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.
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.
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.
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.
What About Entertainment?
The wedding celebration of Melania Trump and Donald Trump was graced with remarkable performances that added a touch of musical enchantment to the evening. Renowned singer-songwriter Billy Joel took the stage, serenading the couple and their guests with his timeless classic, "Just the Way You Are." Adding an extra special touch, Billy Joel even crafted a personalized rendition of "The Lady is a Tramp," incorporating new lyrics that playfully referenced Trump.
This unforgettable performance by the music legend elevated the ambiance and brought smiles to the faces of all in attendance. Melania's meticulous attention to detail also extended to the entertainment, as she arranged for the presence of The Michael Rose Orchestra of Palm Beach.