Inside the spectacular Bezos nuptials that are being co-ordinated from a two-bedroom flat in London's Battersea

Daily Mail​

4 hours ago

It's surely set to be the wedding of the century - as Jeff Bezos prepares to marry his bride-to-be Lauren Sanchez in Venetian nuptials reportedly costing $48million.
Somewhat surprisingly, the vastly luxurious mega-nuptials, which are even set to take over an entire island, are being organised from an office in an unassuming two-bedroom flat in London 's Battersea.
The brains behind the operation are Lanza & Baucina Limited: three Italian aristocratic cousins boasting an ultra-discreet approach that produced George and Amal Clooney 's 2014 wedding.
The £950,000 property, as valued when last sold in 2005, seems an unlikely hiding place for the planning committee of one of the world's biggest celebrity events.
But their spectacular plans for the Amazon boss and his bride include handblown glass favours and shutting down nine ports for their 200 elite guests.
On Friday, hundreds of famous faces - and their accompanying private jets - are set to descend on the historic city - with A-listers reportedly set to include the likes of the Kardashians, Oprah Winfrey, Mick Jagger, Jay-Z and Beyoncé, Eva Longoria, Gayle King and Jewel.
And if the Clooneys' wedding is anything to go by - also held in Venice, at the Aman Canal Grande resort - it will certainly be one to remember.
THE WEDDING PLANNERS
London based planners Lanza & Baucina Limited – the wedding planners – specialise in discretion and no social media.
They are co-ordinating the Venetian extravaganza from a small two-bedroom flat and office in London's Battersea - nearly 1,500km away.
The £950,000 property, as valued when last sold in 2005, seems an unlikely hiding place for the genesis of what's set to be the wedding of the year.
The travel company was founded in 2002 by three Italian aristocratic cousins - Prince Antonio Licata di Baucina and counts Riccardo and Aleramo Lanza.
Riccardo, who divides his time between an office in London and business interests in Venice, has previously married to Lady Kinvara Balfour, the the second daughter of the 5th Earl of Balfour and Lady Tessa Fitzalan-Howard. He was also romantically linked to Susanna Warren, , a granddaughter of the late Earl of Carnarvon and who also dated Prince William's stag night organiser Guy Pelly.
And if anyone is up to the task or organising the Amazon mega-wedding, it will surely be them - having previously produced weddings for George and Amal Clooney in 2014, and Salma Hayek and François-Henri Pinault in 2009.
More recently, they organised the nuptials of Alexandre Arnault , son of the owner of the LVMH Group.
'Because of our family connections, we always know someone who can open the secret doors in Italy,' di Baucina told Forbes previously.
'If we have enough time, we can do almost anything.'
And it doesn't come cheap. In 2008, they revealed their fees could range from $3,000 for a private visit to the Palazzo Gangi in Palermo, and up to $75,000 for a private lunch in Pompeii.
Despite backlash, the pair have come to the couple's defence and claimed the high-profile pair asked any plans to be respectful of Venice and its citizens.
On their website, Lanza & Baucina boasts of having no social media presence
In a statement to PageSix, they said: 'From the outset, instructions from our client and our own guiding principles were abundantly clear: the minimising of any disruption to the city, the respect for its residents and institutions and the overwhelming employment of locals in the crafting of the events.'
'Before the recent news of protests arose, we had worked for there to be minimal negative impact or disruption to the lives of Venetians and the city's visitors.
'We have always acknowledged the wider debate and critical issues surrounding the city's future, and from the outset our client has been honoured to support the city and its all-important lagoon through non-profit organisations and associated projects.'
On its website, the agency says: 'We have worked on every continent and are responsible for masterminding the world's most exclusive, private and spectacular parties.
'Discretion is paramount to us. We have no social media presence and no examples of previous work are published.'
And if their previous endeavours are anything to go by, the wedding will certainly be one for the history books.
Back in 2014, the planners organised nuptials between George and Amal Clooney at the Aman Canal Grande resort, also in Venice.
