It wasn't exactly politics as usual when Ruthie Posekany and Tom Russell met during the 2002 Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign. Six years later, the couple live in Washington, D.C., having made strides in their personal lives as well as the political forum: Ruthie is a successful political consultant, while Tom is a U.S. Senate staffer. And on July 5, the couple officially began their lifelong term as husband and wife at a wedding in Madison. “We had two overall themes for our wedding weekend,” says Ruthie. “One was to showcase Madison. The second was that the weekend be a true reflection of us as a couple.” Madison did figure prominently: the skyline was embossed on their invitations. They also took care to show guests—many from out of state—the city they love. Thursday night they hosted dinner for immediate family at Harvest restaurant, which specializes in menus featuring local farmers’ products. Friday night they celebrated the Fourth of July with guests at Tex Tubb’s Taco Palace and, later, watched fireworks from the roof of the Monona Terrace. Saturday morning, they invited those who wanted to stroll through the renowned Dane County Farmers’ Market. Their non-traditional ceremony was held beneath an Edwin Blashfield mural symbolizing Wisconsin’s past, present and future in the State Capitol’s Assembly Chambers. The couple were legally married on July 3 by Judge Paul Higginbothom in front of their parents to make way for their “public” ceremony on Saturday officiated by unordained friend, New Jersey attorney and former state Senate candidate Joan Waks. The reception was held at Fresco and in the rooftop garden at the posh Madison Museum of Contemporary Art. The couple paid special attention to the menu. “We love to entertain, and enjoy excellent food, wine and unique beers,” says Ruthie. “We wanted our reception to reflect our tastes.” Wisconsin artisan cheeses were featured at one station and another held a beer tasting. Since neither is a cake-lover, they offered an elaborate dessert buffet—including Tom’s favorite, Ruthie’s berry cobbler prepared by Fresco—instead of traditional wedding cake.
