In Venice, Italy, notable individuals Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez are set to tie the knot this month, and they have planned an intimate celebration that showcases the city’s rich cultural heritage. Although they have invited some celebrity figures such as Katy Perry, Oprah Winfrey, Mick Jagger, and Ivanka Trump, the couple is keen to highlight Venice’s traditional artisans through their celebration.
The couple has decided to source approximately 80% of their wedding necessities locally, from Venetian vendors, as a gesture of gratitude to the charming lagoon city. Their nuptials will unfold over a span of three days in late June, with exclusive events for their 200 chosen guests being kept private.
Two esteemed Venetian companies will contribute their craftsmanship to the celebration. Rosa Salva, Venice’s oldest pastry-making establishment since 1876, will provide unique culinary touches. Notably, their traditional donut-shaped fishermen’s biscuits will be included. Laguna B, a renowned design studio, will also add its distinctive handblown Murano glass products to the festivities, admired globally by fashion aficionados and designers alike.
Antonio Rosa Salva, representing the sixth generation of the family business, expressed pride in being selected to supply Venetian specialties for the wedding. He noted the significance of this acknowledgment, which honors nearly 150 years of family tradition. The offerings will feature bussola, a buttery biscuit once a staple for fishermen, along with zaletti cookies crafted from local cornmeal mixed with raisins and lemon zest. Rosa Salva shared, “We strive to keep old recipes alive, doing everything with love. It’s a privilege to be part of this.”
Despite some local backlash concerning the city being a venue for such events, Rosa Salva advocates that such occasions bring valued tourism to Venice. “The presence of a prominent couple who could wed anywhere choosing our city is prestigious,” he said.
On the glassware front, Laguna B, an atelier started by the late Marie Brandolini, now managed by her son Marcantonio Brandolini, will add its artistry to the function. Their operations, based in the family’s palazzo on the Grand Canal, aim to revive the tradition of creative enterprises within Venice’s historical structures. Laguna B is known for its unique glassware, characterized by distinctive, sometimes wavy, lips, with no two pieces the same. “It’s an incredible opportunity for us,” Brandolini commented on the collaboration.
The city’s commitment to preserving artisanal heritage resonates with many young clients who flock to Laguna B, seeking singular pieces while appreciating broader community efforts to safeguard Venice’s delicate ecosystem.
However, the couple’s choice of venue has sparked dissent among some locals, concerned about the pressures of mass tourism on the city. Protesters recently displayed a banner opposing the wedding at St. Mark’s bell tower. Yet, city officials have reassured residents that everyday services will run smoothly and assertions that half of the city’s resources would be reserved for the wedding have been refuted. “It’s an honor to have them choose Venice,” Mayor Luigi Brugnaro declared, acknowledging the city’s international allure.