Amal wore a custom-made off-the-shoulder Oscar de la Renta French lace wedding dress with a veil while George chose his favourite designer, Giorgio Armani, to create his tuxedo.
Clooney and British human rights barrister Amal we d in front of approximately 100 guests - including family friends and famous faces such as Matt Damon and his wife Luciana, Cindy Crawford and her husband, George's best man Rande Gerber, John Krasinski and Emily Blunt, Vogue's Anna Wintour and Bill Murray, at the historic venue.
People reported those assembled broke out into spontaneous applause when the couple - who were first linked together in October 2013 - were declared man and wife during the 30 minute ceremony.
The Amazon boss and his bride to be are set to take over the Italian city of Venice for their $48 million three-day nuptials.
However, they have already attracted huge controversy with protests planned by locals angry at the couple for 'taking over the city' for the planned three day festivities.
The original plan was for a huge party at the Scuola Grande della Misericordia on Saturday night but it has now been moved to another venue in the Arsenale area of the city, according to local media.
The historical Italian venue is one of the largest and grandest buildings in the historical centre of Venice.
When built in 1310 it represented the 'Seven Scuole Grandi' whose members were high society dignitaries in Venice, who reached a level of such wealth and influence they were given leading roles in the state. Its walls are decorated by the city's greatest Renaissance artists.
The Lonely Planet travel guides says of the large venue: 'One of Venice's seven grand confraternities, the Misericordia was the seat of the wealthy silk weavers guild that commissioned this enormous classical hall.'
'In 1532 Jacopo Sansovino was brought on board, brainstorming the idea of a Roman basilica within a traditional Venetian frame. No expense was spared on the interiors either, which were frescoed by Veronese, Zanchi, Pellegrini and Tintoretto. In 1914 it was taken over by the Reyer Sports Club, providing a beautiful backdrop to their basketball competitions.'
The couple's highly-anticipated nuptials are set to take place the weekend of June 24 in the Floating City, much to the frustration of Venetians who have accused the billionaire of turning their home into a 'playground' for the ultra-wealthy - and are now planning protests to push back.
The couple have even rented out an entire Island for six days for their glamorous wedding.
According to an insider, Bezos' $500 million superyacht, Koru, will be moored off the coast of San Georgio Maggiore island, which is home to the famous Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore, a 16th century Benedictine church.
The monastery, with its sculpted gardens, still sees monks pray inside. Meanwhile its location, across from the famous San Marco, would provide a picturesque setting perfect for a wedding dinner.
They shared that the island is 'off-limits to visitors' from June 24 to June 29, with the mayor believing that the wedding will take place on the yacht - although The Misericodria, an iconic event space in Venice, has been booked out from June 26 to June 28.
It's unclear if the space is related to their wedding, but the insider added that a private tender service is said to be taking guests from the island to the yacht.
The island is owned by the Cini Foundation and has hosted everything from G7 events to private concerts.
In June, building work was being carried out on the island - perhaps for a stage for a wedding concert.
THE TRANSPORT
Bezos and Sanchez will be marrying on the island of San Giorgio, which is home to the famous Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore, a 16th century Benedictine church.
However, around 200 guests will have to travel to three events - all in different locations - which will take place to celebrate the newly weds.
In addition to the private tenders that guests will have to take along the water-based, car-free city, around 60 of Venice's water taxis are reserved for the week, with some of the 400 gondolas on the island out of commission as well.
As the event is going to have a glitzy guest list, it perhaps comes as no surprise that Venice's nine yacht ports have also been booked for the week leading up to the main event.
Mario Gasparini, a water taxi operator, told La Repubblica newspaper as per the Telegraph: 'The exact routes are being kept a secret. We will only discover who our passengers are and where we are taking them the day before the wedding service.'
It is believed the lavish wedding will bring in bucket loads of cash to the city, with water taxi operators estimated to earn around 15,000 euros (£12,800) each over five days.
MailOnline understands that Bezos will be leaving his $500 million yacht, named Kora, off the coast of Croatia because of the political backlash. The couple will instead travel via helicopter to Venice to tie the knot.
