Latest news with #MadonnaDellOrto
CNN
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
At the Bezos-Sanchez wedding: Lauren Sanchez arrives on San Giorgio Maggiore for Friday's event
Venice, Italy CNN — Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos will be celebrating their marriage on Friday in San Giorgio Maggiore, and hours ahead of the expected ceremony, the bride was seen as she left in a boat for the Venetian island. Wearing a 1960s' style headscarf and sunglasses, Sanchez blew a kiss to photographers before her departure. Bezos is expected to join her later in the day. Though tonight is slated to be the extravaganza's tentpole event, It remains unclear when the couple will legally wed (or if they already have, prior to this week, in the US). A spokesperson for the mayor's office in Venice told CNN on Thursday that the city has not received an official request from the couple, meaning the events this week will be ceremonial and not legally binding. See Lauren Sanchez leaving the Aman hotel ahead of her wedding to Jeff Bezos 00:42 On Thursday night, celebrities gathered for a kick-off event at the medieval Madonna dell'Orto church. A traffic ordinance issued from Venice City Hall, barred pedestrian foot traffic around the 14th-century cathedral, which houses artworks from the Venetian painter Tintoretto, from late afternoon until midnight. In line with the event's tightly guarded details, guests appeared to adhere to a social media blackout, with little activity on their feeds except for a few glimpses of the city itself and the stormy weather overnight. Prev Next The three-day affair is taking place until Saturday, with some 200 guests joining the billionaire Amazon founder and the former journalist in celebrating their marriage after a two-year engagement. The events are estimated to cost some 40-48 million euros ($46.5-55.6 million), according to Reuters. Venice tourism councillor Simone Venturini told CNN that the city was expected to profit some '€20-30 million ($23.4-35.1 million) for the parties and organizations and the events' during the week. Celebrities come out A barrage of A-listers were photographed in the city on Thursday. Kim Kardashian arrived with her sister Khloe and mother Kris Jenner; they were seen later in the day chatting with actor Orlando Bloom. Oprah Winfrey and former NFL quarterback Tom Brady were also among VIPs boarding water taxis at the airport, while Bill Gates and Kendall and Kylie Jenner were also spotted. Ivanka Trump, Jared Kusher and their children have already spent a few days in the city, with Trump posting on Instagram, 'Ready to celebrate the love story of our friends,' along with a pic of her hotel suite bearing the name 'Dolce Vita.' By Thursday afternoon, celebrity guests were seen leaving the Gritti Palace Hotel, dressed up for the first evening's events. Kim Kardashian opted for skintight snakeskin, while Trump was pictured in a cherry blossom-motif cocktail dress by Oscar de la Renta. The bride wore a shimmering brocade corset dress from Schiaparelli's most recent couture day's sightings also included Usher in a cream suit and low-cut burgundy dress shirt, as well as Leonardo DiCaprio shielding his face with a black cap. A shape-shifting schedule With the threat of disruptive protests ever-present, the venues and plans have been kept fluid. Venice's famed waterways and winding streets have hosted an array of high-profile weddings including François-Henri Pinault and Salma Hayek-Pinault in 2009, George and Amal Clooney in 2014, and Alexandre Arnault and Géraldine Guyot in 2021. But protestors associated with the group No Space for Bezos have already shifted the impending wedding plans, with their threat of canal blockades moving one of the weekend's events from a grand, centrally located space to a former shipyard on Venice's perimeter, according to the group. Here's what we know ahead of the Bezos-Sanchez wedding 01:25 The complex wedding is being orchestrated by Lanza and Baucina — the planners who similarly oversaw the Clooneys' star-studded Venetian union — who told CNN that their clients' instructions have been to minimize 'any disruption to the city,' while insisting they use an overwhelming number of local suppliers to help craft the event. The couple is sourcing some 80% of wedding provisions from local vendors, including pastries from the Rosa Salva pastry shop, the oldest in Venice, and gifts from Murano glassware designer Laguna B. Around 30 of the city's elite water taxis, out of 280 total, are also thought to be reserved. One taxi driver told CNN he has been booked from June 25 through June 30 for 'a big wedding,' but declined to say more on the subject. Gondolas have also been put on hold, with the city's gondola association confirming they are ready for the event. Fashion on show During the festivities, Sanchez is expected to turn an array of luxury looks. Spotted leaving the five-star Aman hotel on Wednesday by luxury water taxi, she opted for a vintage Alexander McQueen one-shoulder gown for one of her first appearances in the city. Details of Sanchez's wedding gown will no doubt be one of the event's most closely guarded secrets. Luxury Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana is the strongest contender — with Domenico Dolce photographed at Venice's outdoor Riva Lounge on Thursday — though Oscar de la Renta also being floated as a brand she may turn to for one of her many looks this week. Last year, Sanchez sat front row for Dolce & Gabbana's Alta Sartoria show in Sardinia as her son Nikko Gonzalez walked the runway, making it a family affair. She was also photographed for Bezos's 60th birthday in a sheer gown by the Italian label, though she opted for Oscar de la Renta for her 2024 Met Gala debut and for the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in March.
