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Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
The future Mrs Bezos: All you need to know about Lauren Sánchez ahead of the $10m Venice wedding set to be the celeb event of the year
The bride is Lauren Sánchez, 55, Emmy-winning journalist, former news anchor and helicopter pilot who recently led the infamous all-female space expedition with Katy Perry and other gal pals on her fiance's Blue Origin rocket. 'I can't put it into words,' she gushed afterwards, 'but I looked out the window and we got to see the moon.' She must have her eyes on the honeymoon now. Bezos and Sánchez tie the knot in Venice, celebrating from June 24 -26 with another galaxy of stars among the 200 guests: Eva Longoria, Oprah Winfrey, Kim Kardashian. Rumours are flying, much like Sánchez. ('I want to be in a helicopter all the time,' she has said.) But a spokesman for the mayor of Venice confirmed to CNN that the nuptials will take place on Bezos's $500m super yacht Koru, to be anchored in Venice lagoon. The happy couple has also reportedly booked out the city's fanciest hotels, Gritti Palace and Aman Venice for family and friends, at a cost of some $2.5m. Such were concerns about the wedding party potentially inundating the sinking city, the mayor's office released a statement clarifying: 'The Bezos wedding has not booked large amounts of gondolas or excessive numbers of water taxis.' The gown will surely be excessive. Apparently Anna Wintour advised Sánchez to wear Oscar de la Renta. Expect wasp waist and unapologetic cleavage from the woman who scandalised America by wearing a white lace corset to Donald Trump's inauguration. Where to begin with this love story? It famously started as an affair in 2018 when both were married to other people — Sánchez to Hollywood talent agent Patrick Whitesell (worth a piddling $480m, according to Bloomberg), the father of two of her three children; Bezos to novelist and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, his wife of 25 years and mother of his four children. All was revealed when Sánchez's brother made $200,000 selling the National Enquirer a sexy, bare-chested text sent from Bezos to Sánchez calling her his 'alive girl'. Undeterred, by 2020 they were an official couple. They are divisive, some calling them a pair of smug homewreckers and others lauding their age-appropriate chemistry and canny brand partnership. He has money and political clout; she has charisma and Hollywood connections. Both are self-made and ambitious with humble roots. She's a third-generation Mexican American; his father was a Cuban immigrant. In 2023, the couple got engaged while vacationing in France on the 127-metre super yacht with its buxom wooden figurehead of Sánchez on the prow. The 30-carat diamond ring is worth an estimated $5m. Last month, she flew her A-list besties to Paris for a four-day hen party, and 'one hundred percent' intends to take the Bezos surname. The couple's relationship is the focus of intense speculation and intrigue with most of the public discourse revolving around Sánchez. She is a fascinating operator. Watching her many appearances on TV chat shows — on the other side of the table these days — it's clear her superpower is creating instant intimacy. She can believably seem like she's just like everyone else, with charming, disarming results. In her years as a TV correspondent, she was an expert at flattery and connection. In 2010, the same year she was voted in People magazine's top 50 most beautiful people, Sánchez's interview with Bill Clinton was a masterclass in effective plámás. But you can't talk out both sides of your mouth. Sánchez has been called a hypocrite for waxing proud about saving the planet and addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through her vice-chairmanship of the Bezos Earth Fund, which has pledged $10bn to climate action. When a 2020 Oxfam study found that the carbon emissions of the richest 1pc are more than double those of the poorest half of the world, it's a bit rich to expect kudos for trying to fix a problem you created. With their space flights, private jets, massive yacht — and all those Amazon deliveries — Sánchez and Bezos are racking up a brachiosaurus-sized carbon footprint. Oh, and the SDGs also cover the protection of labour rights, like those highlighted in last year's award-winning documentary Union about Amazon's treatment of its workforce. Little wonder Sánchez is leaning into the positive PR of being a poster woman for midlife love and reinvention. 'When I was 20, I thought, 'Oh my gosh, life is over at 50.' Let me tell you, it is not ladies — it is not over,' she grinned, on US talk show Today. 'It is just beginning.'


New York Post
17-05-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sanchez wedding to cost under $15M: Report
Their big day may not be as big as expected. Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez may not be shelling out nearly as much of their billions as was originally buzzed about when they tie the knot in Venice at the end of June. 'It's going to be very intimate — just family and close friends. Under 200 people,' a source close to the engaged couple told Paula Froelich of NewsNation. As for the star-studded appearances, the rumored performances from Lady Gaga and Elton John are completely 'false,' the source said. 'That's ridiculous.' The nuptials of the Amazon founder, who is the second richest person in the world, and the Emmy Award-winning media personality may only cost a mere $9.5 to 11 million, according to the report. Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez got engaged in May 2023. Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue The guest list reportedly includes Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, Kris and Kim Kardashian, and Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom. The happy couple and their guests are staying at the Aman Venice and the Gritti Palace, both of which come with around $500,000-a-night price tags. The bride-and-groom-to-be booked Aman Venice for their wedding guests. Courtesy of Aman/MEGA Excursions on the power couple's yacht Koru, the world's largest sailing yacht at 417 feet, coupled with the fee for its docking, could add $500,000 more to the bill. Add a few million more for enterntainment, a photographer, planner, flights, booze, food, gown and jewelry. Reps for Bezos did not return The Post's request for comment.


