It was a wedding nearly 10 years in the making. And on the night of December 28, 2019, the fields of our lesbian crops flourished. Two-time World Cup winners and USWNT teammates Ashlyn Harris and Ali Krieger finally got married.
A Decade Long Love Story
For years, soccer fans speculated about their relationship. They even have their own ship name, “Krashlyn.” In March 2019, the pair settled any debate about their relationship by announcing their engagement.
In an exclusive interview with People magazine, the couple blessed us with details of their nearly decade-long love story. Harris proposed in September of 2018. “I was really surprised because it just seemed like another weekend getaway for us,” Krieger shared. Harris admits she had the ring for three years. She just waited for the right time to pop the question.
To no one’s surprise, the pair met during a USWNT training camp. “We always sat next to each other on the bus,” Harris stated. She also mentions how entrancing Krieger’s eyes were, saying she couldn’t even pay attention to what she was saying. We’ve all been there. Meanwhile, Krieger said it was Harris’ creativity that stole her heart. And the rest was history. The pair played together on the Washington Spirit. When Harris left to play for the Orlando Pride, Krieger followed a year later. You just can’t keep them apart.
The couple state they decided to keep their relationship under wraps to keep things professional on the pitch. Their main focus was always playing their game and winning championships. And with the power of lesbianism, they managed to win two World Cup championships together. Since announcing their engagement, they haven’t been shy about posting on social media either. The couple gives us glimpses into their lives, whether it’s adopting a new puppy or prepping for the wedding. When asked why they decided to go public, Harris said “now is the right time. Finally, after all these years, I just feel like I don’t have to hide anything.” And maybe that’s one of the reasons so many of us rejoiced when they finally announced their engagement. They’re free. No more hiding, or playing the “we’re just good friends” game. They are simply free to be themselves.
The Wedding
We all knew this wedding would be poppin’. And it didn’t disappoint. The A Team served some looks on their big night. Harris wore a custom Thom Browne tuxedo. In an interview with Vogue, she states that her choice in choosing this particular designer was due to the gender non-conformity of his work. Meanwhile, Krieger and her bridesmaids arrived in Pronovias dresses.
Before the big night, the couple looked absolutely angelic in white, with Harris wearing Thom Browne and Krieger in Veronica Beard.
They weren’t the only ones serving looks that day. Friends and family, including USWNT teammate Megan Rapinoe and Orlando Pride teammate Sydney LeRoux joined in on the fun.
Megan was also looking fresh as she watched her friend and teammate get married. The Big Lesbian Energy is off the charts.
The night kicked off with with the couple’s arrival. The DJ played a bop, so of course they wowed their crowed with a dance. But as the tempo slowed, so did their their dance.
The entire wedding was truly a celebration. Instead of numbers, guests were seated at tables named after prominent LGBT historical figures. And when it came to cutting the cake, the pair surprised the crowd with layers of rainbow colored cake hidden beneath white fondant.
Everything about this wedding seemed like it came right out of a fantasy. But, all of it was real. It’s easy to forget all their hardships, all the homophobia they no doubt endured, all the injuries and losses. Same-sex marriage wasn’t even legal nationwide in the US when they got together. Imagine looking at the love of your life and wondering if you’ll ever get to marry her. But Harris and Krieger got their happy ending, or maybe it’s a happy beginning to the rest of their lives together. Sure, we’re all delighted, even a bit more hopeful about our own futures. But no one on this earth is happier than this couple.
It was a hell of a way to close out the year, and the decade. To see them still so in love even after 10 years is enough to mend a broken heart. All of us here at AfterEllen wish them the absolute best.
