In 1996, Melania Trump embarked on a new chapter of her life by relocating to the vibrant city of New York. It was there, at a glitzy Fashion Week party in September 1998, that fate intervened and brought her face-to-face with her future husband, Donald Trump. The event, hosted by Paolo Zampolli, took place at the renowned Kit Kat Club in Times Square. At the time, Donald Trump was still legally married to Marla Maples, although they had been separated since May 1997.
He attended the party accompanied by another date, Celina Midelfart. Seizing an opportune moment when Celina stepped away momentarily, Donald approached Melania with the intention of securing her phone number. However, Melania, displaying her independent spirit, declined his advances. This initial encounter would eventually pave the way for a future romantic connection between the two.
Making Waves
Melania Trump's striking presence graced the covers of various esteemed magazines, solidifying her status as a sought-after model. Her impressive portfolio included notable publications such as Harper's Bazaar (Bulgaria), Ocean Drive, In Style Weddings, New York Magazine, Avenue, Allure, Vanity Fair (Italy), Vogue (following her marriage to Donald Trump), and even GQ (UK).
Each cover showcased Melania's timeless beauty, poise, and ability to effortlessly captivate audiences with her sophisticated charm. Moreover, it is worth noting that Melania's journey to the United States began in August 1996, when she entered the country on a business visitor visa, as confirmed by her lawyer, Michael Wildes. This marked the beginning of her remarkable story in America.
Duck You
In 2005, she was featured in an advertisement for Aflac insurance along with the Aflac mascot, a duck. At the time, comedian Gilbert Gottfried voiced the duck. In the advertisement, Melania and the duck switch personalities through a Frankenstein-like mad experiment. At the end of the footage, she awakens and quacks “Aflac” in Gottfried’s voice.
Melania filmed the commercial in the year that she and Donald were newlyweds. According to Adweek, Melania said (of the commercial), “I am very excited to make my acting debut in the latest Aflac commercial. Donald is known for saying ‘You’re fired’; maybe I will be known for saying ‘Aflac.’ “
On Again, Off Again, and Back on
After their initial encounter, Melania Trump and Donald Trump went on their first date at the trendy Greenwich Village restaurant, Mooma. However, the relationship hit a bump, and Melania decided to end it soon after. Fate had other plans in store for them. After spending a few months apart, the couple found their way back to each other, rekindling their connection.
In 1999, their relationship gained national attention when they appeared together for an interview on "The Howard Stern Show." This further thrust them into the spotlight. Their fame skyrocketed in 2004 when Donald launched his immensely popular reality show, "The Apprentice," which featured contestants vying for his approval based on their business acumen, bringing them even more recognition on a national scale.
Tying the Knot
After a romantic courtship, Melania Trump and Donald Trump took their relationship to the next level, becoming engaged in 2004. They sealed their commitment on January 22, 2005, with a grand wedding ceremony at the Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea, located in the picturesque Palm Beach, Florida. The couple's chosen venue exuded elegance and history, as it had also hosted the wedding of basketball legend Michael Jordan and his wife in 2013.
Following the ceremony, the newlyweds invited guests to join them in the opulent ballroom of Donald's Mar-a-Lago estate, a stunning location that had been meticulously restored for the occasion. The $35 million grand ballroom, adorned with sparkling crystal chandeliers and adorned in the lavish style of Versailles-inspired Louis XIV decor, served as the enchanting backdrop for the couple's joyful celebration.