Photos show Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez kicking off their wedding festivities in Venice
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez were spotted arriving in Venice by boat on Wednesday.
The public got their first glimpse of the bride and groom when photographers snapped shots of the couple making their way to the Aman Venice hotel via a transport boat.
Although they officially arrived in Venice on Wednesday, the couple appeared to be celebrating early. On Sunday, Bezos and Sánchez were photographed hosting a foam party on his superyacht Koru off the coast of Croatia, though it wasn't clear if the event was related to their wedding.
The couple waved at photographers from the boat.
Bezos and Sánchez were all smiles as they waved to photographers, seemingly unbothered by the demonstrators who took to the streets of Venice to protest their wedding in the days ahead of their nuptials.
Sánchez also waved to the public as she reached their destination.
Bezos kept his face forward, but he grinned as his wedding celebrations kicked off.
The couple's celebrity guests were photographed arriving in Venice.
Bezos and Sanchez invited around 200 people to their wedding, and the list is full of celebrities, politicians, and business owners.
Their A-list attendees arrived in waves throughout the week, with many being photographed leaving the Venice airport via water taxi.
For instance, Ivanka Trump and her family arrived in Venice on Tuesday, while Kris Jenner's longtime partner Corey Gamble and billionaire Barry Diller arrived on Wednesday.
Bezos and Sánchez left the Aman a few hours later in eveningwear.
When they left the Aman on Wednesday evening, the couple paused to wave to the public before jetting off in a water taxi.
Bezos wore a dark suit with a cream T-shirt and sunglasses, while Sánchez donned another black look. Her form-fitting gown had one shoulder, and silver embellishments covered the dress in a pattern of diagonal stripes.
Sánchez blew a kiss to the public as well.
Before she entered the seating area of the boat, Sánchez blew a kiss to those around her, showing off a massive diamond ring on her right hand.
She wore her 30-carat engagement ring on her left hand and carried a black clutch.
On Thursday, more A-list celebrities arrived in Venice for the wedding.
Kim Kardashian was photographed greeting Orlando Bloom. She arrived with Khloé Kardashian and Kris Jenner in tow.
The Kardashian family has become close to Sánchez in recent years, and Jenner and Kim Kardashian both attended Sánchez's bachelorette party in May.
Powerful celebrities continued arriving throughout the day, many via private jet.
Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King were spotted waiting for a water taxi after taking Winfrey's private jet to Venice, as many of the wedding's attendees did. King notably went to space with Sánchez in April.
Tom Brady and Queen Rania of Jordan were also photographed arriving on Thursday, as was Domenico Dolce, the cofounder of Dolce & Gabbana, a brand Sánchez has frequently worn to public events.
The bride and groom left their hotel in eveningwear again on Thursday.
Bezos wore a charcoal suit with no tie and sunglasses, creating a dressy and relaxed look.
Sánchez donned a Schiaparelli dress for the occasion. The midi-length gown featured intricate floral embroidery on the strapless neckline and skirt, while the form-fitting bodice was sparkly and cinched at her waist. Sánchez wore her hair in a high ponytail with beachy waves.
The couple shared a smooch as they headed to their pre-wedding event.
The couple waved to the public again as they left the Aman on Thursday evening, both smiling for photos.
They also kissed each other as photographers captured them leaving the Aman.
Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King headed to Thursday's event together.
The longtime friends walked together to a taxi boat, wearing sunglasses and printed dresses.
Orlando Bloom also went tieless for the event.
Like Bezos, Bloom wore a suit with no tie for Thursday's gathering.
His suit was khaki-colored, and his shirt was white.
Kim and Khloé Kardashian posed for a photo together.
Jenner, Gamble, and the Kardashian sisters shared a water taxi to Thursday night's gathering.
