An Unexpected Twist at a High-Profile Wedding
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez recently celebrated their extravagant wedding on the exclusive island of San Giorgio in Venice, marking a lavish three-day event reportedly worth between €40 million and €48 million. The couple, now enjoying their honeymoon in Taormina, Sicily, drew attention not just for their star-studded guest list and opulent festivities but also for the surprising arrival of Italy's anti-terrorism squad.
Not the Protests: The Real Reason Behind Security Intervention
Contrary to popular speculation linking the security presence to widespread protests against Bezos across Venice, the anti-terrorism unit was actually called because of a missing designer dress. Lauren Sánchez had packed 27 designer dresses for her wedding but reportedly left Venice with only 26. Important to note, her main ceremony gown remained secure.
Reports suggest that the disappearance of the dress triggered the intervention. While some accounts hinted at a dress possibly stolen by a gatecrasher during Friday night’s celebrations, sources close to the matter denied any theft or that any guest breached the party perimeter. Rumors of a vintage Dolce & Gabbana dress catching fire also proved unfounded. The couple chose not to file a formal complaint, confident the missing dress would eventually be found.
Amid Protests and Glamour: A Wedding Under Scrutiny
The event wasn’t without controversy. Protests across Venice intensified throughout the weekend, with activists projecting slogans like "No Kings, No Bezos" onto St Mark’s Square’s bell tower using green lasers. Other demonstrations featured a Bezos mannequin floating down the Grand Canal atop an Amazon box stuffed with fake dollars—symbolic acts of opposition to the billionaire’s presence.
Despite the backlash, Venice’s mayor defended hosting the wedding, emphasizing the economic boost such events bring to the city.
From Venice to Sicily: A Warm Welcome Awaits
After tying the knot, Bezos and Sánchez moved their honeymoon to Taormina, Sicily, lodging at the famed San Domenico Palace hotel, popularized by the TV series ‘The White Lotus.’ Unlike Venice, the Sicilian region greeted the couple warmly.
Matteo Francilia, mayor of Furci Siculo, near Messina, expressed a heartfelt welcome: "Jeff and Lauren, we welcome you with open arms. Leave behind the beautiful lagoon with its absurd complaints! Here in Furci Siculo you’ll find sun, sea and genuine people, who would welcome you warmly."
Highlights at a Glance
- €40-48 million wedding cost in Venice
- Presence of high-profile guests including Oprah Winfrey and Orlando Bloom
- Anti-terrorism unit deployed due to a missing designer dress, not protests
- Protests in Venice featured laser slogans and symbolic effigies
- Honeymoon relocated to Sicily with a warm local reception