THE ACCOMMODATION
The Amazon boss and his blushing bride are expected to stay in two of Italy's plushest hotels, the Aman and Hotel Cipriani.
They will also be lodging their somewhat 200 people guests - including A-listers like Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Katy Perry, Orlando Bloom and members of the Trump family - at the prestigious residences which cost in excess of £2000 per night.
The Aman is a luxury 5-star hotel located in Venice and features opulent rooms that boast private gardens, sprawling dining venues and spacious suites.
Its signature rooms and suites feature work by some of Italy's most revered artists – including 16th-century architect Sansovino and 18th-century painter Tiepolo.
The rooms' lavish furnishings are an array of silk wall coverings, chandeliers, wood panelling, chinoiserie and painted ceilings, with many rooms offering Grand Canal views.
The Aman also contains stunning apartments which can be accessed via private lifts, and can accommodate up to six guests per stay.
The Aman is nothing short of a supreme luxury experience with its rooms costing between around £2000 to £3000 per night.
Equally lush is Hotel Cipriani, where the soon-to-be husband and their guests will also celebrate the wedding.
The iconic Venice hotel boasts a world class experience for its guests, including luxury antiques, Michelin-starred dining and breathtaking views across the water.
An 'Olympic-inspired' swimming pool is an added luxury touch while its surrounding lush gardens provide incredible some of the best greenery that Venice has to offer.
Guests can also expect a heated swimming pool, a wellness centre, tennis court an private marina.
Similarly a night at the lavish residence will set you back over £2000, with some rooms going for as high as over £4000.
THE SECURITY AND PROTESTS
The wedding of the year - projected to cost just short of $50 million - is currently still forging ahead despite a major setback threatening to thwart the location of the glamorous ceremony.
The worlds third richest person and his soon-to-be wife, Lauren Sanchez, have been forced to change one of the venues of their extravagant Venice wedding because of 'rising global tensions' it was reported today.
The nuptials have already attracted huge controversy with protests planned by locals angry at the couple for 'taking over the city' for the planned three day festivities.
A team of former US marines has already been hired to provide security for the event by Bezos, which is due to take place over three days from June 26 in the iconic lagoon city.
Local newspaper Il Gazzettino have also stated that the days leading up to the wedding would be 'tension filled' and the move to the venue was due to it being 'easier to control' as large scale protests are expected.
But they also added 'the winds of war and rising global tensions between the US and Iran' were also being taken into consideration - there is a large American airbase at Aviano just 50 miles away.
Tomorrow a meeting is due to take place between local authorities, police and security teams to discuss the wedding which has been greeted with fury by many Venetians.
Meanwhile on Monday Greenpeace activists unfurled a huge banner in St Mark's Square, the iconic heart of Venice protesting against the wedding.
It showed an image of Bezos face and the slogan: 'If you can rent Venice for your wedding then you can pay more tax.'
Activists from British group 'Everyone Hates Elon' were also involved and said they had carried it out to highlight the 'environmental and social injustice of the wedding'.
WEDDING FAVOURS
And now, it's been revealed to the Daily Mail by a source in Italy that each guest will be receiving hand-blown glassware by local glassmaker Laguna B
Along with a luxurious venue, personal transport and stunning accommodation, Bezos and Sanchez will also be treating their guests to an array of wedding favours.
Local bakery Rosa Salva Venetia - thought to be the oldest pastry business in Venice - will be providing an array of tasty treats for the extravagant weekend.
The delicious menu items at the bakery include tiramisu, flaky, cream-filled pastries, and fritelli, a traditional Italian fried treat. The company have been commissioned to create baked treats for around 200 goody bags.
However, Rosa Salva Venetia will not be providing the wedding cake for the loved-up couple.
Venetian design company Laguna B, known for their artisanal blown glass creations, has been contracted for services in relation to the wedding.
A source in Italy also revealed to the Daily Mail that that each guest will be receiving hand-blown glassware by local glassmaker Laguna B.
The glassware company was originally created by Marie Brandolini, who left New York in 1988 to live in Venice.