Jenner took a photo of her daughters on the boat, who both raised their hands in peace signs as they floated along the canal. Gamble sipped on a drink and adjusted his lapel.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Boston Globe
2 hours ago
- Boston Globe
The best that Bezos' money can buy: A wedding for the ages in timeless Venice
Local flavor? You bet. Beyond that, the team of the world's fourth-richest man has kept details under wraps. Still, whispers point to events spread across the lagoon city, adding complexity to what would have been a massive logistical undertaking even on dry land. On Thursday, dozens of private jets touched down at Venice's airport as yachts pulled into the city's famed waterways. Aboard were athletes, celebrities, influencers and business leaders, converging to revel in extravagance that is as much a testament to the couple's love as to their extraordinary wealth. The heady hoopla recalled the 2014 wedding in Venice of actor George Clooney to human rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin, when adoring crowds lined the canals and hundreds of well-wishers gathered outside City Hall. Advertisement Not so for these nuptials, which have become a lightning rod for protests. Still, any desire to dampen the prevailing fever pitch has yet to materialize. Instead, the glitterati were set to party, and the paparazzi jostling for glimpses of the gilded gala. Whatever happens, it will be a wedding for the ages. Logistics and costs Venice is famed for its network of canals, where gondoliers croon for lovestruck couples and even ambulances are aquatic. But water transport of everything from bouquets to guests makes Venice among the world's most challenging cities for a party, according to Jack Ezon, CEO of luxury travel advisory and event planner Embark Beyond. Advertisement 'It's a very tight-knit community; everyone there knows everyone, and you need to work with the right people,' said Ezon, whose company has put on a dozen high-end events in Venice. 'There's very tight control, especially on movement there with boats.' It at least triples the cost versus staging the same soiree in Rome or Florence, he said. Veneto Gov. Luca Zaia was first to give an estimated tally for the Bezos/Sánchez bash: He told reporters this week the most recent total he saw was between 40 and 48 million euros (up to $56 million). It's an eye-popping, jaw-dropping figure that's over 1,000 times the $36,000 average cost of American couples' weddings in 2025, according to wedding planning website Zola's annual report. Bezos' team has been tight-lipped about where these millions are going. When the youngest son of Asia's richest man married last July, performances by pop stars Rihanna and Justin Bieber pushed up the pricetag. 'How do you spend $40 million on a three- or four-day event?' Ezon said. 'You could bring headliners, A-list performers, great DJs from anywhere in the world. You could spend $2 million on an incredible glass tent that's only there for 10 hours, but it takes a month to build," or expand the celebration to local landmarks. There's no sign Sánchez and Bezos, the former CEO of Amazon, intend to take over any of Venice's tourist-thronged hotspots. Still, intense hand-wringing about the prospect prompted their wedding coordinator, Lanza & Baucina, to issue a rare statement calling those rumors false. Advertisement On Thursday, a string of water taxis cut through the lagoon to bring Bezos, Sánchez and guests to the Madonna dell'Orto cloister as some onlookers cheered. Paparazzi followed in their own boats, trying to capture guests on camera — Oprah Winfrey, Kim Kardashian, Ivanka Trump, Tom Brady, Orlando Bloom — as police on jet skis patrolled. Local media have reported the couple will hold a ceremony Friday on San Giorgio island, across the lagoon basin from St. Mark's Square. Associated Press journalists circling the island Thursday saw workers assembling tents and private security personnel stationed at every pier, including a newly built one. Media have also reported a reception Saturday in the Arsenale, a former navy base best known as a primary venue for the Venice Bienalle. 'No Space' There are some who say these two should not be wed in this city. They characterize the wedding as a decadent display of wealth in a world with growing inequality, and argue it's a shining example of tourism taking precedence over residents' needs, particularly affordable housing and essential services. Venice is also one of the cities most vulnerable to rising sea levels from climate change. About a dozen Venetian organizations — including housing advocates, anti-cruise ship campaigners and university groups — are protesting under the banner 'No Space for Bezos,' a play on words referring to his space exploration company Blue Origin and the bride's recent space flight. Greenpeace unfurled a banner in St. Mark's Square denouncing Bezos for paying insufficient taxes. Activists floated a bald-headed Bezos-inspired mannequin down a Venice canal atop an Amazon delivery box, its hands clenching fake cash. Advertisement Authorities — from Venice's mayor to the nation's tourism minister — have dismissed the outcry, saying it ignores the visibility and economic boost the wedding brings. 