Daily Mail
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Sarah Murdoch stuns in a low-cut violet gown as she attends at Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos' star-studded wedding welcome party with husband Lachlan
Sarah Murdoch cut a stunning figure on Thursday when she joined husband Lachlan for the star-studded wedding party for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez in Italy. The billionaire Amazon CEO and his journalist fiancée are set to exchange vows on Friday, but the celebrations have already kicked off. The soon-to-be husband and wife gathered at the Madonna dell'Orto cloisters with their A-list friends on Thursday evening for a lavish pre-wedding celebration. Among the revellers were media mogul Lachlan and his wife of 26 years, and the couple were all smiles as they arrived at the lavish soirée. Sarah, 53, looked absolutely stunning in a classic violet gown that showed off her svelte form. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The simple-yet-stylish gown was cinched at the waist and finished just below Sarah's knee. The British-Australian model finished her ensemble with a pair of black strappy heels. She accessorised with a small black clutch and a pair of sleek black sunglasses. Husband Lachlan, 53, complemented his wife perfectly in a navy blue jacket and matching pants. The News Corp chairman also wore a similarly coloured collared shirt while finishing his dapper look with what appeared to be a pair of black sneakers. The couple looked chuffed to be in each other's company, walking hand-in-hand as they arrived at the luxe celebration. A slew of celebrities stepped out to celebrate Lauren and Jeff on Thursday evening as their pre-wedding festivities kicked off, including Kim Kardashian, Khloé Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Kendall Jenner, Kylie Jenner, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Orlando Bloom, who all dressed to the nines. Bride-to-be Lauren, 55, donned a terrifyingly tight corset for the party. Husband Lachlan, 53, complemented his wife perfectly in a navy blue jacket and matching pants The shimmering one-piece by Schiaparelli boasted a cinched waistline and embroidered floral detailing. For his part, Jeff, 61, looked dapper in a white shirt and black suit before finishing the outfit with a pair of statement sunglasses. It comes after Sarah made a rare public appearance as she celebrated Tamie Ingham's 40th birthday in Sydney earlier this month. She was all smiles as she mingled with Eastern Suburbs socialites at the event. Sarah put on a stylish display in a dark top with a matching-coloured pleated skirt. She was also seen cutting a cake at the event as her friends took time to sing her happy birthday after she celebrated turning 53 in May. Sarah left her curled blonde locks out as she cut her cake while standing alongside birthday girl Tamie. Tamie, who is married to celebrity chef Guillaume Brahimi, dressed to impress in a light blue dress that had a cinched-in design at the front. Meanwhile, Sarah has been happily married to her husband Lachlan for 26 years after tying the knot in 1999. They are parents to sons Kalan Alexander, 18, and Aidan Patrick, 17, and daughter Aerin Elisabeth, 13. The couple own a home in Bellevue Hill, Sydney, known as Le Manoir. Sarah and Lachlan were spotted packing on the PDA in February last year as they watched the SailGP championships in Sydney. While watching the race, Rupert Murdoch's son and News Corp chairman Lachlan, leaned in and gave his wife a kiss. After sharing the intimate moment, the pair were seen sitting and chatting with friends. At one point, Lachlan was seen leaning on the edge of the balcony and puffing on a giant cigar. Just days prior, the couple had attended the opening of Sydney's first LGBTQIA+ museum, Qtopia.
