NBA stars gather to the Ritz Carlton in Chicago to see Knicks standout Jalen Brunson’s wedding to his high school girlfriend.

Jalen Brunson, point guard for the New York Knicks, recently tied the knot with his high school love, Ali Marks, at the Ritz Carlton in Chicago.

Ryan Arcidiacono, Julius Randle, Derrick Rose, RJ Barrett, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo were among the many professional and collegiate basketball players who joined Brunson, 26, at the occasion.

‘We wanted to bring all of our closest friends [and] family together in a place that means so much to both of us,’ Brunson told PEOPLE, adding that it is ’emotional to see everyone important to us in the same room.’To paraphrase Marks, “We wanted it to be a big big party: celebratory and joyful, with lights, lasers, a fun DJ, good food, good drinks.”

Planner Carrie Zack says the couple wanted something less formal, more akin to a night out at one of their favorite bars, than a wedding.

The two met while they were both students at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois, and have remained together ever since.While Marks studied at the University of Illinois, Brunson enjoyed a celebrated career at Villanova.

And I’m lucky to have her, added Brunson. She’s never left my side.

I can’t wait to share this momentous occasion with all of our dearest friends and family members who have been so encouraging during our long and happy relationship.

We have a long common history. I can’t wait to introduce Ali to everyone as my wife.

Brunson is coming off his most successful season statistically and possibly his most significant season in terms of overall influence.

Brunson led the Knicks to the second round of the NBA playoffs in his debut season with the team after signing with them as a free agent after leaving the Dallas Mavericks. They were eliminated by the eventual Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat.