Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez’s wedding planners say their Venice wedding aims to respect the city, as protests decry over-tourism
The planners behind Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez’s high-profile wedding have pushed back against criticism, insisting that the couple prioritized respect for Venice and its residents from the very start.
Lanza & Baucina Limited, the firm overseeing the festivities, said Bezos and Sanchez gave clear instructions months ago to minimize disruption during the three-day celebration. The firm, known for producing weddings for George and Amal Clooney in 2014 and Salma Hayek and François-Henri Pinault in 2009, emphasized its commitment to the city’s well-being.
“From the outset, instructions from our client and our own guiding principles were abundantly clear: the minimising of any disruption to the city, the respect for its residents and institutions, and the overwhelming employment of locals in the crafting of the events,” Lanza & Baucina said in a statement.
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The wedding, expected to draw stars such as Oprah Winfrey, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kim Kardashian, Bill Gates, Barbra Streisand, and Ivanka Trump, has sparked backlash from protesters. Local groups have plastered posters with slogans like “Veniceland: A playground fit for an oligarch” and plan to block canals and streets to protest over-tourism and economic inequality.
Despite the protests, Venice’s mayor, Luigi Brugnaro, has expressed optimism, citing the event’s significant economic benefits.
“We are mutually working and supporting the organizers to ensure that the event will be absolutely respectful of the fragility and uniqueness of the city,” Brugnaro said. “Whoever loves Venice will always be welcome.”
The planners said they have been working for months to limit the event’s impact and highlighted Bezos and Sánchez’s support for local nonprofits.
“We have always acknowledged the wider debate and critical issues surrounding the city’s future, and from the outset our client has been honoured to support the city and its all-important lagoon through non-profit organisations and associated projects,” the statement read.
Page Six previously reported that Bezos and Sánchez quietly donated to Venetian charities in April and arranged guest-honoring contributions as part of the wedding. The couple is also sourcing most provisions locally, including pastries from Rosa Salva and glassware from Murano’s Laguna B.
Both the organizers and city officials dismissed reports that the couple reserved excessive water taxis or gondolas. “Rumors of ‘taking over’ the city are entirely false,” the planners said.
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