News.com.au
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Bezos wedding festivities kick off in Venice
VIPs whizzed by speed boat through Venice Thursday as the three-day wedding party of Amazon tycoon Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez kicked off and protesters demonstrated in St Mark's Square. US reality TV personalities Kim and Khloe Kardashian were snapped climbing into water taxis in stilettos, followed by US talk show host Oprah Winfrey in an all-white outfit, including sensible trainers. Tech magnate Bezos, 61, and Sanchez, 55, have reportedly invited about 200 guests to their multi-million dollar nuptials, which are expected to begin with an open-air soiree in the cloisters of the 14th-century Madonna dell'Orto church. Sanchez, who arrived with Bezos Wednesday, was spotted wearing a black dress with silver sequins -- one of an alleged 27 outfits she will don during the festivities. Protesters, some wearing carnival masks, demonstrated in St Mark's Square, accusing authorities of pandering to the super rich while the city drowns under tourists. As police broke up the demonstration, Veneto's regional president Luca Zaia said the couple have upped their donation to the city from one to three million euros ($1.7 to $3.5 million). Wedding guests and their bodyguards nipped up and down the lagoon, closely followed by paparazzi in boats rented at exorbitant prices by the world's media. Police on jet-skis patrolled the canals around the Madonna dell'Orto as the party hour neared. Guests spotted include Jordan's Queen Rania, British actor Orlando Bloom, US football player Tom Brady, Ivanka Trump -- the daughter of US President Donald Trump -- and American fashion designer Spencer Antle. - 'Everyone wins' - Bezos and former news anchor and entertainment reporter Sanchez are staying at the Aman hotel, a luxury 16th-century palazzo on the Grand Canal with a view of the Rialto bridge. They will exchange vows on Friday at a black-tie ceremony on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, according to Italian media reports. The wedding itself is expected to take place in a vast open-air amphitheatre on the island, which sits across from St Mark's Square. The newlyweds will then be serenaded by Matteo Bocelli, the son of famed opera singer Andrea Bocelli, the reports said. The celebrations will reportedly end Saturday with a party at the Arsenale, a vast shipyard complex dating back to when the city was a naval powerhouse. Some locals say the A-list guests and their entourages bring good business, Adriana, 83, said "everyone wins" with the high-profile event, which has the city's famed luxury hotels booked out, and is likely to inspire others to marry in Venice. And Samuel Silvestri, 55-year-old shopkeeper and resident, said the city's problem was day-trippers, "not the sort of tourism that turns Venice into a little Monte Carlo". But critics have accused billionaire Bezos of using the UNESCO site as his personal playground. Environmental activists have also pointed to the carbon footprint of the mega yachts and dozens of private jets bringing the rich and famous to the canal city. It is "an excessive display of wealth and greed", 51-year-old American tourist Christine Baker told AFP. "I understand why people are upset".
Daily Mail
25-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez are pictured arriving at Venice hotel by boat ahead of their elaborate $20million wedding
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez have been pictured arriving in Venice ahead of their blockbuster wedding. The multi-billionaire Amazon founder was seen stepping off a boat alongside his glamorous girlfriend at the Aman Hotel earlier today. Both waved to onlookers and paparazzi as they clambered off a boat onto a purpose-built jetty outside the hotel before quickly being whisked away. The tech magnate and journalist have reportedly invited about 200 guests to their multi-million dollar nuptials in the Italian city. The celebrations are expected to kick off on Thursday and end on Saturday. But the historic venue that Bezos and Sanchez chose for part of their $20 million bash is covered in scaffolding, MailOnline can reveal. The lavish three-day event will feature a party held within the fabulous 15th-century Madonna dell'Orto church in Venice's quaint Cannareggio district tomorrow night. Bezos is pictured stepping off the boat Jeff Bezos And Lauren Sanchez are sighted ahead of their wedding on June 25, 2025 in Venice, Italy In preparation, security guards have now blocked off entrances to the closure where the party will be held, but what guests will first see when they arrive is the iconic bell tower covered in scaffolding. This has left locals speculating that Bezos may have booked the venue based on seeing pictures on Google without realising it is being repaired. The revelation comes just a day after MailOnline revealed how a careless wedding organiser had unwittingly leaked sensitive details of the VIP event to the media by being photographed carrying a printed guest list. Meanwhile, the fact that the huge wedding is taking place in one of the world's most vulnerable heritage sites has become so controversial that it is being angrily discussed in Italian parliament. This controversy intensified overnight as council chiefs ordered the blocking off of the canal running in front of the church for around 200 metres, with a landing point for boats closed off with red and white tape. Access