Photo: STEFANO RELLANDINI / AFP / Getty Images
Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, and Lauren Sánchez, a former TV journalist, got married on Friday, June 27, in a lavish celebration held in Venice, Italy. The high-profile couple exchanged vows after several days of extravagant events filled with celebrities and luxury.
The guest list was packed with famous faces like Kim and Khloé Kardashian, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, Kris Jenner, Oprah Winfrey, Tom Brady, Leonardo DiCaprio and his girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti, Orlando Bloom, model Brooks Nader, and billionaire Bill Gates. While the festivities dazzled guests, the event stirred up controversy as protests nearby criticized Bezos for not contributing more in taxes, especially given growing concerns about global inequality.
So, what was the price tag on this so-called wedding of the year?
Although no official number has been released, early reports suggested the wedding would cost somewhere between $23 million and $34 million. However, after last-minute venue changes for safety reasons, the final estimate rose to around $50 million, according to local officials.
The celebration wrapped up on Saturday, June 28, with a grand finale held at a historic shipyard. Big-name performers like Lady Gaga and Elton John were expected to take the stage. For the ceremony, Lauren wore a custom Dolce & Gabbana gown with a high neckline and 180 silk-covered buttons, along with a veil inspired by the one worn by Sophia Loren in the classic film Houseboat.
Bezos, 61, and Sánchez, 55, were first linked romantically in 2019, shortly after each of them announced the end of their previous relationships. Bezos and his ex-wife, MacKenzie Scott, share four children and finalized their divorce that same year. Sánchez was already in the middle of separating from her former husband, Patrick Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She also has a son with former NFL player Tony Gonzalez, who reportedly attended the wedding with his wife, Tobie.
SOURCE: USA Today