Meet Austin Ekeler's Wife, Melaine, 'Dancing For The Devil' Fame, Connected Through DMs, Vegas Bride

NFL star, Austin Ekeler is one of the best-known players in the league. He is currently playing as the running back for the Washington Commanders. However, as he rises in the professional field, his personal life has been equally as intriguing. The star made headlines off the field when he married his longtime partner, Melanie Wilking (now Ekeler), in May 2024. Their love story began on Instagram when the NFL star slid into her DMs and eventually led to a beautiful wedding in Las Vegas.  Despite juggling a long-distance relationship for most of their time together, Austin and Melanie have been able to prioritise each other.

For the unversed, Melanie, a professional dancer and social media personality. She is best known for her viral TikTok videos and her past collaborations with her sister, Miranda Derrick. The sisters became a public face with the Netflix documentary, Dancing for the Devil, yet Melanie continues to focus on her career and new life as Austin Ekeler's wife. The couple reportedly plans to settle in Virginia during the football season and spend their off-season in Las Vegas. As they prepare to embark on a new chapter in their lives, let us introduce you to Melanie.

Melanie Ekeler is a professional dancer and social media personality

Melanie Ekeler rose to fame as a TikTok dancer. She would post engaging routines with her sister, Miranda Derrick, and together built a following of over 3 million. Known as the 'Wilking Sisters', they moved to Los Angeles to further chase their dream. Their energetic routines and synchronised performances won over the audience, while their behind-the-scenes candidness made them a fan favourite. While Melanie continues to dance and collaborate with other creators, she is building a solid community with every passing minute. 

Melanie Ekeler's rise to fame with the Netflix documentary, Dancing for the Devil

In 2024, Melanie Ekeler and her family were featured in the Netflix documentary series, Dancing for the Devil. The show explored their concerns about Miranda's connection to 7M Films and the Shekinah Church. The documentary highlighted the emotional turmoil they faced as Miranda became distant, missing family events and would rarely communicate with her family. It was in the series itself that Melanie shared her decision to leave the group after feeling uncomfortable with the church's alleged control, while Miranda denied claims of coercion, saying she freely practices her faith.

When Austin Ekeler slid into Melanie Ekeler's DMs

Austin Ekeler and Melanie Ekeler's first interaction happened in a very modern way. The NFL star slid into Melaine's DMs on Instagram after coming across her dance videos. Soon enough, their digital connection turned into a full-blown romance. While the exact time when the NFL star slid into Melanie's DMs is unknown, they began appearing on each other's social media feeds in 2021. Their shared love of fitness, fun, and family values further helped them to form a deep connection.

Austin and Melanie Ekeler's surprise engagement and a Vegas wedding

After more than two years of dating, Austin Ekeler got down on one knee on August 24, 2023. The proposal was sweet, heartfelt, and an intimate surprise held at Laguna Beach, California, with both families hiding nearby. Melanie was overwhelmed with emotion as Austin popped the question on the sand. The heartfelt moment was captured in photos and videos that the couple later shared online. 

Almost a year after the dreamy proposal, Austin and Melanie Ekeler tied the knot in a fairytale ceremony on May 25, 2025. The event was held at the Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa and was attended by 138 loved ones. Melanie stunned in a strapless Rivini by Rita Vinieris gown, while guests dressed in all black, a bold choice inspired by a wedding trend she had seen online. 

Melanie Ekeler and her sister, Miranda Derrick's somewhat reunion

Melanie Ekeler and Miranda Derrick were estranged for years after the latter's connection with 7M Films and Shekinah Church became public. However, there has been some progress, as Miranda even attended Melanie's wedding in May 2024, which marked a significant turning point in their strained relationship. Nonetheless, Melanie revealed in the Netflix documentary that their interactions still feel 'superficial' and are often used by Miranda more for social media appearances than for authentic connection. 

Austin and Melanie Ekeler navigate through long distance

For the majority of their relationship, Austin and Melanie Ekeler have juggled miles between them. However, the physical distance had never been able to get between their personal bond. Nonetheless, the couple has tried to align their home life and is now more focused on sharing a living space together full-time, even if that means travelling. During the NFL season, the couple will reside in Virginia, and during the offseason, they'll return to their Las Vegas home to maintain some stability. 

Melanie Ekeler aims to balance her career and married life

After the wedding and doting on their living plans, Melanie Ekeler is now bringing her focus back to her career in content creation and dance career while also supporting her husband, Austin Ekeler's demanding NFL schedule. She collaborates with fellow dancers and produces her own content, while still making time for personal milestones and family. Though she occasionally reconnects with her sister for joint videos, Melanie is building her own brand identity online.

As Austin and Melanie Ekeler embrace marriage, they are prioritising shared goals, mutual support, and living a more grounded, united life. What are your thoughts on their relationship? Let us know.

Next Read: Meet Jordan Love's Wife, Ronika: Met On Face-Time, Had In-N-Out At Wedding, Dubbed 'Packers Queen'

AWESOME NEWS! Now you can download BollywoodShaadis app and never miss a story. Get App

AWESOME NEWS! Now you can download BollywoodShaadis app and never miss a story. Choose your device Android or IOS (Apple)