Bezos Venice Wedding Draws Elite Guests Amid Protests, Security Concerns

Jeff Bezos' lavish $48 million wedding to Lauren Sanchez in Venice has drawn significant attention and criticism due to its environmental impact and the extensive resources it commandeered, including a heavy police presence, reserved water taxis, and security provided by former U.S. Marines. Ivanka Trump, attending with her husband Jared Kushner and their children, sparked security concerns after posting a photo revealing the new wedding location, which had to be changed last minute due to local protests and global tensions. The event has attracted numerous celebrities such as the Kardashian family, Orlando Bloom, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Tom Brady, turning Venice into a high-profile site of celebration and controversy. Despite the extravagance, Bezos and Sanchez requested no gifts from their guests, instead making charitable donations totaling about $3 million to local organizations supporting Venice's heritage and environment. The wedding invitation, which circulated online, received mixed reactions, with some criticizing its design as tacky. The couple's efforts to offset criticism include these donations and a promise to protect Venice’s cultural and ecological legacy.