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The couple broke tradition and saw each other at The Jefferson before the ceremony. That morning, Carol Keiger, a family friend, organized a brunch and spa treatments at the historic hotel for Ashton, her mom and the bridesmaids.
Photos by Eagle Eye Photography
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JENNY MCQUEEN
Ashton’s mom, Molly, wore this University of Wisconsin hoodie while getting ready for the big day.
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(from left): Brian Riddick, Wayne Crawford, Harrison Wilson, the groom, Jordan Farmer, Scott Pickett, Cole Hawthorne, Kyle Wilson and Rob Chamra.
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JENNY MCQUEEN
Ashton purchased these sparkling Christian Louboutin heels in New York City.
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JENNY MCQUEEN
Ashton’s dad, Lang Meem, welcomes everyone to the party with an opening toast before the dancing begins.
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Orchids helped create the feeling of a romantic night in a winter wonderland.
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JENNY MCQUEEN
Big Swing and the Ballroom Blasters belted out Motown, oldies and R&B.
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The wedding cake was a mix of cheesecake and red velvet cake.
The couple celebrated at The Country Club of Virginia with a reception that had a party atmosphere.
It takes love to make a relationship work, but it takes a little something extra to make a relationship survive college, moving and professional sports. Ashton Meem, a 2006 St. Catherine’s grad, and Russell Wilson, a 2007 Collegiate grad, have been together since 2006.
Russell attended N.C. State University and played both Division I-A football and baseball. In 2010, he was drafted by the Colorado Rockies; after his first minor-league season, Russell returned to N.C. State for his junior football season. That August, he proposed to Ashton — with the help of their Queen Elizabeth Pocket Beagle puppy. The dog was wearing tags that read, “Hey Mom, Dad has a question to ask you.” Last summer, Russell transferred to the University of Wisconsin to complete his final year of football eligibility and work on a graduate degree.
The couple celebrated their commitment through it all with an 8 p.m. black tie service at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in January. “My favorite moment of the wedding was when Ashton walked down the aisle with her dad, Lang Meem,” Russell says. “To see her just light up the room and light up a huge smile on my face made me just think about our wonderful future together.” Ashton’s cousin Lia Gayle and one of Russell’s best friends, Owen Spencer, each read Bible verses during the service.
The Country Club of Virginia reception that followed had a party atmosphere, complete with dancing, heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Icy pale blue lights with amber tones, flower arrangements and bare, painted trees gave the room a feeling of being outside in the forest on a cold winter night. Guests enjoyed Russell’s favorite food — macaroni and cheese — served two ways (lobster and three-cheese), sliders with fries and onion rings, mini chocolate chip cookies, and a champagne bar. Ashton left the reception in a custom winter-white jumpsuit created by Liliya of Couture by LK Design that was a little Audrey Hepburn and a little ’70s.
In April, the couple received good news: Russell was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks.
Ceremony: St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
Reception: The Country Club of Virginia
Gown: J. Crew, with alterations from Couture by LK Design
Bridesmaid Dresses: Amsale
Lighting: Blue Steel Lighting Design
Cake and Catering: CCV
Band: Big Swing and the Ballroom Blasters
Flowers: Flowers by Natalie
