The sky itself is no limit for billionaire Jeff Bezos and fiancée Lauren Sánchez, who have travelled into space — and expectations were about as high ahead of their wedding in Venice.
One of the world's most enchanting cities as a backdrop? Check.
Star-studded guest list and tabloid buzz? Of course.
Local flavour? You bet.
And then, time to tie the knot. The couple held their wedding ceremony on Friday night, local time, and the now Mrs Sánchez Bezos posted to Instagram a photo of herself beaming in a white gown as she stood alongside a tuxedo-clad Mr Bezos, the world's fourth-richest man.
Before the nuptials, Ms Sanchez, 55, wearing short-sleeved, cream, fitted skirt suit, with shades and a head scarf to protect her from the blistering summer sun, boarded a motor boat for the small island of San Giorgio where the couple would exchange rings.
About two hours later, Mr Bezos, 61, wearing a black tuxedo and bow tie over a white shirt, made the same short trip across the lagoon, accompanied by singing from Matteo Bocelli, son of Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli.
Boats for all
Businesses have welcomed the glitz and glamour but it is opposed by a local protest movement whose members resent what they see as Venice being gift-wrapped for ultra-rich outsiders. Mr Bezos is No 4 on Forbes' global billionaires list.
The anti-Bezos front is planning a march on Saturday, and its activities have already led authorities to step up security and move the location of the closing party to a more secluded part of Venice, the Arsenale former shipyard.
But politicians, hoteliers and some other Venice residents are happy about the wedding, saying such events do more to support the local economy than the multitudes of day-trippers who normally overrun the city.
Famous friends
Bill Gates, Leonardo DiCaprio, Orlando Bloom, Tom Brady, the queen of Jordan, Oprah Winfrey, Kris Jenner and Kim and Khloe Kardashian as well as Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, and Domenico Dolce from Dolce & Gabbana, are among the 200-250 guests.
Amid tight security, there have been glimpses of the celebrities moving around town, the women in summer dresses and high heels stepping somewhat gingerly off boats ferrying them around the city's canals.
Celebrations began on Thursday evening in the cloisters of Madonna dell'Orto, a medieval church in the central district of Cannaregio that hosts masterpieces by 16th-century painter Tintoretto.
"This magical place has gifted us unforgettable memories," the bride and groom said on their wedding invitation, in which they asked for "no gifts" and pledged charity donations for three Venetian institutions.
Their donations are worth 3 million euros ($5.8 million).
AP/Reuters