'There will be photos everywhere, social media will go wild over the bride's dress, over the ceremony,' Italy's tourism minister, Daniela Santanchè, told the AP. 'All of this translates into a massive free publicity campaign. In fact, because they will spend a lot of money, they will enrich Venice — our shopkeepers, artisans, restauranteurs, hotels. So it's a great opportunity both for spending and for promoting Italy in the world.' Philanthropy As Amazon's CEO, Bezos usually avoided the limelight, frequently delegating announcements and business updates to his executives. Today he has a net worth of $231 billion, according to Forbes. In 2019, he announced he was divorcing his first wife, MacKenzie Scott, just before the National Enquirer published a story about an affair with Sánchez, a former TV news anchor. Sánchez filed for divorce the day after Bezos' divorce was finalized. He stepped down as CEO in 2021, saying he wished to spend more time on side projects, including Blue Origin, The Washington Post, which he owns, and his philanthropic initiatives. Sitting beside Sánchez during an interview with CNN in 2022, he announced plans to give away the majority of his wealth during his lifetime. Last week, a Venetian environmental research association issued a statement saying Bezos' Earth Fund was supporting its work with an 'important donation.' CORILA, which seeks protection of the Venetian lagoon system, said contact began in April, well before any protests. Biller reported from Rome. AP reporter Barbara Ortutay in San Francisco contributed to this report.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's Multiple Venice Wedding Venues Revealed—as Couple Kick Off 3-Day Star-Studded Celebration
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's three-day wedding extravaganza in Venice has officially kicked off with a star-studded soiree that boasts a lengthy guest list of celebrities, from and to and . Billionaire Amazon founder Bezos, 61, and former TV correspondent Sanchez, 55, who got engaged in 2023, were seen making their way onto a water taxi on the first official evening of the festivities on June 26, having spent recent weeks traveling aboard the businessman's $500 million superyacht, Koru. A slew of stars were seen touching down in the Floating City in the hours leading up to the couple's welcome party, many of whom were then pictured boarding their own water taxis bound for the first venue of the weekend, where Bezos and Sanchez will toast with their guests for the first time. In total, the couple—who are reported to have already legally tied the knot back in the U.S.—will take over six venues in the European city, with multiple events planned throughout the three-day celebration. Thursday's welcome party was held at the Madonna dell'Orto cloisters, where guests are reported to have been treated to passed appetizers and pizzas, according to People. Every possible precaution was taken to protect the safety of the glittering assemblage, with huge tents erected around the venue to prevent any drone photography and police patrolling the water for any uninvited guests. The over-the-top soiree provided just a small taste of what is to come over the next two days, which will see Bezos and Sanchez effectively commandeering entire neighborhoods of Venice—much to the upset of locals, who have already forced one venue change after threatening to make their other choice of location inaccessible. Among the more iconic buildings being used by the couple and their guests during the festivities are three of the city's most exclusive hotels: the Aman Venice, the Gritti Palace, and Hotel Cipriani, each of which charge up to $10,000 a night. The day after the wedding, the power players will enjoy an intimate dinner at the Arsenal of Venice, a historic site that is accessible only by boat when connecting bridges are raised. The last of the celebrations was initially scheduled to take place at Scuola vecchia della Misericordia; however, it was swiftly relocated this week as privacy concerns heightened. And while hundreds of guests are expected for the wedding, an insider told Page Six that the couple won't even be exchanging vows during their ceremony because they are already married. 'Often a marriage in a foreign country is not valid in the USA, or creates other issues, so yes, it is likely they are already married,' a lawyer in Florida, where Bezos and Sanchez live, told the outlet. As for the legal arrangements leading up to the ceremony, insiders claimed that the couple have an ironclad prenup that will be legally enforceable no matter where they end up marrying. 'They can get married anywhere as their prenup would generally be drafted to include its enforceability everywhere,' one lawyer told the publication. 