Long before becoming President and First Lady of the United States, Donald Trump and Melania Trump were making headlines for their high-profile New York-based romance. As the couple celebrates 21 years of marriage this January 22, here’s a streamlined look at how their love story began and its evolution over the decades.
© MATT CAMPBELLA runway encounter
Before he set his interest on politics and the presidency, Trump was a fixture of New York society, epitomizing the business and luxury sector of the city. He even had a cameo on "Home Alone 2," one of the most emblematic New York movies in Hollywood history. Through these years, Trump frequently attended fashion and entertainment events.
In 1998, following his split from his second wife, Marla Maples, Trump met Melania Knauss, an up and coming Slovanian model. The two met in New York Fashion Week, at a party at the Kit Kat Club in Manhattan. According to reports, Trump was immediately captivated.
Melania, who is 24 years his junior, initially turned him down, sharing that Trump had arrived at the event with another date. He persisted and eventually got her phone number, with the two beginning to date. Within months, the pair became one of the city's most talked-about couples and a frequent sight at some of New York's biggest socialite events.
© Art SEITZFrom romance to 'I Do'
Trump and Melania's relationship eventually became serious. On January 22, 2005, the two decided to get married, with Melania wearing a custom Dior gown designed exclusively for her. The dress was made up of a strapless bodice paired with a dramatic skirt and a three-foot train. It has a reported value of $200,000.
For their wedding celebration, the couple went all out, organizing a lavish reception that welcomed 450 guests at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s famous Florida estate. According to reports published at the time, the party featured a caviar-filled menu and had a towering cake adorned with over 3,000 sugar flowers.
© JEFF HAYNESFamily and public life
In 2006, the couple welcomed their only son, Barron. They only amassed more and more notoriety, with Melania supporting Trump throughout his first presidential term (2017–2021) and again during the campaign for his current term. In a preview of her upcoming documentary, Melania recalls calling him immediately after learning the election results, sharing her joy.
Despite public scrutiny, the Trump family has remained united, keeping their personal lives and their son's away from the spotlight.
© Joe Raedle
