NFL star Austin Ekeler tied the knot with dancer and TikToker Melanie Wilking in a picturesque Las Vegas wedding at the Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa. The couple celebrated their special day with 138 guests, including several of Ekeler’s fellow Washington Commanders teammates.
Choosing Las Vegas as their wedding location, Wilking explained that it served as a convenient and enjoyable destination for their friends and family coming from different states. The venue’s stunning garden and lake view captured their hearts during the planning process, making it the perfect choice for their ceremony.
With a vision of hosting a memorable and joyous celebration, the couple aimed to have all their loved ones together in one place. Wilking expressed the importance of having their families gathered, especially since they live far apart.
Working closely with wedding planner Brittany Griffor of Symphony Weddings & Events, Ekeler and Wilking requested their guests to wear all black, inspired by a video showcasing a similar concept. The couple aimed for a sophisticated and classic ambiance, reflected in the wedding’s all-white floral arrangements and black-and-white decor.
During the ceremony officiated by Bill Ekeler, Austin’s cousin and business partner, the couple exchanged traditional vows. Additionally, they shared private vows the night before the wedding. Wilking’s wedding band held sentimental value as it was a family heirloom passed down through generations.
Wilking stunned in a strapless Rivini by Rita Vinieris dress with a timeless A-line silhouette, a choice that resonated with her and her family. The intimate wedding party included the bride’s two best friends as flower girls, enhancing the personal touch of the ceremony.