Gayle King and Oprah arrive in Venice for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's wedding extravaganza

Daily Mail​

2 days ago

Gayle King has officially arrived in Venice for the divisive wedding of Amazon tycoon Jeff Bezos and his wife-to-be Lauren Sanchez.
The CBS Mornings host, 70, who is one of hundreds of celebrity guests expected at the extravagant nuptials, was pictured climbing aboard a chauffeured boat with close pal Oprah Winfrey on Thursday.
Days after the husband-and-wife to be had a foam party aboard their multi-million-dollar yacht, Gayle was seen looking dejected walking down a jetty at the Venice Marco Polo Airport.
Making sure she would be comfortable for the hefty travel day, the broadcaster dressed in a pair of light green trousers and a white long-sleeved V-neck t-shirt.
She also opted for a pair of white platformed trainers which added inches to her height as she carried what appeared to be a white jacket over her left arm as well as some personal items.
Despite seeming downcast, Gayle turned and waved at the crowds that had no doubt gathered to catch a glimpse of the A-list wedding guests.
Gayle was photographed on the tails of her long-time friend Oprah, 71, who was first to board the vessel.
Oprah also wore comfortable attire for the journey and was seen dressed in white tracksuit bottoms and a white sweater.
The CBS Mornings host was pictured climbing aboard a chauffeured boat with close pal Oprah Winfrey on Thursday
Gayle's controversial friendship with Lauren was cemented in May when the duo jetted off to space on Jeff's Blue Origin rocket for 11 minutes, along with Katy Perry, Kerianne Flynn, Aisha Bowe, and Amanda Nguyễn.
The trip ignited a media storm and was branded a publicity stunt and a 'gluttonous' display of wealth by critics, who additionally said the mission lacked purpose.
At the time, Gayle hit back at critics during an interview with People and told the publication that anyone 'criticizing it doesn't really understand what is happening here.'
'We can all speak to the response we're getting from young women from young girls about what this represents,' the journalist told the publication in defense of the mission.
Gayle's arrival in the Italian city comes after Kim Kardashian, who was pictured at the airport on Thursday morning.
The businesswoman, who recently spent time in Paris with Lauren on her hen do, looked incredible in a tiny Balenciaga bandeau top, which also featured a ribbed maxi skirt.
She teamed the garment with snakeskin boots and oversized shades while she shrugged a black hoodie off her shoulders.
By her side was her sister Khloe Kardashian, who exuded glamour in a skintight leopard print catsuit from her sister Kim's SKIMS collab with Dolce & Gabbana, that showcased her famous curves.
Gayle was photographed following her long-time friend Oprah, 71, onto the vessel
Oprah also wore comfortable attire for the journey and was seen dressed in white tracksuit bottoms and a white sweater
The siblings were joined by mother, Kris Jenner, on the outing, who was also dressed in black, showcasing her figure in a low-cut dress.
While across town, bride-to-be Lauren and fiancé Jeff looked in good spirits as they left their hotel the day before their extravagant wedding - no doubt keen to greet the new arrivals.
The celebrations are expected to kick off on today and to continue until Saturday, June 28.
Lauren and Jeff are said to have rented out a number of places in the Italian city to celebrate the lavish, love-filled weekend.
However, they've already had to move locations due to safety concerns amid protests - originally, they had planned a huge party planned at the Scuola Grande della Misericordia on Saturday night but it has now been moved to another venue in the Arsenale area of the city, according to local media.
She was seen arriving with her mom Kris Jenner
Although the big day isn't even here yet, the two already seem to be enjoying themselves as they partied it up at their foam extravaganza.
It was recently revealed to the Daily Mail by a source in Italy that each guest will be receiving hand-blown glassware by local glassmaker Laguna B.
The glassware company was originally created by Marie Brandolini, who left New York in 1988 to live in Venice.
All the glasses have different motifs and designs, with one large-size cup running customers $167.
The handmade glassware are not the only things that guests will be coming back home with.
The insider told Daily Mail that a wedding planner who is not working this event has heard that guests will receive other 'opulent' gifts for attending.
But of course, guests will also be treated to a few other luxurious surprises during their time in Italy for the wedding.
The source confirmed to the Daily Mail that local bakery Rosa Salva Venetia will be providing pastries for the extravagant weekend.
Separate sources recently told the Daily Mail that the festivities are expected to cost $20 million.
Many things went into the estimate of the total cost, including transportation fees, her wedding dress and catering.