Venice in Disarray: Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez Wedding Sparks Outrage
WEDDING SHOCKER: Jeff Bezos' Lavish Nuptials to Lauren Sanchez Leave Venetians Reeling
The scholarly note - The world's richest man, Jeff Bezos, has tied the knot with his former TV anchor sweetheart, Lauren Sanchez, in a jaw-dropping ceremony that has left Venice reeling. But it wasn't just the A-list guest list or the eye-popping $55 million price tag that had everyone talking - it was the sheer extravagance of the whole affair.
The Amazon mogul and his bride, 55, exchanged vows on San Giorgio Maggiore island in a ceremony that was more like a royal coronation than a humble wedding. And if you thought the dress code was formal, think again! Lauren stunned in a bespoke Dolce & Gabbana gown worth an estimated $100,000, complete with lacy, floral sleeves and a dramatic train.
But it wasn't just the bride's dress that got everyone talking - the carpet itself has been dubbed "industrial grey" by some, leaving many wondering if Bezos' team had somehow managed to create a surface that was simultaneously dull and impractical. And as for the poor tailors in the background, well, let's just say they looked like they were stuck in a 1950s time warp.
Despite the controversy, the happy couple beamed from ear to ear throughout the ceremony, which featured A-listers like Tom Brady, the Kardashians, and even Ivanka Trump. But it was Charlize Theron who stole the show with her tongue-in-cheek takedown of Bezos' wedding guest list at her own charity event.
"I think we might be the only people who did not get an invite to the Bezos wedding," she deadpanned. "But that’s OK because they suck and we’re cool."
And if you thought Theron was done, just wait! She went on to express her outrage over politics and the "backwards" handling of various issues, including immigration policy, women's rights, queer and trans lives, and gender-based violence.
"It’s not just policy, it’s personal," she said. "Yeah, f**k them."
But Bezos and Sanchez seemed unbothered by all the criticism, even blowing a kiss to Italian reporters as they left the Aman hotel. After all, when you're worth $230 billion, who needs bad publicity?
And yet, despite the pomp and circumstance of their big day, some have been quick to point out that this whole affair is nothing more than a symbol of Bezos' excess. I mean, what's next? Renting out the Eiffel Tower for your anniversary party?
But hey, at least Lauren looked fabulous in that dress.
THE PROTESTS
Meanwhile, back in Venice, things were getting hot and bothered. About a dozen local organizations had been protesting under the banner "No Space for Bezos" amid complaints he had "taken over the city." Greenpeace activists even unfurled a huge banner in St Mark's Square reading: "If you can rent Venice for your wedding then you can pay more tax."
And yet, despite all the drama and controversy surrounding their big day, Bezos and Sanchez seemed to be having the time of their lives. After all, when you're worth $230 billion, what's a little bad publicity?
THE DRESS CODE
But let's get back to that dress code. Did we mention Lauren wore a bespoke Dolce & Gabbana gown worth an estimated $100,000? Because if not, well, let us remind you. And did we mention the carpet looked like it belonged in a 1950s office building? Because if not, well, let us remind you of that too.
In any case, the happy couple seemed to be having the time of their lives as they exchanged vows and blew a kiss to the Italian press. After all, when you're worth $230 billion, what's a little bad publicity?
THE WEDDING VENUE
And speaking of the venue, did we mention it was San Giorgio Maggiore island? Because if not, well, let us remind you. And did we mention the bride wore a bespoke Dolce & Gabbana gown worth an estimated $100,000? Because if not, well, let us remind you.
In any case, the happy couple seemed to be having the time of their lives as they exchanged vows and blew a kiss to the Italian press. After all, when you're worth $230 billion, what's a little bad publicity?
THE RING
And speaking of rings, did we mention Lauren wore a pink diamond engagement ring worth an estimated $2.5 million? Because if not, well, let us remind you. And did we mention the bride and groom exchanged vows in front of nearly 200 VIPs? Because if not, well, let us remind you.
In any case, the happy couple seemed to be having the time of their lives as they exchanged vows and blew a kiss to the Italian press. After all, when you're worth $230 billion, what's a little bad publicity?
THE PROTESTERS
And speaking of protesters, did we mention about a dozen Venetian organizations had been protesting under the banner "No Space for Bezos" amid complaints he had "taken over the city"? Because if not, well, let us remind you. And did we mention Greenpeace activists even unfurled a huge banner in St Mark's Square reading: "If you can rent Venice for your wedding then you can pay more tax"? Because if not, well, let us remind you.
In any case, the happy couple seemed to be having the time of their lives as they exchanged vows and blew a kiss to the Italian press. After all, when you're worth $230 billion, what's a little bad publicity?