Her idea came about after her stepfather gave her a goti de fornasa - a traditional drinking glass crafted by Murano glassmakers - which inspired her to make her own, putting her own spin on it to create something 'new and personal.'
Her son later took over the business after she passed in 2013, per Vogue.
The handmade glassware features bright colors, stripes, and floral details.
All of the glasses have different motifs and designs, with one large-size cup running customers $167.
The handmade glassware are not the only things that guests will be coming back home with.
The insider told Daily Mail that a wedding planner who is not working this event has heard that guests will receive other 'opulent' gifts for attending.
It's unclear what those other gifts will be, but Sanchez is known to be a fan of fun designer purses, like the $5,750 Balenciaga 9AM Coffee Cup Clutch Bag, which she was seen carrying in March.
Guests were told last month that Sanchez and Bezos quietly donated to Venetian charities in honour of their guests in April, making donations in their name as a gift.
This is so that 'Venice will continue to inspire wonder for generations to come,' sources told PageSix.
THE DRESS
As per tradition, the detail's of Lauren's wedding dress - or perhaps more likely, dresses (plural) - will be kept under wraps until the big day.
However, eagle-eyed fashion pros will know that the 55-year-old is a big fan of Dolce & Gabbana, Oscar de la Renta and Elie Saab.
If she were to go for the former - a likely prediction, given Lauren's attending the Italian house's Alta Moda show in Sardinia last summer as her son Nikko Gonzalez walked the runway - it is possible that she would be leaning into the brand's elegant and elevated aesthetic.
It has become a go-to wedding choice for many an A-lister, from reality show stars to royalty.
In 2022, Kourtney Kardashian donned a lace and satin corseted mini-dress by the designer to marry Travis Barker in Portofino.
Elsewhere, Dolce last year spoke about curating Princess Diana's niece Lady Kitty Spencer's 2021 bridal gown; and the importance of incorporating a love for the regal feel of the Italian designer into an individual's frock.
'One of the inspirations is definitely her love for Italy. Kitty is in love with our beautiful country and its rich history, art and culture,' Domenico Dolce told Tatler.
Lauren pictured sporting yet another daring ensemble at a Dolce & Gabbana fashion show in Sardinia
However, when it comes to Lauren's fashion history, she has favoured the brand's more sultry, romantic ensembles with shoulderless necklines and figure-hugging silhouettes. Pictured in 2023
It has become a go-to wedding choice for many an A-lister, from reality show stars to royalty. Kourtney Kardashian pictured in a Dole wedding dress
'But she is also a girl who is very attached to her origins, to England; to her heritage of the great Victorian era,' Stefano Gabbana added. 'And like all the English people, she has a great passion for all kinds of flowers.'
However, when it comes to Lauren's fashion history, she has favoured the brand's more sultry, romantic ensembles with shoulderless necklines and figure-hugging silhouettes.
Another beloved designer, Oscar de la Renta - donned by Lauren at the Met Gala - could prove to be an option, having been behind bridal looks for VIPs such as Amal Clooney, Kate Bosworth, and Paris Hilton.
The designer's spring 2026 bridal collection features a flurry of floral ivory gowns, emblematic of the brand's affinity for nature-inspired aesthetics.
Lauren may choose to go for its 'Look 1' option, with flowing lace and tulle reminiscent of a butterfly's wing or 'Look 3', keeping in line with her penchant for a sleeveless sweetheart neckline.
Elie Saab has too proven to be another sartorial inspiration for Lauren over the years. She has sported its designs for events including red carpets and serious journalism award ceremonies alike.
The bridal collection for Spring 2026 features a myriad of ensembles which may mesh with Lauren's style.
'Look 4', going for $11,100 on the site, includes an experimental all-lace skirt that the journalist has sported before, while 'Look 3', for $11,600 online, features a carefully structured silhouette Lauren is known to be fond of.