from the Brazzo and Dei Muti canals blocked as well from 6pm tonight - when the wedding festivities kick off with a pyjama party at a secret location - until midnight tomorrow. Dozens of electrical cables, threading along the ground like spaghetti, are being run from a noisy generator boat moored in the Madonna dell 'Orto canal, which is creating a noisy din. The venue for the party is the cloister next door to the church, which is where the famous Renaissance artist Tintoretto is buried. The website for the cloister describes the venue, which is used for the famous Biennale art exhibition in Venice, as 'simple, yet elegant'. Pictures from previous events show tables beneath the vaulted ceilings, atmospherically lit by candlelight – but this week the scaffolding on the church tower will be clearly visible. The cloister extends to three sides and is supported by ornate columns with a beautiful herringbone floor. When MailOnline approached a guard and asked if the cloister was open, we were told: 'No, it's closed, there is a private function.' The Aman hotel has built a private jetty for the lucky 48 guests who will be staying there for the Bezos wedding. Sat on the Grand Canal, the hotel has constructed a small pier covered in a blue tent for those who will be arriving by boat and require privacy. The couple have booked out all 24 grand rooms at the hotel from Wednesday. Extra police and added safety measures have been brought in for the wedding, and local authorities have been holding a series of daily meetings to discuss how to protect the expected 200 VIPs. According to local media reports, the city will pay overtime to an unspecified number of police officers involved in security for the wedding organisers. When guests first arrive, they will see the iconic bell tower covered in scaffolding This has left locals speculating that Bezos may have booked the venue based on seeing pictures on Google without realising it is currently being repaired Among the assorted billionaires and millionaires on the guest list, there is also Ivanka Trump, who as the US president's daughter has an extra added level of security. All of this has prompted questions in parliament from furious MPs - mostly from opposition centre left and environmental parties - wanting to know just how much Italian taxpayers' money was being spent. Angelo Bonelli, an MP with the Italian Green and Left Alliance, angrily demanded that Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi from the ruling Brothers of Italy right-wing party provide cost details. Mr Bonelli said: 'We need information because from Wednesday until Saturday night the city of Venice will be in a virtual lockdown to allow the Amazon magnate's wedding to go ahead. 'It will be locked down, but it will also be a city bought for three days in a sort of unbridled celebration of luxury that will limit the movement of citizens. 'I am here to ask the Ministry of the Interior to guarantee the freedom to express dissent. How is it possible to buy a city for three days creating a series of inconveniences?' He added: 'I remember that Amazon is under investigation for the exploitation of workers, Bezos' wealth comes from this. If they can buy Venice for three days, these super rich can pay taxes.' Bonelli's request was echoed by opposition M5S deputy Antonio Iaria, who said: 'We too, as the Five Star Movement, ask Piantedosi for information. The venue for the party is the cloister next door to the church – which is where the famous Renaissance artist Tintoretto is buried Guests and staff were seen arriving at the airport in Venice, Italy, ahead of the highly anticipated wedding of the Amazon founder 'In the Senate as M5S we also proposed an increase in the web tax not to go against a sector but to address a problem of the future. 'This government immediately bows to billionaires, it does not ask itself if in a historical moment like this a public order problem is not created. 'The government shows that Venice must not be a playground for billionaires, tourism is welcome but not to those who rent a city to the detriment of the citizens themselves.' He added: 'Bezos is getting married. Venice is blocked. And how much does it cost the Italian State? 'We asked Interior Minister Piantedosi. We pay, certainly, for security, for public order, to lock down an entire city and protect a cover wedding. 'But how much does all this cost Italy? Who guarantees security? Who coordinates traffic? 'Who manages the inconveniences for citizens and workers? The answer is always the same: the public machine, with public money. 'And in exchange? Selfies and luxury, while those struggling to pay the rent watch from afar.' Campaign group No Space For Bezos have already said they plan to disrupt the wedding by blocking canals and have asked activists to 'turn up with snorkels and masks', They have also been encouraged to bring inflatable crocodiles or other toys to scatter along the canals to impede the dozens of water taxis hired to ferry guests between venues. Ruling Brothers of Italy MP Salvatore Caiata hit back and said:'We do not agree that Piantedosi should report to the Chamber on this topic also because the Minister of the Interior is not a wedding planner, we cannot ask that the government come to report to the Chamber on every topic, it is paradoxical that every situation is used to exploit.' No-one from the organisers or Venice town hall who cover the local police budget was immediately available for comment.
