Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez are getting married this weekend, and no, it’s not your average Venice wedding. Unless your wedding includes a private island, a floating amphitheatre, and a secret guest list tighter than the Birkin vault at Hermès.
Here’s what we know — or what we’ve managed to dig up.
The couple is expected to kick off their multi-day celebration with a gala dinner on San Giovanni Evangelista, a hush-hush private island about 30 minutes off the Venice mainland. Think Ernest Hemingway meets extreme wealth — the villa on the island reportedly inspired Across the River and Into the Trees. Naturally.
On Friday, the main ceremony goes down — and word on the canal is that it’ll take place at the newly restored amphitheatre on San Giorgio Maggiore. Renovated by Foster + Partners and designed with drone-proof canopies, it’s giving royal wedding meets tech fortress.
And the afterparty? A ball at the Arsenale — Venice’s legendary shipyard-turned-art-scene — where Biennale meets billionaire. No pressure.
Who’s pulling the strings behind the scenes?
Italian society’s elite: Lanza & Baucina, a luxury event firm run by actual aristocrats (yes, like with titles). If anyone can shut down Venice, it’s these guys. Their Rolodex? Private palazzos, off-hours museum access, and the best boatmen in Italy. As Prince Antonio di Baucina puts it: “We always know someone who can open secret doors.” Say less.
What is Lauren Sanchez wearing?
Fashion’s tightest-lipped mystery right now. She’s kept her wedding wardrobe completely under wraps, but the smart money’s on Dolce & Gabbana. She’s worn the brand to multiple major events — including that sheer Alta Moda gown in Sardinia. But Oscar de la Renta is also in the running (remember that Vanity Fair afterparty moment? Bridal-coded).
Expect multiple looks. Like, at least three. This is a wedding weekend — not a wedding day.
Who’s invited?
About 200 guests — no social climbers allowed. Spotted already: Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner touching down at Venice airport. Rumored attendees include Kim Kardashian, Barry Diller, Diane von Furstenberg, and Eva Longoria. If you were at the Paris bachelorette, chances are your invite arrived in a black car.
If your phone’s buzzing this weekend, it’s probably just your group chat gossiping about the wedding of the year. Or decade. Or… ever?
