, with its significant impact on Venetian music and culture, might be an excellent location for a performance during the event as well.

The Other Festivities

India commented that every moment, whether on or off the yacht, is jam-packed with activities, and our clients are expressing their concerns about the numerous events,” she said. “For the next three days, there’s barely any free time at all. There will be plenty of outfits involved, as they want to put on a show due to the many potential locations that could offer more privacy. Even with all this activity, they’re trying to keep things somewhat low-key – a challenge in the realm of half-billion-dollar yachts – following the massive PR disaster of Sanchez’s space voyage that went nowhere.

The Gifts

Instead of purchasing gifts, it’s requested that guests donate to charity at this billionaire’s wedding, as per one invitee. While Jeff Bezos gave a Bugatti to fellow wealthy individual Anant Ambani during his wedding with Radhika Merchant last summer, the focus here is on philanthropy rather than material gifts, according to travel concierge India. It’s been hinted that attendees will receive gift bags filled with Venetian items such as glassware from Laguna B and pastries from Rosa Salva.

The Yacht

According to Venetian records, the wedding procession will feature three ships, one of them being the Koru, a colossal sailing boat measuring 417 feet that won’t fit the canals due to its immense size. Instead, it will be stationed in the Venice lagoon. Even its accompanying yacht, Abeona, is too large for the canals to navigate.

Travel and Afterpartying

Multiple visitors are jetting into airports in Venice or Verona aboard private aircraft, utilizing Europe‘s convenient location to prolong their vacations. “Even though the yacht accommodates only 18 people, it will primarily be occupied by family upon departure from Venice,” remarks India. “Since the new Aman resort in the Dolomites is opening that weekend, some of our customers are helicoptering directly into Bolzano’s private airport.

The Entertainment

The famous San Giorgio Maggiore boasts an outdoor amphitheater offering breathtaking water vistas, and rumor has it that musical legends Elton John and Lady Gaga have been invited for a performance.

You can find this article in the June 18 edition of The Hollywood Reporter periodical. If you’d like to receive future issues, consider subscribing by clicking here.

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2025-06-21 15:55