'Divorce can only happen in the state of the primary residence. So if they live in Florida, no matter where they marry or what the prenup says, they would have to divorce in Florida.' Now, as the high-profile partners get set to say their 'I do's,' we reveal the lavish locations that will be treated to a glimpse of the newlyweds and their A-list guests. The first stop on Bezos and Sanchez's wedding extravaganza is Venice's Aman Hotel, which is the luxurious spot where the budding husband and wife will be resting their heads during the celebrations. The enchanting hotel located in the heart of Venice is 'ideal for special occasions, from grand parties to intimate meetings,' according to its website. Weddings tend to take place in the Canal Garden, which overlooks the Grand Canal, followed by a candle-lit banquet with a live opera. The couple are sure to have gone all out for the occasion, most likely renting out the hotel's suite, which features an abundance of space, views of the canal, and theatrical murals and gilded ceilings. The cost of the suite can range from $1,700 to over $6,000 per night. Although Bezos and Sanchez will be staying at the Aman, many of their guests are rumored to be residing at Hotel Ciprani during the dayslong occasion. Designed by American architect Peter Marino, the hotel features stunning suites that offer a haven away from the mainland and sweeping views of the floating city. The hotel also features Michelin-star dining, a heated outdoor pool, a wellness center, a kids club, a tennis court, and a private marina. Rooms range in cost from $1,000 to $4,000 a night. The Gritti Palace is another option for guests during the celebrations. The hotel is set on the Grand Canal in the heart of Venice and offers panoramic views of San Giorgio Maggiore, Punta della Dogana, and Santa Maria della Salute Basilica to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. The five-star hotel features elegant suites, chic terraces, and a wellness spa. Prices range from $826 per night and go up to $2,018 or more. The historic church is where the celebrations kicked off as guests were treated to an elegant dinner on the evening of June 26. The church was originally constructed in the mid-1300s and initially dedicated to Saint Christopher, the patron saint of travelers. However, in 1399, the church underwent a renovation and reconstruction in order to strengthen its weak foundation, which also resulted in a new façade, as well as the erection of a larger monastery, according to Churches of Venice. It was officially renamed Madonna dell'Orto in 1414 in honor of a statue of the Virgin Mary that was found in a garden near the church and was later moved inside. In the years since, it has changed control multiple times and was ultimately placed under public administration in 1737. Over the years, the church—and its cloisters—have undergone multiple restorations to maintain the original architecture, which is widely considered to be one of the finest examples of Gothic design that still exists in Venice. Today, the church still serves a dedicated congregation; however, it has also become an incredibly popular tourist site and, on rare occasions, a unique event space. The couple will say 'I do' on June 27 on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore. The island is one of the most prominent islands of Venice. It is situated east of the Giudecca and south of the main island. The spot is known for its beautiful structure and the elegant Palladian church, which has been named an important landmark. It comes as no surprise that the lovebirds want to flock to the island as it is known for its beauty and has even been featured in a Monet painting. The church, which was built between 1566 and 1610, is sure to be the spot where the couple will tie the knot and is located across from St. Mark's Square. The iconic gem of the Venetian lagoon boasts gorgeous views of the Basilica and the Doge's Palace, allowing guests to take in the art and history. The day after the wedding, the couple and their guests will enjoy a dinner at the Arsenal of Venice, which is accessible only by boat, providing them plenty of privacy. It was once the heart of the naval industry of Venice and held shipyards and armories. The Arsenal was once responsible for the majority of the city's naval power from the late Middle Ages to the early modern period. It is said to be one of the most gorgeous and peaceful areas of the city. Tourists often flock to Arsenal to see its glory. The last of the celebrations was initially scheduled to take place at Scuola vecchia della Misericordia; however, it was swiftly relocated this week as privacy concerns heightened. The Amazon founder and the former news anchor have been trotted around Italy in Bezos' stunning yacht, which is named Koru. He commissioned the 230-foot-tall yacht in 2018, and it currently holds the record for being the tallest superyacht in the world. It's also the second-largest sailing ship in the world. The couple have taken a number of romantic getaways on the yacht, and it is even the same spot Bezos got down on one knee and asked Sanchez to marry him in 2023. Brooklyn and Nicola Peltz Beckham Snap Up $16 Million Beverly Hills Mansion—After Taking Major Loss on 'Silly' Former Home EXCLUSIVE: Fox News Host Steve Doocy Lists His Longtime New Jersey Home for $1.8 Million After Moving Down South to Florida EXCLUSIVE: Josh Duhamel Reveals Special New Upgrades He's Making to 'Doomsday Prepper' Cabin To Turn It Into Year-Round Sanctuary
