NFL star Austin Ekeler is officially off the market.
The Washington Commanders running back tied the knot with dancer and TikToker Melanie Wilking on Saturday, May 25.
The couple celebrated their union at the Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa, joined by 138 guests, including many of Ekeler’s NFL colleagues.
Wilking shared with PEOPLE why they chose Las Vegas as their wedding destination, explaining it’s their “home base” and a lively spot for their out-of-state guests. “The Hilton’s garden and lake views were unlike any other we saw. Finding such a setting in the desert was rare, so it felt right for our venue,” she said.
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Their wedding, orchestrated by planner Brittany Griffor of Symphony Weddings & Events, was designed to be a sophisticated, joyous gathering. Guests were asked to dress in all black, a style choice Wilking fell in love with after seeing it online. This elegant dress code matched the wedding’s black-and-white decor and all-white floral arrangements.
The ceremony, led by Ekeler’s cousin and business partner, Bill Ekeler, featured traditional vows. In a heartfelt addition, the couple also exchanged private vows the night before the wedding. Highlighting the sentimental touches, Wilking wore a wedding band that once belonged to her great-great-grandmother, passed down through her family.
Wilking described her Rivini by Rita Vinieris wedding dress as the definitive choice the moment she tried it on, a moment shared with her closest family. The wedding party was intentionally small, with the bride’s best friends participating as flower girls, and a friend playing the electric violin during the ceremony.
To honor absent loved ones, including Wilking’s grandparents and Ekeler’s late agent and best friend, the couple placed photos on designated seats, ensuring their presence was felt.
Post-ceremony, guests were treated to a plated dinner that included a summer strawberry salad, orange-glazed chicken, vegetables, and mashed potatoes, followed by a vintage-style, three-tiered wedding cake with multiple flavors.
The couple’s first dance was to “Take My Name” by Parmalee, setting the stage for a night of celebration.
Reflecting on the day, Wilking expressed immense gratitude for the love and support from their families, making the occasion even more special. The pair, who initially connected via Instagram and got engaged last August, are looking forward to ending their long-distance relationship, planning to reside in Virginia during the NFL season and in Vegas during the offseason.
“Marriage to me means having a partner by your side through everything,” Wilking shared, emphasizing the significance of companionship and shared life experiences. Austin echoed this sentiment, highlighting the journey of growing and exploring life together as a married couple.
