The lavish wedding of Amazon multi-billionaire Jeff Bezos to his longtime partner Lauren Sánchez has captured the headlines, but in Venice it has also faced waves of protests that are lasting throughout the three-day event.
While the couple is expected to crown their love on the island of San Giorgio, a monumental complex designed by the 16th-century architect Andrea Palladio, the historic city has been "invaded" by well-known characters, whose safety is being guaranteed by a series of strict security measures.
But not everyone is enthusiastic. Protest groups see the wedding as a symbol of the deepening inequality between the wealthy and the rest of society. One of the most prominent protests has included a Bezos mannequin floating through the city's canals, mocking the wedding as an arrogant display of privilege.
Some figures about the "wedding of the century"
$7-10 million is the estimated amount the couple is spending for three days in Venice, including accommodation, security, events and luxurious menus.
The guest list, around 200, includes big names like Oprah Winfrey, Kim Kardashian, Orlando Bloom (recently split from Katy Perry), Queen Rania of Jordan, Tom Brady, Ivanka Trump and Bill Gates.
90 private jets are expected to land at Treviso and Venice airports during the wedding weekend.
Lauren Sánchez will reportedly wear a total of 27 different outfits during the wedding events, while the outfits are from brands such as Oscar de la Renta and Dolce & Gabbana.
The wedding menus have been kept a closely guarded secret, but are said to include Michelin-starred chefs and prices of around €1,000 per person. Names mentioned include Massimo Bottura, Massimiliano Alajmo, the Cerea family of Da Vittorio and Enrico Bartolini.
On the other hand, residents of the historic center of Venice have expressed dissatisfaction with the interference of such a luxurious wedding in their daily lives.
"If you can rent Venice for your wedding, then you can pay even more taxes."
Critics cite Amazon's labor practices, tax disputes with European governments, and Bezos' support for Donald Trump as reasons for their dissatisfaction.