Scottish Sun
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Jeff Bezos & Lauren Sanchez ‘book $11,600-a-night suite at 5-star hotel' with Kardashians ahead of wedding of the summer
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BILLIONAIRE Jeff Bezos and his bride-to-be Lauren Sanchez have booked a $11,600-a-night five-star hotel in Venice ahead of the wedding of the summer, a source has claimed. The Amazon founder, 61, popped the question to the former TV journalist, 55, in May 2023. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez attend The 2024 Met Gala Celebrating 'Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion' Credit: Getty 7 The Aman Venice is where George and Amal Clooney tied the knot Credit: Aman Group S.a.r.l. 7 Kim Kardashian is also said to have booked a suite at the Aman Venice hotel Credit: Getty An Italy-based insider told The U.S. Sun this week: "Jeff and Lauren have booked the Grand Canal Suite, the biggest they have, and it's the talk of the hotel. "The room is spectacular and even has access to a rooftop terrace overlooking the city. "The wedding is set to be a huge affair and the Kardashians are also said to be staying at the hotel, along with other high-profile guests. "It's a spectacular palazzo that's the most exclusive hotel in Venice. "The Aman hotels are very 'if you know you know' within a certain set - keeping them above a Four Seasons or a Belmond in the world of luxury. "They're both lavish and quiet luxury at the same time." It's unclear whether the hotel suite is for Sanchez for the night before the wedding, or where they will stay after the ceremony. The U.S. Sun has reached out to the couple's rep for comment, along with the Kardashians. Bezos also has a megayacht for guests, and the exact venue of the wedding is yet to be confirmed. Luca Zuin, spokesperson for the mayor of Venice, told media the three-day celebrations will run from June 24 to 26. Katy Perry & Lauren Sanchez unveil new sleek women's Blue Origin spacesuits after vowing to 'put the a** in astronaut' The U.S. Sun can confirm the dates are booked out on the Aman Venice website. The source went on: "The hotel goes back to the 16th century and has been beautifully maintained and restored. "Every detail of the hotel has been thought out from the privately secure entrance [buzz for entry, or arrival via private boat], to the service and staff." "The design is breathtaking leaning into classic Venetian with elements of Aman's southeast Asian roots in the garden. "Once you go up the main staircase you see how opulent it really is - there's almost an air of mystery. "It's truly above and beyond and Jeff and Lauren will have the best day of their lives." The hotel has a restaurant, Avra, along with a luxury spa. George and Amal Clooney had their intimate star-studded wedding at the hotel in September 2014. It was also the venue for Dolce & Gabbana's striking 2021 Alta Moda show which took over the city and saw Jennifer Lopez arrive on a gondola. Local media also claimed guests will also be staying at The Gritti Palace, another palazzo built in the 15th century. Bezos popped the question with a $2.5 million 20-carat ring and the pair hosted a decadent engagement party on their megayacht in Positano, Italy, in August 2023. The groom-to-be, whose estimated net worth is $212 billion, reportedly placed the ring under her pillow before Lauren found and opened the box. She later told Vogue that she "blacked out a bit" during their proposal due to her excitement. 7 The hotel is one of the most luxurious in Venice and is loved by celebrities Credit: Aman Group S.a.r.l. 7 The five-star venue has tight security and a VIP entrance for high-profile guests Credit: Aman Group S.a.r.l. 7 This mega yacht is where Bezos proposed to Sanchez in 2023 Credit: The Mega Agency Sanchez has revealed that she has chosen her dress, believed to be from Oscar de la Renta, and will be styled by Vogue boss Anna Wintour. Celebrities who were sent invites for the wedding include Kim Kardashian, Oprah Winfrey, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Orlando Bloom and his fiancee, Katy Perry. TMZ has also claimed Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, as well as Karlie Kloss and her husband Joshua Kushner, are invited. President Donald Trump has also been invited after Sanchez and Bezos had front-row seats at his inauguration in January. It's truly above and beyond and Jeff and Lauren will have the best day of their lives." Italy-based source told The U.S. Sun The exact venue where the couple will tie the knot is still to be confirmed. The pair began dating in 2019 but avoided being seen together until finalizing their respective divorces. Bezos and his ex-wife, MacKenzie Scott, made their split official in April 2019, after more than 25 years of marriage. Meanwhile, Sanchez and her ex-husband, Patrick Whitesell, settled their divorce in October 2019, after 13 years together. She has previously said that Bezos inspires her "every day," and makes her a better person. Meanwhile, the entrepreneur has told reporters: "Lauren is the most generous, most big-hearted person that you would ever meet… She never misses a birthday. "The network of people that she gives birthday presents to is gigantic. And that's just a small example." Jeff Bezos – who is he? Here's what you need to know... Jeffrey Preston Bezos, better known as Jeff Bezos, is an American tech billionaire He made his fortune by founding online retail giant Amazon Bezos became the first centi-billionaire according to the Forbes wealth index And he was named the 'richest man in history' when his net worth grew to $150 billion in the summer of 2018 Bezos was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico and then raised in Houston, Texas He graduated in 1986 with a degree in electrical engineering and computer science from Princeton University Bezos went on to work on Wall Street until 1994, before founding Amazon Amazon began as an online bookstore but has since become a global tech giant in retail, streaming, cloud computing and gadgets And the billionaire also runs spaceflight firm Blue Origin, which has been operating since 2000 Estimates in 2024 put his net worth at $196billion Bezos' personal life came under scrutiny in 2019 after he and his wife of 25 years, MacKenzie, announced their decision to divorce The divorce was finalised on April 4, 2019 Bezos is now dating Lauren Sánchez, a media personality, entertainment reporter, and news anchor On July 5, 2021, Bezos took up the role of executive chairman at Amazon, stepping down from his former position as CEO and president
