I won't be having a small second wedding. Here's why
I t was apparently Samuel Johnson who wrote that second marriages are 'a triumph of hope over experience' (although Oscar Wilde often gets the credit). Either way, there's definitely something triumphant about Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's second time saying 'I do'.
While they have both been married before — and were still married when they got together, if their leaked text messages are to be believed — the world's fourth-richest man and his bride-to-be are reportedly having a very big day in Venice this week. We're talking superyachts, 27 couture outfit changes and the city's hotels block-booked for their 200 closest friends, including Musk, Zuckerberg, the Kardashians and co.
Tying the knot for a second time has officially shaken off its low-key associations. It's no longer a sheepish affair, involving a non-white dress and sarcastic comments about 'second time lucky'.
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Telegraph
an hour ago
- Telegraph
The luxury Venice hotels where the Bezos wedding guests are staying (and affordable alternatives)
As the nozze di Bezos melodrama rolls into town, Venetians are each preparing in his or her own way. The city's millionaire mayor Luigi Brugnano is preening, its anti-crowds protesters are polishing their placards, while in ultra-luxe hotels pillows are being plumped for the fortunate few on an ultra-glamorous, ultra-high-net-worth guestlist. On Venice's streets and waterways the 200-odd pampered invitees can expect to be disrupted when they descend into the tourist-packed city for the wedding extravaganza on June 24-26… or 26-18; there are conflicting reports. Protest organisers have already plastered venerable walls with 'No space for Bezos' posters – a reference to the Amazon boss' Blue Origin space venture. Next they're calling for pedestrian mayhem and water-borne hurdles along wedding-guest routes as Bezos attempts to tie the knot with his journalist fiancée Lauren Sànchez. So the straightforward, unchallenged luxury beyond the doors of the classic hotels where guests are rumoured to be staying will come as a blessed relief. And Venice's grandes dames hotels have decades – even centuries – experience of making the very rich and very powerful feel very special. Intrigue continues to swirl around the actual nuptials: word is they may take place on board Bezos' yacht Koru, possibly to be moored, gazing across the lagoon at St Mark's square, at the island of San Giorgio Maggiore – though the dock's website says only boats up to 13m long are accepted, so at 127 metres (417 ft), the Koru hardly meets the specs. There's far less call for wild speculation, though, where accommodation is concerned: the tried-and-tested candidates for indulgent stopovers are obvious. The inevitable 'insiders' who have been proliferating as the event draws closer seem to have coalesced around the Aman Venice as the most likely choice for the bride and groom themselves. This could simply be by association: George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin chose it when they married in Venice in 2014. But there's no denying that this five-star in magnificent Palazzo Papadopoli is the perfect perch on the central reaches of the Grand Canal. (Wedding date hint: at the time of writing it was still possible to book a canal-facing room for June 24 for a mere €3,905. From June 25-29 the place is full.) With just an inconspicuous gate in the high wall around the Aman's delightfully secluded garden, access here is predominantly by water, giving the patrician palazzo a paparazzo-proofed feel, for guests who wish to be gossiped about but not disturbed. On the eastern tip of the Giudecca island – and with an Olympic-sized pool to boot – the Belmond Cipriani is a favourite haunt of privacy-seeking movie stars during the Venice Film Festival and will no doubt be hosting a gaggle of wedding guests. Much-loved concierge Roberto – fount of all Venetian knowledge and for decades the personification of the hotel's effortless charm – has slipped quietly into retirement but his imprint on the vibe remains. It says much about this hotel that the only gate from the rest of the island into the premises is fiendishly difficult to find and takes you through backstage areas, into further reaches of the garden. For the average, non-adventurous guest the place is rigorously water-facing, with arrival by launch to the jealously guarded private dock de rigueur. Also sadly missing now from Venice's classic hotel scene is ebullient, bespectacled Paolo Lorenzoni, who took the historic Gritti Palace hotel – with a superlative collection of antique furniture and gallery-grade art and now part of Marriott's Luxury Collection – from delightfully elegant dowager to cutting-edge classic glamour in a $35 million restoration programme during his 15 years as general manager. Here too, the influence endures. As they settle into ornate suites (the Redentore Suite with its own rooftop pool comes in at a cool €14,000), or gaze upon Grand Canal traffic from their breakfast table, the Bezos-Sànchez wedding guests will certainly be made to feel like they're old friends paying a visit. Those opting for the lagoon-front Hotel Danieli, on the Riva degli Schiavoni waterfront just round the corner from the Doges' Palace, will find this luxe bolthole in a state of flux, as management transitions from the Marriott group to Four Seasons. The hotel will remain open throughout an on-going renovation under the guidance of French interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon; the full takeover should be completed by the end of 2025. In the meantime guests still enjoy one of the finest dining views in the city, from a rooftop restaurant where the Bezos yacht will hog the limelight if indeed it does tie up at the San Giorgio Maggiore marina, directly opposite. Marriott may be retreating from the riva but it's still