Courtesy of Unsplash

For three days in June 2025, Venice was transformed into the stage for one of the most extravagant weddings of the decade. Jeff Bezos, the Amazon founder and one of the richest people on the planet, married Lauren Sanchez in a celebration that rivaled royal weddings in scale and spectacle. With an estimated cost hovering around $50 million, the Venetian nuptials were a masterclass in luxury, elegance and seamless execution. Here's a closer look at how that jaw-dropping budget was spent.

Venues That Dazzled

The wedding unfolded across some of Venice's most iconic locations. A welcome dinner was hosted in the cloisters of the Madonna dell'Orto, a 14th-century church steeped in history. The ceremony itself took place on the private island of San Giorgio Maggiore, where wedding guests witnessed the couple's vows in a historic basilica as Matteo Bocelli performed.

The grand reception was held at the Arsenale, a vast medieval shipyard transformed for the evening into a glittering event space. Originally, the reception was set to take place at Scuola Grande della Misericordia, but security concerns reportedly prompted a last-minute venue change.

Each location required exclusive access, extensive setup and logistical wizardry to prepare and secure. Between rentals, custom installations, lighting and staging, venue costs were likely several million dollars.

Five-Star Accommodation

The couple booked out five of Venice's most luxurious hotels, including the Aman Venice, Hotel Cipriani, Gritti Palace and the St. Regis. Entire properties were reserved, ensuring complete privacy for the high-profile guest list. With room rates averaging from $2,000 to $5,000 per night and three to four nights of occupancy, accommodation costs easily reached into the multi-million dollar range.

Some pre-booked guests at these hotels were reportedly relocated — with compensation — to accommodate the wedding party, further adding to the tab.

Jet-Set Guest Arrival

Close to 100 private jets flew into Venice during the wedding week, ferrying in celebrities, royals and VIPs. With chartered flights costing upwards of $50,000 each, transportation alone was a massive budget category.

Once in Venice, guests were whisked around by fleets of sleek water taxis and luxury boats. The city's iconic canals became exclusive thoroughfares for the wedding weekend.

Bezos's own $500 million superyacht, Koru, served as both a residence and party venue during the celebrations, including a now-famous foam party aboard its deck.

Designer Attire and Dazzling Jewels

Lauren Sanchez stunned in multiple gowns, including a bespoke Dolce & Gabbana wedding dress that took more than a year to create. With custom designs, hand-appliquéd lace and silk chiffon detailing, the gown alone was likely valued in the high six figures.

The bride accessorised with her show-stopping engagement ring—a rare 20-carat diamond estimated at $2.5 to $5 million — as well as diamond earrings on loan from Dolce & Gabbana's high-jewelry collection.

Bezos wore a custom tuxedo and changed into a sleek black suit for the reception. While understated compared to the bride's wardrobe, his attire still reflected polished, designer elegance.

Entertainment with a Star-Studded Lineup

Though early rumours swirled about performances by Elton John and Lady Gaga, what's confirmed is that the ceremony featured a moving performance by Matteo Bocelli.

The reception included live music, DJs, and high-energy dancing into the night. Given the calibre of the event, it's likely that top-tier talent was involved, even if discreetly. Entertainment, including sound, lighting and stage production, likely ran into the millions.

Gourmet Feasts and Fine Wine

Guests were treated to cuisine from Michelin-starred chefs, with multi-course meals showcasing Italian culinary excellence. Wine pairings included rare vintages and top-shelf Champagne, with speculation that birth-year bottles of Pétrus and Barolo were served.

With catering estimates at more than $1,500 per person for just one evening, and additional meals spanning the weekend, food and beverage costs likely approached $2–3 million.

Floral Fantasia and Bespoke Decor

Venetian venues were transformed with lush floral installations, featuring thousands of roses, orchids and peonies in custom arrangements. Florists worked round-the-clock to design centerpieces, arches and elaborate tablescapes.

Décor included imported furnishings, silk drapery and handblown Murano glass elements. The total design and floral budget likely soared into the millions, creating a dreamlike setting that balanced Venetian tradition with modern elegance.

