From High School Sweethearts to Forever: Jalen Brunson and Ali Marks’ Romantic Journey

Jalen Brunson, a star player for the New York Knicks, got married to his longtime girlfriend Ali Marks on Saturday at the Ritz-Carlton in Chicago.

“We wаnted it to be a big party with lots of lights, lasers, a fun DJ, good food, and good drinks,” Marks tells PEOPLE. ​​

And the couple kept their word. They started their reception with a big cocktail hour with tiny lobster rolls, baby lamb chops, spring rolls, and chefs rolling sushi by hand, which Brunson loved. There was prime beef tenderloin at the steakhouse station and herb-crusted salmon, grilled veggies, and homemade gnocchi at the Tuscan station.

Their wedding planner, Carrie Zack, told PEOPLE that they wаnted the atmosphere of a “night out at one of their favorite spots instead of a traditional wedding celebration.”

Also, why not? “There are a lot of bars and bartenders, so no one has to wait in line.”

In addition to spicy margaritas and Tito’s strawberry lemonade cocktails, Brunson and Marks each had their own special drinks. For the bride, it was a Casamigos with pineapple, and for the man, it was a Casamigos with ginger ale.

The couple asked people they were close to to take part in the event. Celebrating the event was Ryan Arcidiacono, a college friend and former partner of Brunson’s who played for both the Villanova Wildcats and the Knicks. Julius Randle, Derrick Rose, RJ Barrett, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo, all of whom play for the Knicks, were also there.

Readings were done by Marks’ aunt Karen and Brunson’s family friend Lawanda. The couple’s dog, Kona, even joined in and walked down the aisle as a flower girl.

Brunson told people, “We wаnted to get all of our closest friends and family together in a city that means a lot to both of us.” She also said, “It’s emotional to see everyone important to us in the same room.”

They met at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois, and fell in love. He went to Villanova for college, and she went to the University of Illinois. Brunson asked her to marry him last September on the basketball court at their high school.

Like they did before, Marks wore her prom dress from 2015 for her second look. She tells PEOPLE that it was a “surprise” for her friends and new husband. She says, “It’s a famous look.”

That being said, Marks wore a more traditional off-white Eva Lendel “Lika” dress to the wedding, while she wore her prom dress as a surprise late at night.

For the dress, the physical therapist says, “I loved the simple elegance and timeless look.” She wore white Christian Louboutin pumps with it, along with her MaxiMira engagement ring.

Brunson also wore Christian Louboutin. He wore velvet loafers with his handmade black tux from Gentleman’s Playbook, which was made by Tom Marchitelli.

As it turned out, everyone wore black because that’s what the pair asked.