The wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez has been stirring quite the chaos as many Venetians protested their nuptials in the lagoon city as they demonstrated against global inequality and wealth disparity. The wedding event is rumoured to have cost the multi-billionaire – currently the world’s fourth richest man as per Forbes – north of €40 million.
The wedding is however also drawing in a large number of global international stars.
The wedding of the Amazon boss and a well-known face of US TV is in its own right one of the events of the year for the world of finance, entertainment and gossip.
The wedding has a packed programme that started on Thursday with a lavish party held for the powerhouse couple’s guests. The wedding is scheduled to take place over the weekend.
So who has arrived, and who is due to arrive of the 200 or so invited guests in Venice?
Who are the actors, sportsmen and VIPs who have arrived in Venice for Bezos’ wedding?
Some of the international jet set already arrived on Thursday afternoon where they were treated to their very own lavish private party in the Chiesa della Madonna dell’Orto – a 14th century church. Here are those who are already in town and could be spotted in the area.
Oprah Winfrey
The US talk show icon, producer, writer and entrepreneur is an indispensable presence at top weddings. She was among the first guests to arrive in Venice
Orlando Bloom
The Lord of the Rings and Pirates of the Caribbean actor arrived in Venice without fiancée Kate Perry, who is officially on a concert tour. Bloom’s solo arrival has added fuel to fiery rumours of the couple’s break-up.
Rania of Jordan
Queen Rania also arrived in Venice for the wedding sporting a full black-on-black look. Rania arrived and was also not accompanied by her spouse, King Abdullah II, the monarch of Jordan.
Tom Brady
The American football legend, who won everything there is to win in the sport, including six Super Bowls with the New England Patriots. He added an impressive seventh championship in 2021 after joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Brady arrived in town shortly before noon on Thursday.
He was soon followed by film producer Brian Grazer and his wife Veronica Smiley.
Kim Kardashian
The former model and producer, Kim Kardashian, landed at Marco Polo Airport in Venice, with her sister Khloé and mother Kris Jenner also accompanying her.
Ivanka Trump and co
The first daughter of the United States, daughter of incumbent President Donald Trump, arrived with her husband Jared Kushner, entrepreneur and former senior advisor to Trump, and their three children on Wednesday.
The family went on an excursion to the nearby island of Murano on Wednesday, complete with a visit to a glassworks and glass blowing facility.
Bill Gates
Bill Gates is also among the big names at Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s wedding. The founder and former CEO of Microsoft and current philanthropist was seen arriving at his hotel – the luxurious St. Regis hotel.
Domenico Dolce
The Dolce & Gabbana designer was photographed outside the Aman Hotel, where the soon-to-be married couple are staying.
Could Dolce’s attendance be a clue as to who designed at least one, if not more, of the wide collection of dresses Sánchez will be pictured wearing these days?
Usher
Rapper Usher has also arrived, one of the many music artists who are expected, from Mick Jagger to Elton John to Lady Gaga.
The latter are expected to perform during the wedding ceremony, as is Andrea Bocelli’s son Matteo.
Actor Leonardo Di Caprio is also expected to attend the wedding, for a possible Great Gatsby-style party.