VENICE, Italy (AP) — Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez are set to celebrate their wedding in Venice later this month, inviting an array of celebrity guests, including Katy Perry, Oprah Winfrey, Mick Jagger, and Ivanka Trump. While the nuptials will take place over three private days in late June, the couple intends to highlight the traditions of Venice throughout their celebrations.
According to sources close to the couple, about 80% of the wedding provisions will be sourced from local Venetian vendors, demonstrating their appreciation for the romantic lagoon city. Two historic Venetian companies will play pivotal roles in adding artisanal touches to the event. Rosa Salva, the city's oldest pastry maker, will provide traditional Venetian specialties, while Laguna B, known for its exquisite handblown Murano glass, will create distinctive glassware.
Antonio Rosa Salva, who represents the sixth generation of his family to manage the pastry business, expressed pride in catering to such a high-profile event. He highlighted the importance of preserving family traditions and crafting local specialties, including the bussola biscuit and zaletti cookies. Rosa Salva mentioned that the wedding order for goody bag surprises is a significant acknowledgement of his family's 150-year-old baking heritage.
Despite the excitement surrounding the wedding, Rosa Salva exhibited confusion about the protest posters emerging throughout Venice, which criticize the city's use as a venue for the Bezos-Sanchez wedding. He stated that events like theirs bring quality tourism to the city and questioned how a gathering of just 200 people could cause disruptions. According to him, the couple’s selection of Venice as a wedding destination is prestigious, reaffirming the city's status on a global stage.
Laguna B, co-led by Marcantonio Brandolini, the son of the company’s founder Marie Brandolini, also aims to contribute to the wedding festivities. The glassmaker specializes in unique pieces, with a dedication to reviving Venice's artisanal heritage while providing job opportunities to young professionals. While Marcantonio did not disclose the specific creations for the wedding, he noted that the distinctive glassware often features an undulating lip, with each piece being one-of-a-kind.
Moreover, Brandolini emphasized the importance of community involvement and environmental responsibility, reflecting his commitment to both the local economy and the preservation of Venice's fragile ecosystem. He conveyed a message of inclusivity and support for ventures in the city, stating that everyone should be allowed to pursue their endeavors legally.
The wedding has attracted attention from protesters, with one group visibly expressing their discontent by hanging a banner on St. Mark’s bell tower. They argue that high-profile events contribute to the overwhelming mass tourism that Venice experiences, leading city officials to implement measures like charging day-trippers a tax during peak summer days. Local authorities have assured that regular city services will continue to operate normally during the wedding celebrations.
Venice's Mayor Luigi Brugnaro commented on the significance of the wedding for the city, expressing hope to personally meet Bezos. He emphasized the honor of their choice to marry in Venice, reinforcing the notion that the city continuously serves as a global platform for significant events. As preparations unfold, the eyes of Venice are keenly watching the high-profile wedding, balancing local sentiment against the allure of modern celebrity culture.
