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.
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.’ “
Meeting Donald
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.
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.
Premium Guest List
The wedding of Melania Trump and Donald Trump was an extravagant affair, attracting a star-studded guest list that included numerous A-list celebrities. Notable attendees such as Katie Couric, Matt Lauer, Rudy Giuliani, Heidi Klum, Star Jones, P. Diddy, then-Senator Hillary Clinton, and former president Bill Clinton added an air of glamour to the occasion. Renowned French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, known for his culinary excellence, catered the event with a sumptuous 5-star menu.
The feast featured indulgent delicacies such as caviar, steamed shrimp salad in champagne vinaigrette, and delectable lobster rolls. For the main course, guests were treated to succulent beef tenderloin. To complement the exquisite fare, Cristal champagne flowed freely throughout the night, ensuring the celebration was filled with joy and luxury. Undoubtedly, the 350 guests in attendance savored every delectable bite, creating a memorable culinary experience.