Another beloved designer, Oscar de la Renta - donned by Lauren at the Met Gala - could prove to be an option, having been behind bridal looks for VIPs such as Amal Clooney, Kate Bosworth, and Paris Hilton
Lauren pictured wearing Oscar de la Renta at the Met Gala. It may well be the designer she chooses for her wedding
Lauren may choose to go for its 'Look 1' option (pictured), with flowing lace and tulle reminiscent of a butterfly's wing
She may also like 'Look 3' (pictured), keeping in line with her penchant for a sleeveless sweetheart neckline
The bridal collection for Spring 2026 features a myriad of ensembles which may mesh with Lauren's style
Lauren Sánchez looked like she was ready to walk down the aisle as she appeared at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscars party on Sunday night on the arm of her fiancé, Amazon tycoon Jeff Bezos
In another set of photos, the star posed with Bezos, as she lovingly locked arms with the businessman, who was black velvet suit
She's also been wearing white more than ever, as she donned a two-piece, plunging white Alexander McQueen pants suit to Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20
Others have speculated fashion royalty like Vera Wang, Sarah Burton or Dior's most recent creative director, Jonathan Anderson, may be at the helm of Lauren's looks.
Another contender may be Vivienne Westwood, who Lauren donned to wear an all-white look at Vanity Fair's Oscars Party earlier this year - a piece from her Fall 2025 birdal collection.
Lauren appeared ready to walk down the aisle as she was seen on the arm of her fiancé in March, stunning in a formfitting, strapless white gown with a feathered hem and train as she entered the fete.
She's also been wearing white more than ever, as she donned a two-piece, plunging white Alexander McQueen pants suit to Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20.
The bride-to-be also opted for a skintight, curve-hugging white dress while celebrating 50 years of designer Diane Von Furstenberg in Los Angeles in October.
THE GUESTS
With infinite resource at his disposal, the Amazon billionaire could afford to invite anyone and everyone to his nuptials - but he and his bride have ensured that only their closest and most exclusive pals will be among the 200 people celebrating in Venice this weekend.
After a star-studded hen party in Paris attended by the likes of Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner, Lauren's posse of female pals is sure to add a sprinkling of glamour to the event.
And among the relatively modest figure of 200, close friends and family will be a priority for both Sanchez and Bezos.
The couple have a total of seven children from previous relationships - Bezos from his marriage to Mackenzie Scott and Sanchez with Patrick Whitesell and Tony Gonzalez.
But it's the sprinkling of stardom that will likely turn heads in Venice this weekend that will turn heads among locals and draw in the eyes of the world...
Oprah Winfrey
71-year-old Oprah Winfrey (seen at the Tony Awards in June) is reportedly making an appearance at the star-studded wedding
American talk-show host Oprah Winfrey will reportedly make an appearance at the Amazon founder's wedding to Lauren, TMZ reported.
The 71-year-old has partied with the couple on various occasions, including at a glamorous 2023 Beverly Hills party in the home of talent agent turned investor Michael Kives and his wife Lydia.
That same year, the trio enjoyed lunch with Gayle Kingaboard while onboard Jeff's $500 million superyacht in Capri.
Eva Longoria
Close friend to Lauren Sanchez, Eva Longoria is also rumoured to be attending the wedding (seen together in Los Angeles in August, 2024)
Actress Eva Longoria of Desperate Housewives' fame is also rumoured to be on the guest-list.
According to TMZ, Eva, 50, is among the A-Listers who will watch the couple tie the knot in the Italian sunshine.
She was also one of the lucky few who attended Lauren's bachelorette party earlier this year.
When asked about the festivities, which were also attended by Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner and Katy Perry, the actress spoke excitedly about the whirlwind trip.
'I had to pop in and out, so I wasn't there as long,' the Desperate Housewives star told People at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. 'But yeah, it's so nice to celebrate love.' She continued: 'It's just the best feeling in the world to be there and go, 'Yay, love.''
Mick Jagger
Pictured: Mick Jagger, Melanie Hamrick, Lauren Sanchez, and Jeff Bezos at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Los Angeles in March
Rumours are swirling that 81-year-old rock legend Mick Jagger is on the guestlist for the upcoming nuptials, according to the New York Times via Forbes.