exquisitely placed in the watery city with its Grand Canal-fronting St Regis. Here, guests can relax between wedding commitments in a compact outdoor space with the canal lapping against the balcony, looking straight across to the bridal-white curves of the Santa Maria della Salute basilica. Doubtless some extra-fortunate members of the wedding crew will be enjoying a similar view far from the threat of passing paparazzi, from private rooftop terraces in suites that can cost upwards of €9,000 a night. The canal-fronting palazzo may have been accepting guests since 1895 but the current ambience is retro-contemporary, with rotating displays of artworks in glass – ideal for those who prefer clean lines and lagoon-inspired pastels to sumptuous brocades and classic over-the-top Murano crystal. Will guests be tempted to avoid running the gauntlet of anti-Amazon protesters and cocoon in the luxurious tranquillity of their grandes dames hotels? Unlikely. But will some risk creeping quietly out their hotel's back gate to experience Venice without the flash of cameras? You never know. Five alternative affordable hotels Near the Aman is the Antica Locanda Sturion, one of Venice's oldest hotels. It has a suite with a Grand Canal view in late July for just £291 – making a far smaller dent in your credit limit. The Cipriani shares the same dreamy view across the water to St Mark's Square as the Generator hostel next door, which offers double en-suite rooms from £86 (dorm beds of course are available for even less). Swap the Gritti Palace for the delightful Hotel Flora, just around the corner and with a gorgeous garden in which to graze on a fantastic breakfast, currently offering doubles from £266 a night. Also in this location is the St Regis – and the much more accessibly priced Novecento Boutique Hotel. This small and intimate property offers an alternative to standard Venetian decor with beautifully exotic fabrics and colours in its rooms, which start from just £257 in July. A lagoon view from the riva degli Schiavoni waterfront rarely comes cheap, but for £205 at the Hotel Pensione Wildner you'll have just as fine a view of the San Giorgio island as you would at Hotel Danieli. The restaurant is also excellent.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Mis-Teeq in talks to reunite ahead of band's 25th anniversary as Alesha Dixon confirms comeback plans
ALESHA Dixon has confirmed Mis-Teeq are "thinking" of a reunion - in comeback news sure to delight loyal fans. The singer, 46, who forged a solo career when the British R&B group split back in 2005, has given fans fresh hope of a second stint and admitted they are further than ever before when it comes to dialogue. 6 6 6 Scandalous hitmakers Mis-teeq were a huge part of the UK pop scene between 2001 and 2005. Now in a chat with Hits Radio's Fleur East, Will Best and James Barr, Britain's Got Talent judge Alesha has teased a fresh chapter for the super-cool girlband. James asked her if there were "any advances" on previous comeback chat, to which she replied: "There might be. "Well, next year is the 25th anniversary of Lickin' On Both Sides, our debut album." Fleur then chipped in and said: "It makes sense Alesha." The B With Me singer, who cut a cool figure in a shimmer dress and sunglasses, then continued: "So we are thinking, we're thinking. "Thinking doesn't mean we are doing, we're thinking. "Which is more than we've done." Fleur then said: "I'm clapping because I'm just excited about it." Fans were quick to react after the clip hit social media and one wrote on X: "Alesha Dixon has said Mis-Teeq are THINKING ABOUT A REUNION." Alesha Dixon BACK with dad of her two kids as they desperately fight to save relationship after split Another added: "At least a full vinyl release (at last!)" A third then wrote: "I'm gonna cry I've been hoping for this but it felt so unrealistic after the lawsuit, I'm glad they made up seemingly anyway." One simply put: "Yesssssss." FURTHER CLUES Who is Alesha Dixon's ex partner Azuka Ononye? ALESHA Dixon has split from her long-term partner and father to her kids, Azuka Ononye. Yet who is he? Azuka Ononye was born December 14, 1980 and is best known for his work as a dancer, creator director and choreographer. He has worked with the likes of Sade, Whitney Houston, Madonna, Duffy, Pixie Lott, Estelle, Ashanti and Cheryl to name a few. Azuka's advertising credits include major brands such as Guinness, Captain Morgan, Nokia, T-Mobile, Specsavers, Superdrug, ESPN, Sky, DFS and Argos and many more. Alesha and Azuka got married in 2017 after meeting on tour. The ceremony was a quiet and private. They were married 11 years after first crossing paths in 2006. Alesha's team hired Azuka as a dancer for her tour. Back in March, Alesha teased further detail on a band comeback. Alesha took to her Instagram Stories to re-post a clip showing the band, formed in 1999, making their debut on BBC series Top Of The Pops. The clip saw Londoner Alesha and bandmates Su-Elise Nash, 43, and Sabrina Washington, 46, shimming on stage as they belted out debut tune Why. Alesha gushed over the scenes, filmed in 2001, and added the words: "Cried when I just saw this. Top Of The Pops debut." She then tagged both Su-Elise and Sabrina in her upload, hinting she was on good terms after we exclusively revealed Alesha was sued by Sabrina back in 2020. Sabrina, who was Mis-Teeq's lead singer and wrote many of their hits, instigated legal proceedings against Alesha over royalties going back 15 years as well as legal proceedings against former label Universal. At the time, Britain's Got Talent judge Alesha is alleged to have 'wrongfully claimed' song-writing royalties for their first two singles Why and All I Want. The pair also fell out after management blocked Sabrina from appearing on Strictly Come Dancing — only for Alesha to shine on the BBC One show the following year. A pal previously said: 'It is war. Sabrina had to play second fiddle for years and Alesha received five per cent royalties for the girls' first two songs whereas Sabrina received nothing - they both should have got 2.5 per cent. 