On July 29, 2023, New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson married his high school sweetheart, Ali Marks, in a lavish ceremony at Chicago’s Ritz-Carlton. The couple, who had been together since their high school days at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois, decided to move their wedding up by a month to accommodate Brunson’s commitment to Team USA for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup .([RealGM Forums][1], [The Mirror US][2])
### A Whirlwind Weekend
The wedding weekend was a whirlwind for Brunson. After the ceremony on Saturday, he participated in shooting workouts in New York on Monday and Tuesday, flew to Las Vegas on Wednesday for Team USA’s initial meeting, and began practice on Thursday . Despite the tight schedule, Brunson expressed his excitement to celebrate this milestone with family and friends who had been supportive throughout their relationship .([EL PAÍS English][3], [Brides][4])
### A Celebration of Love and Style
The wedding was designed to mimic a night out at one of the couple’s favorite spots rather than a traditional wedding celebration. The ceremony featured candles, flowers, and a color scheme of white for the ceremony and deep hues for the reception . Marks wore a strapless trumpet dress by Eva Lendel and later changed into her 2015 prom dress, symbolizing the beginning of their relationship. Brunson donned a custom velvet tuxedo jacket from Tom Marchitelli .([Brides][4])
The couple’s dog, Kona, served as the flower girl, and the ceremony included readings by Marks’ Aunt Karen and Brunson’s family friend Lawanda. Brunson’s college friend and former teammate, Ryan Arcidiacono, officiated the ceremony .([Brides][4], [People.com][5])
### A Night to Remember
The reception featured a robust cocktail hour with mini lobster rolls, baby lamb chops, spring rolls, and chefs hand-rolling sushi, Brunson’s favorite. A steakhouse station offered prime beef tenderloin, while a Tuscan station had herb-crusted salmon, grilled vegetables, and homemade gnocchi . Guests enjoyed signature drinks, including spicy margaritas, Tito’s strawberry lemonade cocktails, and the couple’s own concoctions: Casamigos with pineapple for the bride and Casamigos with ginger ale for the groom .([People.com][6], [People.com][5])
The reception also featured nonstop dancing, with a DJ keeping the energy high throughout the night. To keep guests fueled, Dunkin’ Donuts coffee and pastries were served late into the evening .([People.com][5])
### A Shared History
Brunson and Marks’ relationship has been built on a shared history and mutual support. Marks, a physical therapist, graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2017 and completed a doctorate in physical therapy at Northwestern University in 2021 . Throughout their relationship, Marks has been a dedicated supporter of Brunson, attending his games and celebrating his career milestones.([People.com][5], [People.com][7])
The couple welcomed their first child, Jordyn James Brunson, on July 31, 2024, adding another chapter to their shared journey .([People.com][7])
### Conclusion
Jalen Brunson and Ali Marks’ wedding was a celebration of love, style, and shared history. Despite the whirlwind schedule leading up to the event, the couple managed to create a memorable and meaningful celebration that reflected their personalities and the support of their family and friends. Their story continues to inspire, highlighting the importance of love, commitment, and the support of those closest to us.
**Jalen Brunson and Ali Marks: A Love Story Culminating in a Lavish Chicago Wedding**
In a celebration that blended romance, tradition, and personal significance, New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson and his high school sweetheart, Ali Marks, exchanged vows on July 29, 2023, at the Ritz-Carlton in Chicago. Their wedding not only marked the union of two devoted individuals but also highlighted the couple’s deep-rooted connection to their past and their shared journey forward.([The Mirror US][1])
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### A Love That Began in High School
Jalen and Ali’s relationship traces back to their high school days at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois. Their bond endured through college—Jalen at Villanova University and Ali at the University of Illinois—and into their professional lives. In September 2022, Jalen proposed to Ali on the very basketball court where their story began, during his induction into the school’s athletic Hall of Fame .([People.com][2], [People.com][3], [Wikipedia][4])
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### A Wedding Tailored to Their Vision
Initially scheduled for Labor Day weekend, the couple advanced their wedding date to accommodate Jalen’s commitment to Team USA for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. This adjustment allowed them to balance personal milestones with professional responsibilities .([Wikipedia][4], [People.com][5])
The Ritz-Carlton in Chicago provided a luxurious backdrop for the celebration. The couple envisioned a vibrant, high-energy event, moving away from traditional wedding norms. The reception featured a robust cocktail hour with mini lobster rolls, baby lamb chops, spring rolls, and hand-rolled sushi—Jalen’s favorite. A steakhouse station offered prime beef tenderloin, while a Tuscan station had herb-crusted salmon, grilled vegetables, and homemade gnocchi. Signature cocktails included spicy margaritas and Tito’s strawberry lemonade, with Jalen and Ali’s personal choices being Casamigos with pineapple and ginger ale, respectively .([The Mirror US][1], [People.com][2], [RealGM Forums][6])
The dress code was all-black, adding a touch of elegance and drama to the evening. Ali wore a custom off-white Eva Lendel “Lika” dress, complemented by white Christian Louboutin pumps and her engagement ring from MaxiMira. Jalen donned a custom black tuxedo by Tom Marchitelli of Gentleman’s Playbook, paired with velvet loafers from Christian Louboutin.([People.com][2])
The ceremony was officiated by Ryan Arcidiacono, Jalen’s college friend and former Villanova teammate. Notable guests included Knicks players Julius Randle, Derrick Rose, RJ Barrett, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo. Ali’s aunt Karen and Jalen’s family friend Lawanda performed readings, and their dog, Kona, served as the flower girl .([People.com][5], [People.com][2])
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### A Shared Commitment to Family and Community
Beyond the festivities, the wedding underscored the couple’s commitment to family and community. Their decision to marry in Chicago, a city of personal significance, allowed them to bring together loved ones who had supported them throughout their journey. The inclusion of their dog Kona as a flower girl symbolized their inclusive approach to family.([The Mirror US][1])
Ali’s background as a physical therapist and her dedication to charitable causes, such as running marathons to support pancreatic cancer research in memory of her father, reflect the couple’s shared values of service and community engagement .([People.com][7])
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### Looking Ahead: A Growing Family
The couple’s journey continued with the birth of their daughter, Jordyn James Brunson, on July 31, 2024. Jalen announced the news on Instagram with a touching black-and-white photo of his newborn holding his finger . Their growing family signifies the next chapter in a relationship built on a foundation of love, mutual respect, and shared experiences.([People.com][3])
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### Conclusion
Jalen Brunson and Ali Marks’ wedding was more than a celebration of their union; it was a testament to their enduring love and shared values. From their high school beginnings to their commitment to family and community, their journey reflects a partnership grounded in mutual support and shared aspirations. As they navigate their personal and professional lives, their story continues to inspire those who believe in the power of love and commitment.
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