Shielded by a dainty lace parasol, a camera-shy Donald Trump yesterday emerged from the church where he rehearsed his blockbuster marriage today to knockout bride Melania Knauss.
Dressed in a dark, pinstriped suit, The Donald covered his face with his hands while sneaking out the back entrance of the Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the Sea in Palm Beach.
Guarded by local cops, Trump, Knauss and their party jumped into the billionaire’s fleet of ritzy Mercedes-Benz Maybachs and sped past the late Estée Lauder’s house in a hasty getaway.
All were later spotted at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s mansion-turned-country club, where a reporter heard him complaining about the lighting for the gala reception that follows today’s wedding.
Knauss looked breathtaking in a pink, scoop-neck dress that flattered her curvy figure. Also on hand were Trump’s four children through his two previous marriages, including his oldest daughter, Ivanka, 23, who wore a yellow floral chiffon dress with a peekaboo back.
Trump – who’s never been accused of shunning publicity – may have developed a sudden fear of being photographed because of his exclusive contract with Getty Images to sell photos of the wedding.
The marriage of the 58-year-old “Apprentice” star, the most recognized tycoon in the world, to the 34-year-old svelte Slovenian model has this playground for the rich in a not-so-typical tizzy.
At least five local police officers surrounded the church to prevent the uninvited – even those wishing to pray – from entering.
But that didn’t prevent stargazers from flocking to the streets and tourists from snapping pictures. Satellite trucks from media outlets lined up along a nearby roadway.
The scene outside Mar-a-Lago was just as outrageous. Camera crews were setting up along a nearby bridge connecting to island.
Traffic outside the 18-acre resort was bumper to bumper most of the day, as police began setting up traffic cones and “No Parking” signs along the main roadway.
Meanwhile, staff and hired hands were putting the finishing touches on Mar-a-Lago to prepare it for today’s reception. This included more than a dozen gardeners grooming and sprucing up plants, bushes and other shrubbery throughout the club.
Inside, banquet tables and white glass tables were being arranged in the poolroom. The floors of the $35 million ballroom were being buffed and its windows cleaned. The front door and outside gates were being repainted white.
Palm Beach police are trying to control the rubbernecking expected as 500 or so millionaires, power brokers and politicos flock to the wedding.
The high-flying list of invitees includes Prince Albert of Monaco, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Billy Joel, and Gov. Pataki.