Daily Mail
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Church that will feature in Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's Venice wedding is covered in SCAFFOLDING - with locals speculating whether the couple knew it was currently being repaired
The historic venue that multi-billionaire Jeff Bezos has chosen for part of his $20 million Venice wedding with Lauren Sanchez is covered in scaffolding, MailOnline can reveal. The lavish three-day event will feature a party held within the fabulous 15th Century Madonna dell Orto church in Venice's quaint Cannargio district tomorrow night. In preparation, security guards have now blocked off entrances to the closure where the party will be held but what guests will first see when they arrive is the iconic bell tower covered in scaffolding. This has left locals speculating that Bezos may have booked the venue based on seeing pictures on Google without realising it is being repaired. The revelation comes just a day after MailOnline revealed how a careless wedding-organiser had unwittingly leaked sensitive details of the VIP event to the media by being photographed carrying a printed guest list. Meanwhile the fact that the huge wedding is taking place in one of the world's most vulnerable heritage sites has become so controversial that it is being angrily discussed in Italian parliament. This controversy intensified overnight as council chiefs ordered the blocking off the canal running in front of the church for around 200 metres with a landing point for boats closed off with red and white tape. Access from the Brazzo and Dei Muti canals blocked as well from 6pm tonight - when the wedding festivities kick off with a pyjama party at a secret location - until midnight tomorrow. Dozens of electrical cables, threading along the ground like spaghetti, are being run from a noisy generator boat moored in the Madonna dell Orto canal which is creating a noisy din. The venue for the party is the cloister next door to the church – which is where the famous Renaissance artist Tintoretto is buried. The website for the cloister describes the venue – which is used for the famous Biennale art exhibition in Venice – describes the colonnade as 'simple and yet elegant'. Pictures from previous events show tables beneath the vaulted ceilings, atmospherically lit by candlelight– but this week the scaffolding on the church tower will be clearly visible. The cloister extends to three sides and is supported on ornate columns with a beautiful herringbone floor. When MailOnline approached a guard and asked if the cloister was open, we were told: 'No, it's closed, there is a private function.' Extra police and added safety measures have been brought in for the wedding – and local authorities have been holding a series of daily meetings to discuss how to protect the expected 200 VIPs. According to local media reports, the city will pay overtime to an unspecified number of police officers involved in security for the wedding organisers. When guests first arrive, they will see the iconic bell tower covered in scaffolding This has left locals speculating that Bezos may have booked the venue based on seeing pictures on Google without realising it is currently being repaired Among the assorted billionaires and millionaires on the guest list, there is also Ivanka Trump, who as the US president's daughter has an extra added level of security. All of this has prompted questions in parliament from furious MPs - mostly from opposition centre left and environmental parties - wanting to know just how much Italian tax payers' money was being spent. Angelo Bonelli, an MP with the Italian Green and Left Alliance angrily demanded that Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi from the ruling Brothers of Italy right wing party provide cost details. Mr Bonelli said: 'We need information because from Wednesday until Saturday night the city of Venice will be in a virtual lockdown to allow the Amazon magnate's wedding to go ahead. 'It will be locked down, but it will also be a city bought for three days in a sort of unbridled celebration of luxury that will limit the movement of citizens. 'I am here to ask the Ministry of the Interior to guarantee the freedom to express dissent. How is it possible to buy a city for three days creating a series of inconveniences?' He added: 'I remember that Amazon is under investigation for the exploitation of workers, Bezos' wealth comes from this. If they can buy Venice for three days, these super rich can pay taxes.' Bonelli's request was echoed by opposition M5S deputy Antonio Iaria who said: 'We too, as the Five Star Movement, ask Piantedosi for information. The fact that the huge wedding is taking place in one of the world's most vulnerable heritage sites has become so controversial that it is being angrily discussed in Italian parliament 'In the Senate as M5S we also proposed an increase in the web tax not to go against a sector but to address a problem of the future. 'This government immediately bows to billionaires, it does not ask itself if in a historical moment like this a public order problem is not created. 'The government shows that Venice must not be a playground for billionaires, tourism is welcome but not to those who rent a city to the detriment of the citizens themselves.' He added: 'Bezos is getting married. Venice is blocked. And how much does it cost the Italian State? 'We asked Interior Minister Piantedosi. We pay, certainly for security, for public order, to lock down an entire city and protect a cover wedding. 'But how much does all this cost Italy? Who guarantees security? Who coordinates traffic? 'Who manages the inconveniences for citizens and workers? The answer is always the same: the public machine, with public money. 'And in exchange? Selfies and luxury, while those struggling to pay the rent watch from afar.' Campaign group No Space For Bezos have already said they plan to disrupt the wedding by blocking canals and have asked activists to 'turn up with snorkels and masks', They have also been encouraged to bring inflatable crocodiles or other toys to scatter along the canals to impede the dozens of water taxis hired to ferry guests between venues. Ruling Brothers of Italy MP Salvatore Caiata hit back and said:'We do not agree that Piantedosi should report to the Chamber on this topic also because the Minister of the Interior is not a wedding planner, we cannot ask that the government come to report to the Chamber on every topic, it is paradoxical that every situation is used to exploit.' No-one from the organisers or Venice town hall who cover the local police budget was immediately available for comment.