'Sabrina wasn't listed as a writer for the tracks but it was written in her contract that she would get pay parity. "She feels she is owed thousands." At the time, a spokesman for Alesha told MailOnline: "Alesha wrote the raps on both Why and All I Want and that is why she gets a split, the rest of the song was written by a production team…Sabrina has no reason to sue Alesha." BAND HISTORY Mis-Teeq started life as a four piece in 1999, yet Zena McNally left two years later. Recently, Zena Whitter - also known as Zena McNally - took radiant pics online for her over 25,000 Instagram followers who gushed over her ageless look. Mis-Teeq formed in 1999 when Alesha met singer Sabrina a few years earlier at their dance school, Dance Attic, in Fulham, London. At this time, Hammersmith-born singer Tina Bartlett joined Alesha and Sabrina to perform and write music as a trio called Face2Face. However, after a successful audition with another upcoming pop group, Tina would jump ship to became a member of 90s and 00s pop sensations S Club 7. This fuelled Alesha and Sabrina, who promptly replaced Tina with two new members, Zena and Dulwich songbird Su-Elise Nash who the duo spotted as she auditioned for another group. The final member added to the group would be Zena, who joined in 1999. The group signed to Telstar Records the following year and begin working with an array of producers to form their debut album. Mis-Teeq's debut single, Why?, was released in January 2001 and reached number 8 in the UK Singles chart that year. The noughties group went on to have six more consecutive top-10 singles and two top-ten albums across US, Europe, Asia and Australia, including their double platinum second album Eye Candy which was released in March 2003. In spite of this success, the girl power gang disbanded in 2005 while recording their never-released third album. All three members then turned their focus onto their respective solo careers. 6 6 6
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Wedding guest issues stark warning after popular tradition leaves bride covered in blood
A wedding guest has shared a warning after she was left covered in blood after having her face smashed into cake. Taking to Reddit, a wedding guest, believed to be from the US, shared the horror-filled encounter. 'The wedding was fine,' they said. 'Cake time, groom has a fork full, goes to feed it to his bride but drags his hand upwards to spear the cake on I guess her cheek.' The guest continued: 'The fork tines end up cutting her upper lip a little and there's this weird five mins where they're holding a fancy table napkin against her face to stop the bleeding. 'I still remember the look my wife gave me, with a shocked 'what the f*** was he thinking?!' Disturbed by what he saw, the wedding goer urged loved-up couples to avoid taking part in the trend. 'Guys, unless your fiancé explicitly tells you to "Do it!" for photos or the memory or whatever... don't do it!!,' he wrote. Many in the comment section agreed the trend should be avoided, with many pointing out how - even if it causes no injuries - it can waste the painstaking time and effort taken to make the bride look her best on the day. One even warned that they had known a marriage that ended in divorce following a cake smashing incident. 'My friend smashed it in her husbands face, they hadn't really talked about it beforehand. They got divorced one year in,' a Redditor shared. A second had a similar warning message. 'My friends did. She took a tiny bit with her finger and wiped it on his nose and mouth. He got mad and smashed her whole face into the cake. They are divorced.' The sentiment was felt by those who'd fallen victim to the trend too. 'I divorced her. I still recall the picture of when she did it. I was p*****. It shows a fundamental disrespect for your spouse when you do something like that,' chimed a third. One even described an incident so violent that her groom ended up breaking her nose. She wrote: 'He grabbed the back of my head by my hairstyle and slammed me into the cake and held me down. I'm not sure if it was the table or the cake plate that actually broke my nose. And yes, he was charged with assault but no jail time.' It's not the first time that cake smashing has made headlines after causing major rifts between couples. A recent clip of a couple taking part in the tradition saw one wife with her head slammed into a plate of cake, leaving her coated in bright purple icing. In a video which went viral at the time of publication, the newlyweds were seen cutting into their purple wedding cake, enthusiastically holding the knife and slicing the cake together before he pushed her face into the bake. Visibly shocked, the bride appeared in the video holding up her hands in disbelief while her new husband laughed hysterically and pumped his arms up in celebration. Horrified, she raised her hands over her mouth while her husband cheered in delight, raising his hands in the hopes of high-fiving her. While she was reluctant to return the gesture, her new husband appeared none the wiser, laughing in merriment at his cake-covered bride. Viewers of the clip were left furious with most defending the bride, who had likely spent several hours pruning her appearance. 'I'd be getting that marriage annulled,' one user wrote in a post on X, (formerly Twitter). 'What kind of man humiliates his wife on their wedding day, and then forces her to high-five him afterwards?' Another user said they would have 'picked up the whole cake and covered him in it,' while a third said the woman looked as through she was 'trying not to cry.' 'Stupid childish behaviour, no reason to smash a bride's face into a cake, when there's plenty of other ways to have fun and be goofy after a wedding ceremony,' pointed out someone else.