Earlier this year, Mick seemed on close terms with the couple, and warmly embraced Lauren at the Vanity Fair Oscars Party, held at the Wallis Annenberg Center in Beverly Hills.
At the glitzy event in March, Jeff stood next to his soon-to-be wife as she hugged the Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger.
The rocker looked impressed with Lauren's Oscar night gown and opened his mouth as she appeared, even though he had as his date, Melanie Hamrick, 37, close by.
Jay-Z & Beyoncé
Power couple Jay Z and Beyoncé (seen at the Mufasa: The Lion King film premiere in Los Angeles in December, 2024) are also reportedly set to appear
Jay-Z and Beyoncé, arguably the music's industry's most prominent power couple, are also reported to be on the wedding guest list, according to the New York Times via Forbes.
Both couples appear to be on friendly terms, and in 2021, the musically talented couple enjoyed some time away on Bezos's yacht.
Beyonce and Jay-Z were spotted enjoying themselves while relaxing off the coast of Ponza, Italy, in September that year.
Then in March this year, Jeff and Lauren also took to Beyoncé and Jay-Z's Oscars afterparty at LA's Chateau Marmont.
Barry Diller and Diane von Furstenberg
Billionaire businessman Barry Diller is said to be attending the event with his wife Diane von Furstenberg (seen at the 2024 Met Gala)
TMZ's sources have also claimed that billionaire businessman Barry Diller, 84, will be in attendance at the event.
It's thought that his fashion designer wife, Diane von Furstenberg, 78, will also be in attendance.
The couple recently made headlines in May after Barry came out as gay - but he insisted that he enjoys a full sexual relationship with his wife.
Gayle King
TV personality Gayle King (seen earlier this month in New York) is also rumoured to be on the guest list
Lauren's fellow Blue Origin crew member Gayle King is also said to be attending the star-studded nuptials.
The pair seem to enjoy a close friendship, and before their mission Sanchez posted a video call to her Instagram where they talked about their voyage into space, with Gayle admitting she was 'nervous.'
Elsewhere, the 70-year old American TV personality is typically known for being Oprah Winfrey's right-hand woman.
Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian and her mother Kris Jenner were both at the bride's bachelorette celebration in Paris
Kim Kardashian, 44, has been a steadfast presence in Lauren's inner circle for years, offering consistent support through DMs and lavish joint outings.
Lauren and Kim's friendship formed in a rather unconventional way - as the two bonded after they became embroiled in a bidding war over a Balenciaga gown.
Years ago, during New York Fashion Week, the two stunners realized they were both going after the same clothing item during an auction at the Kering Foundations' Caring for Women dinner.
Both of them were offered gowns in the end, and they jetted off to France together to get fitted - and it was there that their bond really kicked off.
Kris Jenner
Lauren has formed an elite girl squad over the years, which consists of top businesswomen, actors, singers, and models
Kim isn't the only member of the Kardashian-Jenner clan thought to be on the guest list.
It's believed Lauren and Kris, 69, have cultivated a family-like friendship.
The pair grew close when Kris joined Kim and Lauren at one of Beyoncé's concerts on the Renaissance tour in 2023.
Elsa Marie Collins
Elsa Marie Collins, 45, seems to be one of Lauren's closest friends, as they often travel together
Thought to be one of Lauren's closest friends, as they often travel together, 45-year-old Elsa Marie is the co‑founder of the nonprofit This is About Humanity, an organization dedicated to 'raising awareness and funds for separated and reunified families at the US/Mexico border.'
Elsa, who is married to former NBA star Jarron Collins, previously revealed to Vogue that Lauren donated $1 million to her organization.
'Lauren wakes up thinking about how to help people,' she gushed.
Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner
Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner are reported to be on the guest list - but Ivanka's father President Trump is not thought to be attending
The daughter of the US president is among those on the guest list. Ivanka, 43, will be accompanied by her husband Jared Kushner, 44.
However, it's thought Donald Trump will not be attending, neither will his wife Melania.