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lauren Sánchez's Brother Likens Her And Jeff Bezos's Upcoming Nuptials To Princess Diana's Iconic Wedding
Lauren Sánchez and Jeff Bezos are set to have one of the most talked-about weddings of the decade, with their upcoming nuptials being compared to the grand royal wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles. Lauren's brother, Paul Sánchez, recently shared his excitement about the event, calling it a "star-studded" celebration that will be "like a Princess Di thing." With exclusive wedding plans unfolding in Venice, a guest list packed with A-list celebrities, and an extravagant setting, this wedding is shaping up to be a defining social event of 2025. Lauren's older brother, Paul, spoke with TMZ about the highly anticipated wedding and did not hold back in his enthusiasm. When asked about the scale of the event, he responded, "I think it's gonna be like a Princess Di thing. Just huge and fun, and just a blast." His comparison immediately drew attention, as Princess Diana's wedding to Prince Charles in 1981 was widely regarded as the "wedding of the century." Diana and Charles's wedding, held at St. Paul's Cathedral in London, was an opulent affair that cost around $48 million at the time—equivalent to approximately $168 million today. The event was watched by an astonishing 750 million people worldwide. While Lauren and Bezos's wedding might not reach the same level of royal tradition, it is expected to be an extravagant affair filled with Hollywood royalty, top-tier executives, and close friends of the couple. Paul also emphasized his excitement, saying, "I'm thrilled beyond belief. It's gonna be an amazing event. It's gonna be star-studded and fun." He remained tight-lipped about the exact details of the ceremony but confirmed that the couple had already sent out invitations. However, when it comes to choosing a wedding gift for the billionaire couple, he admitted to having "no clue," though he thinks he and other guests might be encouraged to "make a donation to your favorite charity." Lauren and Bezos chose the Italian city of Venice, known for its romantic and historic charm, as the location for their wedding. Reports suggest the couple has secured some of Venice's most exclusive venues, including the legendary Gritti Palace and the seven-star Aman Venice. These locations have been booked from June 26 to June 29, further fueling speculation that their wedding festivities will take place on these dates. According to local sources, the couple's decision to wed in Venice was not random. "Choosing Venice is more than a romantic gesture—it's a nod to the couple's shared history with the city, which they've frequently visited during their relationship," a report revealed per the Daily Mail. While some rumors initially suggested that the wedding might take place on Bezos's $500 million yacht, Koru, an insider debunked the claims, stating, "I promise you the wedding is not on the boat." However, the yacht will still play a role in the celebrations, possibly hosting excursions for guests or serving as the starting point for the couple's honeymoon. As expected for a billionaire and an Emmy-winning journalist, Bezos and Lauren's wedding guest list includes some of the biggest names in entertainment, business, and politics. A source confirmed to PEOPLE Magazine that notable attendees include Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, as well as model Karlie Kloss and her husband, Joshua Kushner. In addition, close friends of the bride, such as Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner, and Eva Longoria, are expected to be present. The guest list also includes Lauren's all-female Blue Origin space crew members, including singer Katy Perry and journalist Gayle King. Reports also suggest that high-profile figures such as Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, Leonardo DiCaprio, and former President Donald Trump may attend due to their connections with the groom. "People are calling everyone they know. Old friends, ex-flames, assistants of assistants—just trying to figure out who got an invite. And more importantly, who didn't," an insider told Radar Online. Lauren Sánchez has been open about her excitement for the wedding and her future with Jeff Bezos. She has previously expressed her eagerness to take on her new last name, saying in a 2023 interview with Vogue Magazine, "Uh, yes, one hundred percent. I am looking forward to being Mrs. Bezos." Bezos, in turn, has spoken about his deep admiration for Lauren. In an interview with CNN, he shared, "Lauren is the most generous, most big-hearted person that you would ever meet... She never misses a birthday. The network of people that she gives birthday presents to is gigantic. And that's just a small example." He also highlighted their strong bond, adding, "We're really great teammates, and we also have a lot of fun together. And we love each other."