An Orthodox Wedding at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel with Ocean Views and Glamorous Decor
Alicia Jones and Marc Kulick’s love story began in high school when, back in 2013, Alicia was dating one of Marc’s friends. The moment Marc first laid eyes on her, he was smitten. Her laughter was infectious, her beauty captivating, and he felt an inexplicable pull towards her. It was a bittersweet realization; while his friend was dating the girl he secretly adored, Marc could only watch from a distance, trying to forge a friendship.
Their paths would cross and diverge over the years. After Alicia's past relationship ended in 2015, Marc seized the opportunity to get closer to her, hoping to capture her attention. Life took a turn when Marc launched his real estate investment firm in early 2017. It was then he noticed a post from Alicia on Facebook, announcing she was looking for a job. With a mix of hope and boldness, he reached out, thinking, “At the very least, I might get a date out of this.”
“They had built something extraordinary – a life and a love that felt like home.”
To Marc’s delight, Alicia joined his company, and together they built not just a successful business, but a deep bond. In 2018, after months of friendship blossoming into something more, Alicia finally agreed to date him. What started as a chance encounter turned into a partnership that would pave the way for the most important day of their lives.
A Las Vegas Engagement
Fast forward to their engagement in 2023. It was a milestone celebration, their company’s five-year anniversary party in Las Vegas. After two botched proposal ideas – one planned for an Israel trip that didn't end up happening, and another at a Knicks game – Marc was determined to make this moment unforgettable. He had the ring, and the scene was set with dinner at Carbone with friends and family; but Alicia had no idea what was coming. When the moment arrived, Marc’s heart raced as he dropped to one knee, and Alicia, overwhelmed with joy, said yes.
Planning an Orthodox Wedding at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
The wedding planning process was an unexpected adventure for Marc. Initially thinking he would take a backseat, he soon found himself deeply involved. Together, the couple decided to host their wedding at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel – sight unseen – trusting that the venue would be as beautiful as it sounded.
As with most wedding planning experiences, there were some challenges, particularly with the Orthodox Jewish elements they wanted to include. The couple had to navigate various expectations, balancing tradition with their desire for mixed dancing. Their Rabbi told them that for an Orthodox wedding, they needed to offer guests the chuppah ceremony, dancing, and dinner – anything after that was their call. They opted for traditional separate dancing (men dance with men and women dance with women with a divider down the dance floor), then after dinner, an impactful end of the night celebration with mixed dancing and a midnight snack.
Elegance, Tradition, and Ocean Views
The day of the wedding was a whirlwind of emotions. While Alicia had the bridal suite bustling with her closest friends, Marc found solace with his father in a separate suite, watching "Narcos" just as they would on any ordinary Sunday. It was a moment of normalcy before the enormity of the day set in and the rest of his guys showed up. But when Marc finally stepped out to meet Alicia for their first look, all semblance of calm shattered. She was breathtaking, an angel in a BERTA wedding dress, and tears filled his eyes as he realized how deeply he loved her.
One of the most touching moments for Marc was watching his bride walk down the aisle, accompanied by his father. The family joke – that his father might love Alicia almost as much as he did – was a testament to the bonds they had created.
The Orthodox wedding ceremony was set against the pristine ocean backdrop of The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, blending tradition and modern elegance. Alicia circled Marc seven times, a symbolic gesture that brought both laughter and tears as they playfully lost count. Surrounded by family and friends, they exchanged blessings, culminating in a heartwarming moment when Marc unveiled Alicia, capturing the essence of their love in that single gesture. The couple was swept away in the joy and love surrounding them, creating a day filled with unforgettable moments.
As the sun dipped into the ocean, the reception kicked off. They celebrated with a customized kosher wedding menu that had undergone dramatic changes just a month before the big day, a story that still makes them chuckle. The dining experience was exquisite – ribeye, Chilean sea bass, and pasta with vodka, all crafted with care. The groom took pride in his late-night snack decision of sliders, hot dogs, and fries. As guests indulged in the ballpark-inspired fare, laughter filled the room, encapsulating the joy of the night.
The dancing, initially separated, transitioned into a vibrant celebration of mixed dancing, where everyone let loose, creating memories that would last a lifetime. The dance floor featured a beautiful Mehitza, a floral divider that doubled as a stunning champagne wall, marrying tradition with elegance. Mirrored design elements reflected the beautiful ocean views and sky, adding a glamorous factor to the serenity of the outdoor space. A towering floral installation that perfectly framed the sweetheart table became a focal point into the evening as three chandeliers illuminated the space after sunset.
A Honeymoon in Paradise
The newlyweds’ honeymoon took them to the stunning shores of Bora Bora, where they marveled at the beauty of the island. But even paradise couldn’t hold a candle to their real life together. After five days, they decided to return home early, realizing that their everyday life was richer than any island getaway. They had built something extraordinary – a life and a love that felt like home.
Alicia and Marc’s wedding was not just a celebration of their love; it was a reflection of their journey, their laughter, and the incredible partnership they had forged. Surrounded by friends and family, they took their first steps as husband and wife, ready to embrace whatever came next, hand in hand.
WEDDING TALENT
Location: The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, CA; Planning & Event Design: Intertwined Events; Floral Design: Nisie’s Enchanted Florist; Rentals: Found Rentals, Chiavari Chair Rentals, Casa de Perrin, Signature Party Rentals, MTB Rentals; Linen: BBJ La Tavola, Nuage Designs; Dance Floor: Trejo Dance Floors; Caterer: Premiere Catering; Cake: Delice Bakery; Lighting: NFP Events; Engagement Ring: Graff; Wedding Dress: BERTA; Bridal Shoes: Amina Muaddi; MUA: Makeup Therapy; Groom’s Attire: ZEGNA; Entertainment: DJ Yoav, Amanda Castro Band, Spags; Ice Bar: Ice Bulb; Invitations: Luxe Marie; Wedding Submission Services: Published + Pretty; Cinematography: Hoo Films; Photography: Jana Williams