Fortress-Level Security

Security was paramount. The couple reportedly hired dozens of private security personnel and worked with local authorities to ensure safety and discretion.

Venues were swept, drones patrolled the skies and parts of the city were blocked off to prevent disruptions. The city saw heightened police presence and controlled access to sensitive areas. The cost? Likely $2–3 million dedicated to security and privacy.

Charitable Touches

In a meaningful gesture, Bezos and Sanchez donated more than $3 million to local Venetian causes, including heritage preservation, environmental research and education. Guests were encouraged to contribute to these efforts in lieu of wedding gifts.

The couple also donated to local media initiatives, demonstrating a desire to give back to the city that hosted their milestone moment.

The Takeaway

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's Venetian wedding was more than just a lavish event — it was a statement in generosity, craftsmanship and global hospitality. From private islands and helicopter arrivals to foam parties and fine art-inspired florals, the couple created a once-in-a-lifetime experience for their guests.

At an estimated cost of $50 million, this wasn't just a wedding. It was an unforgettable production that combined love, legacy and sheer spectacle — all set against the breathtaking beauty of Venice.

Toffer Kim; Latex Costume: Andromeda Latex/Create "Toffer Kim"

Jewelz Blu brings one of the most mysterious and iconic characters of all time back to life!

The 30-year-old OnlyFans star rocked a jaw-dropping cosplay that has fans doing a double-take.

Decked out as Evangelion's enigmatic Rei Ayanami, she nails every chilling detail—from the luminescent plugsuit to that thousand-yard stare.

Jewelz Blu Turns Into Rei Ayanami

Toffer Kim; Latex Costume: Andromeda Latex

In a stunning photo that looks like it was pulled straight out of a futuristic sci-fi film, Jewelz recreates Rei's signature look with astonishing accuracy.

The content creator rocked the character's skintight white plug suit. The latex masterpiece, crafted by Andromeda Latex, even featured the black and orange detailing. She completed the look with Rei's short blue hair and her recognizable neural interface clips.

Kneeling gracefully against a minimalist backdrop, Jewelz held what appears to be a battle-worn purple helmet. The attention to detail in the suit's design, right down to the tech-inspired armor plating and precise panel lines, reflects dedication and craftsmanship.

A Cult Classic With New Life

Toffer Kim; Latex Costume: Andromeda Latex

For those unfamiliar with the character, Rei Ayanami is one of the core pilots of the giant biomechanical Evangelions in the 1995 anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, a series lauded for its psychological depth, existential themes, and genre-defying storytelling. Rei herself is a quiet, enigmatic figure — part human, part something else — who quickly became a fan favorite for her haunting presence and pivotal role in the narrative.

The franchise saw a major resurgence in popularity after Netflix added the original series and its follow-up films to its library. A whole new generation of viewers has been introduced to the world of NERV, Angels, and the emotional complexities of Rei's character — and cosplayers have responded in kind, breathing fresh life into the character with high-level recreations like Jewelz's.

Cosplay That Tells A Story

Toffer Kim; Latex Costume: Andromeda Latex

What makes Jewelz's portrayal stand out isn't just the accuracy; it's the mood. She captures that delicate balance of fragility and strength that defines Rei. With a solemn, almost meditative gaze and a posture that evokes both peace and readiness, the image feels more like a still from a high-budget adaptation than a fan-made costume photo.

Evangelion's Enduring Appeal

Over two decades after its debut, Neon Genesis Evangelion continues to inspire new content, new discussions, and new tributes — and cosplays like this show why. Rei Ayanami, with her ghostlike presence and complicated humanity, remains one of anime's most unforgettable characters.

Raising Temperatures This Summer

Toffer Kim; Latex Costume: Andromeda Latex

When she's not cosplaying, Jewelz attends music festivals, such as the Hospitality On The Beach, a 7-day drum & bass holiday uniting like-minded ravers from around the world to the beautiful shores of Tisno in Croatia.

While there, Jewelz also took advantage of the sunny weather and the beach, where she flaunted her stellar physique in a tiny blue bikini.