Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez exchange vows in opulent Venetian ceremony
Venice, June 28 (UNI) Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Emmy-winning journalist Lauren Sánchez have officially wed in a grandiose ceremony yesterday, set against the resplendent backdrop of Venice's San Gloria Maggiore island.
The multi-day celebration welcomed a glittering guest list, including Oprah Winfrey, Gayle King, Orlando Bloom, Kim Kardashian, Khloé Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Kylie Jenner, Karlie Kloss, Leonardo DiCaprio, Usher and Tom Brady. Other notable guests included Queen Rania of Jordan, Bill Gates and his girlfriend, Paula Hurd, François-Henri Pinault, and fashion designers Diane von Fürstenberg, Domenico Dolce and Tommy Hilfiger.
The wedding ceremony opened with an emotive rendition of Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling in Love," performed by renowned tenor Matteo Bocelli, drawing cheers from the distinguished guests.
Saánchez, 55, stunned in a bespoke mermaid- style wedding gown from Dolce & Gabbana, embroidered with Italian lace and paired with heirloom earrings and a symbolic token from her Blue Origin space journey. Bezos, 61, was equally dashing in a classic tuxedo and aviator sunglasses, exuding old-world charm.
To show their appreciation to Venice for hosting them and their guests, Bezos and Sánchez made a point of spotlighting the city's rich artisanal history during their wedding festivities. They sourced about 80% of their provisions from Venetian vendors, among them pastry shop Rosa Salva and glass design studio Laguna B.
In addition, the couple asked their guests to make financial donations to the city of Venice instead of giving them wedding gifts. On their wedding invitation, they listed three Venetian charities they planned to donate the contributions to: the UNESCO Venice Office, CORILA and Venice International University.
They also shared on the invitation why Venice holds such a special place in their hearts. "This magical place has gifted us unforgettable memories," they wrote. "Our hope is that through these efforts and by you joining us, Venice will continue to inspire wonder for generations to come."
"We are definitely happy to have this funding for the protection of our very delicate city," Sebastiano Costalonga, local city councillor for commerce and productive activities of the municipality of Venice, told PEOPLE ahead of the wedding.
Bezos and Sánchez's romance first made headlines in early 2019, coinciding with their respective separations from longtime partners. What began as a collaborative professional partnership evolved into a deeply personal connection. In interviews, Sánchez has spoken admiringly of Bezos's intellect and humour, describing their companionship as seamless and joyful.
In May 2023, a source confirmed to PEOPLE that the two had gotten engaged. The news came as the couple was vacationing together in the South of France. Sánchez was photographed wearing a dazzling ring on that finger while spending time on Bezo's superyacht Koru and stepping out in town.
UNI NST
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
'Eat the rich': Venice protests shadow Jeff Bezos' wedding
At least 500 protesters marched through Venice on Saturday, condemning Amazon founder Jeff Bezos's wedding to journalist Lauren Sanchez, a lavish affair that has drawn backlash in the historic Italian city. People hang a banner 'No Space for Bezos' on the Rialto Bridge during a protest a day after the wedding ceremony of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez in Venice, on June 28, 2025.(AFP) "Bezos, out of the lagoon", the demonstrators chanted as they wound through the city centre, some brandishing signs that read: "Eat the rich", "Rejected", and accusations that Venice's mayor is "corrupt". The peaceful protest, held in sweltering heat, was led by the "No place for Bezos" group, which has campaigned for days against what it calls the couple's harmful economic and environmental footprint on the city. "We are here against what Bezos represents, his model, the Amazon model, based on exploiting people and land," said Alice Bazzoli, 24, an activist with "No Space for Bezos" who has lived in Venice for five years, speaking to AFPTV. Protesters later unfurled a large "No place for Bezos" banner and lit flares above the famous Rialto Bridge spanning the Grand Canal. Matteo Battistuta, a 20-year-old student, said he wanted to send the message that "Venice is fighting back, it's not a dead city, it acts in its own interest before tourism's". "We believe Venice can still be a place worth living in," he added. Bezos, 61, and Sanchez, 55, exchanged vows during a ceremony Friday evening on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, opposite St Mark's Square. The ceremony capped off a week of yacht parties and VIP events, due to end with a lavish ball Saturday night -- as Venetians remain divided over the impact on the city's image. Guests included Ivanka Trump, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kim Kardashian, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, American football star Tom Brady, TV host Oprah Winfrey and Bill Gates.
