Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Shift Venice Wedding Venue Amid Protests and Star-Studded Arrival

In a twist worthy of a blockbuster plot, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez have shifted their much-anticipated wedding venue in Venice due to security concerns and brewing protests. Originally set to celebrate at the historic Scuola Grande della Misericordia in the Cannaregio district, the couple has now opted for the Arsenale, a former shipyard surrounded by water and only accessible by boat when bridges are raised. Talk about a fortress of love!

The change comes amid growing unrest in Venice, where locals are up in arms over the potential influx of celebrity guests arriving via private jets and yachts. Some protesters are also vocal about their disapproval of the Amazon founder’s political stances. It’s clear that not everyone in the city of canals is rolling out the red carpet for this high-profile event.

Despite the controversy, the wedding festivities, shrouded in secrecy, are expected to span from Thursday to Saturday, with a star-studded guest list rumored to include names like Kim Kardashian, Katy Perry, and Leonardo DiCaprio. Early arrivals, including Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, were spotted gliding into Venice, turning heads with their stylish yet casual ensembles. Philanthropist Diane von Fürstenberg also made a colorful entrance at Marco Polo Airport.

Bezos and Sánchez, who went public with their romance in 2019 and got engaged in May 2023 with a jaw-dropping 30-carat pink diamond ring, are pulling out all the stops for their 200 to 250 guests. However, the couple and their planners are pushing back against claims of ‘taking over’ Venice, emphasizing their efforts to minimize disruptions and their support for local charities. In a heartfelt gesture, they’ve requested donations to three Venetian causes in lieu of wedding gifts.

Meanwhile, the protest group No Space for Bezos is claiming victory for the venue switch and planning further demonstrations. On the flip side, Veneto’s president, Luca Zaia, argues the event could inject millions into the local economy. It’s a classic clash of glitz versus grit in one of the world’s most picturesque cities.