USA Today
7 hours ago
- USA Today
How many children does Jeff Bezos have? Everyone in Bezos and Sánchez's blended family
All eyes are on billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos who is getting ready to tie the knot with long-time fiancée Lauren Sánchez in a lavish ceremony in Venice, Italy. The grand wedding of the fourth-richest person in the world in Italy's historic city has caused consternation online and in Venice and even forced the couple to change venues last-minute. Celebrations for the wedding kicked off June 26 and a parade of stars, from Oprah Winfrey to the Kardashian-Jenners and Ivanka Trump were seen arriving in Venice for the event, reported to be spread over three days between June 26 and 28. Both Bezos, 61, and Sánchez, 55, were previously married to separate people and the upcoming nuptials mark their second marriages. The two, who have children from prior relationships and marriages, now share seven children between them. Sánchez, in a January 2023 interview, with the Wall Street Journal, referred to their blended family as "the Brady Bunch!" "On a typical Saturday, we hang out, we have dinner with the kids, which is always fun because you never know where the conversation is going to go with this many kids," she told the media outlet. Here's what to know about Bezos and Sánchez's blended family. Who are Jeff Bezos' parents? Bezos is the son of Jacklyn Bezos and Ted Jorgensen, who married when they were still teenagers. However, his biological father was never in the picture and Jacklyn's new husband Miguel Bezos adopted him, according to a 1999 Wired profile. "The reality, as far as I'm concerned, is that my Dad is my natural father," Bezos told the magazine. "The only time I ever think about it, genuinely, is when a doctor asks me to fill out a form." Miguel, who along with Jackie, were among the first investors in Amazon, putting in nearly $250,000, according to Bloomberg, was photographed arriving in Venice ahead of the wedding. Jorgensen, meanwhile, had no clue he was the biological father of Amazon billionaire until late 2012 when Brad Stone, a Bloomberg Businessweek reporter and author of "The Everything Store: Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon" contacted him, USA TODAY previously reported. "I didn't know where he was, if he had a good job or not, or if he was alive or dead," Jorgensen reportedly told Stone. "I wasn't a good father or a good husband." People reported Jorgensen died in 2015. Who is Jeff Bezos' former wife? Bezos was previously married to influential philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, 55, who helped build Amazon in its early days. The two married in 1993 in Seattle and were married for 25 years before their divorce was finalized in 2019. Scott, the American Book Award winner, has gone on to write two novels and become a celebrated do-gooder, providing sizable contributions to educational and racial equity causes and quietly redefining modern philanthropy. Jeff Bezos divorce: How much money did MacKenzie Scott get? How many children does Jeff Bezos have? Bezos shares four children with former wife MacKenzie Scott: three sons and a daughter. The tech tycoon is notoriously private about his children, and little is known about them. Bezos has never publicly revealed the names or birth dates of his three younger kids, according to Today. The former couple's eldest child Preston made a rare appearance with his father at the American Portrait Gala at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in 2019. Today and People reported Bezos and Scott adopted their daughter from China, though it is not known when. Who did Lauren Sánchez previously date and marry? Sánchez was previously married to media giant Patrick Whitesell. The former couple were married from 2005 to 2019. Whitesell, 60, has since remarried. She was also in a relationship with former NFL tight end Tony Gonzalez, with whom she has a son. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Sánchez opened up about her coparenting relationship with Gonzalez, describing him and his wife, October, as two of her best friends. "Tony and his wife (October 'Tobie' Gonzalez) are my best friends," Sánchez told the newspaper. "It wasn't always that way. There was friction (at the beginning). But Tony and Tobie were at Thanksgiving with us (this year), and we're really good friends." The two are reportedly also set to attend Sánchez's nuptials with Bezos, according to People magazine. Lauren Sánchez's first husband: Who is Patrick Whitesell? How many children does Lauren Sánchez have? Lauren Sánchez has three children. She has two children with Whitesell: Evan Whitesell, born in 2006 and Ella Whitesell, born in 2008, according to People. She also has a son with Gonzalez, Nikko Gonzalez, 24. Contributing: Greta Cross, Taijuan Moorman, Edward Segarra, USA TODAY Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@ and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