Hindustan Times
4 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Pregnant Rihanna attends Paris Fashion Show with son Riot to support A$AP Rocky
Singer Rihanna, who is expecting her third child with rapper A$AP Rocky, recently took her youngest son, 22-month-old Riot, to witness his father's show at the Paris Fashion Week. On Friday, June 27, Rihanna was spotted entering the venue as security guards escorted her away from the paparazzi to watch the show, People magazine reported. US actress Rihanna (R) and ASAP Rocky arrive for the world premier of the new film "Les Schtroumpfs" (AFP) According to E! News, this was Riot's maiden official public appearance at the fashion show to see A$AP Rocky's AWGE Menswear Spring/Summer 2026 Show. Rihanna was seen holding the toddler in her arms while watching the show. Decoding Rihanna's look For the special occasion, the Diamonds singer donned a long-sleeved striped shirt, which was only buttoned in the middle and featured her baby bump. She accompanied it with a pleated mini skirt as well as scrunched up gray socks. Her look was completed with a pair of strappy pointed heels. Riot, meanwhile, wore a black Harley Davidson jean jacket that was perfectly paired with purple cargo pants. At the venue, Rihanna was seen sitting in the front row. Her son was seated on her lap. Their outing was in support of AWGE, the creative agency that has been founded by A$AP Rocky. During the show, Riot was seen entertaining himself with a purple mini fan, while Rihanna remained busy watching the models walk down the runway. As per reports, Riot was overjoyed after witnessing his father joining the show, walking past staged metal detectors on the runway. Besides Riot, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky are also parents to three-year-old RZA Athelston Mayers. Rihanna's latest outing comes nearly two months after she stole the limelight at the Met Gala. Prior to the show, she was seen debuting her baby bump on New York streets. Rocky told reporters that it was time for them to "show the people" what they had been "cooking up'. "And I'm glad everybody's happy for us 'cause we definitely happy, you know," he added. FAQs 1. Is Rihanna married to A$AP Rocky? No, the two of them are not officially married yet. 2. What's Rihanna's relationship with A$AP Rocky? The duo have been in a relationship for some time now. 3. How many kids does Rihanna have? She has two sons with A$AP Rocky and is currently expecting her third child.
Economic Times
4 hours ago
- Economic Times
Jeff Bezos wedding with Lauren Sanchez in Venice: 'No Space for Bezos' protests force Amazon founder to change celebrity party venue
Venice has hosted scores of other VIP weddings, including that of actor George Clooney and human rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin in 2014. Demonstrators hold smoke flares while standing by a banner that reads 'No space for Bezos' as they take part in a protest against Amazon founder Jeff Bezos in Venice. (Reuters photo) Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads FAQs Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Mass tourism, impossibly high rents, worker exploitation, inequality and elitism: Venice, Italy's protests in recent days against Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's high-profile wedding have highlighted growing global grievances. "No Space for Bezos" banners draped over the iconic Rialto Bridge and a huge canvas laid out on St Mark's Square urging the tech billionaire to pay more taxes have been seen all over the world. Concerns of greater disruptions forced Bezos and his bride to move their final and biggest celebrity party from the central district to a more isolated venue in the eastern part of the lagoon city, as per a report."The idea that the city should be seen as a set, a stage, or an amusement park has been highlighted like never before by Bezos' wedding," Tommaso Cacciari, a frontman for the No Space for Bezos movement, told the final protest on Saturday, around 1,000 residents and activists rallied in front of Venice's train station under a scorching sun, before marching roughly 1.5 kilometres (0.93 miles) to the Rialto carried banners including one proclaiming 'Kisses yes, Bezos no', playing on Venice's reputation as the city of love, and another one saying 'No space for Bezos' with a rocket, in a reference to his Blue Origin space technology businesses and politicians, however, welcomed the event, hailing its major boost for the local economy. Luca Zaia, the regional governor of Veneto around Venice, said the city should be proud of hosting the and Sanchez have given 1 million euros each to three Venetian institutions: CORILA, an academic consortium that studies the lagoon, UNESCO's local office, and Venice International University. Protesters have called Bezos a 'hypocrite' for donating 3 million euros ($3.5 million) to Venice while flooding its fragile ecosystem with high-polluting private jets and Italy, the e-commerce giant has faced criticism and strikes from trade unions over labour practices, and scrutiny over tax compliance. Reuters reported in February that Italian prosecutors were investigating alleged tax evasion worth 1.2 is rapidly depopulating, largely because of the cost of living crisis. Its historic city centre now has fewer than 50,000 residents, compared to more than 100,000 some 50 years city has hosted scores of other VIP weddings, including that of actor George Clooney and human rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin in 2014.A1. Amazon founder is Jeff Bezos.A2. Venice is rapidly depopulating, largely because of the cost of living crisis. Its historic city centre now has fewer than 50,000 residents, compared to more than 100,000 some 50 years ago.
