Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s pre-wedding welcome party in Venice, Italy, took an unexpected turn on Thursday evening when a sudden thunderstorm forced guests to flee the scene. The couple, who are already married, hosted a star-studded event at the historic Madonna dell’Orto church, but the heavy rain cut the celebration short.
As the downpour intensified, Sánchez was seen rushing from the church to her waiting water taxi. Staff members held umbrellas over her to shield her from the rain while she made her exit in a stunning strapless couture gown. Other guests, including celebrities like Kim and Khloé Kardashian, Oprah Winfrey, and Kendall Jenner, also hurried to their boats, trying to avoid getting soaked.
The weather disrupted the festivities, which had already attracted a long list of high-profile attendees, including Orlando Bloom, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Tom Brady. The party was supposed to last until midnight, but the unexpected storm led to the water taxis being prepared for departure 45 minutes early.
Despite the rain, some guests appeared to be in good spirits. Oprah was spotted smiling alongside her friend Gayle King, while a cheerful Bloom was seen chatting as he waited for his ride. The Kardashian sisters shared a glimpse of their rain-soaked experience on social media, capturing the chaotic yet memorable moments of the night.
The event marked the beginning of a three-day wedding celebration for Bezos and Sánchez, who have faced some backlash and protests surrounding their lavish festivities. Guests were reportedly kept in the dark about the details of the weekend’s events, with only times provided for their transportation to various locations.
In a lighthearted note, one observer commented, "You can have all the money in the world, but you can’t control the weather." In Italy, there’s a saying that a wet bride is a lucky bride, suggesting that the rain might not be such a bad omen after all.