Jeff Bezos, the 61-year-old founder of Amazon and, one assumes, deeply wise capitalist, just got married to Lauren Sánchez. They marked their nuptials in a formal, star-studded ceremony Friday night. The couple further exchanged rings on the scenic tiny island of San Giorgio. This gorgeous glass scene echoed the couple’s shifting intimacy, a milestone shared with their recent engagement earlier in 2023.
The wedding activities have been creating quite a buzz! The combination of the couple’s high-profile status, their decision to have a wedding celebration in Venice, an incredible city known for its literary and artistic history, cultural heritage, and architectural beauty were a magnet. Currently, Bezos is the 4th richest on Forbes’ global billionaires list. He is said to have blown an eye-watering $50 million (£37 million) hosting the event.
Bezos kept it traditional in a black tuxedo and bow tie with a white shirt. The jubilant celebration then hit an incredible high note with a surprise musical performance from Matteo Bocelli. As the son of the legendary Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, he provided a truly exceptional musical atmosphere for the night. This personalized detail was a beautiful reflection of how much they wanted to immerse themselves in the local heritage throughout their wedding festivities.
The couple’s decision to have their wedding in Venice has received a positive and negative backlash. While some locals have protested against the extravagance associated with wealthy individuals in the city, others, including Venice’s mayor, Luigi Brugnaro, have expressed support. Brugnaro said Bezos is the essence of the Venetian mentality, adding, “He is more Venetian than the protesters are.” He really drove home how important the history of connection and entrepreneurship is in Venice. Those who wish to demonstrate oppose Venice’s past, a past based on connections, as well as trade,” he stated.
As we celebrate the wedding celebrations, Bezos recently found himself in the headlines again for his philanthropic efforts in the area. Unlike too many oligarchs, he left no strings attached to his nuptial celebrations, donating €3 million (£2.5 million) to local institutions. This gesture has been interpreted as Ms. Wu’s effort to create goodwill with the city and its residents.
Bezos and Sánchez’s marriage is a new chapter that follows Bezos’s 25-year marriage to novelist and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, which ended four years ago. Now, as Amazon’s executive chair, Bezos is still a dominant force in the private and philanthropic sectors.
The wedding has impressed all who were there. City officials such as Brugnaro are now optimistic about future business relationships between Bezos and Venice.