Reality stars, Hollywood elites, royals, and political figures descended on Venice this week for the extravagant wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and media personality Lauren Sánchez — a multi-day affair that has both dazzled fans and stirred controversy.
Spotted among the A-list guests cruising through the canals and strolling the cobblestone streets were Oprah Winfrey, Orlando Bloom, Kylie Jenner, and Ivanka Trump. Their arrival signaled the start of a star-studded celebration expected to span three days, culminating in a grand reception on Saturday for the couple and their hundreds of guests.
But the opulence of the event has not gone unnoticed or unchallenged. The celebrations have sparked protests from various groups in Venice, including local residents decrying the impacts of over-tourism, and climate activists criticizing the environmental footprint of such high-profile luxury events.
Despite the backlash, the wedding is seen as a new chapter for the earlier divorced Billionaire, Bezos and Sánchez, whose high-profile relationship has captured international attention.