By Valerie Milano
Dana Point, CA (The Hollywood Times) 7/3/26 – Some weddings are elegant. Some are emotional. Some are unforgettable. And then there are weddings that feel like a once-in-a-lifetime rock concert, family reunion and love story all wrapped into one.
On June 27, 2026, longtime music publicist Raquel Figlo married businessman and music lover Brian Bell at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, with the Pacific Ocean as the backdrop and a guest list that reflected decades of friendships in the hard rock and heavy metal community.
I first met Raquel at NAMM, where it was immediately clear that she was not just another publicist handing out press materials. She was warm, connected, passionate and clearly beloved by the rock world. OC Weekly once called her “OC’s Rock ’n’ Roll Publicist,” and that title seems to fit her perfectly. After more than 25 years working with artists, media, photographers, managers, designers and music industry personalities, Raquel has built more than a career. She has built a family.
And apparently, that family knows how to throw a wedding.
The ceremony was officiated by David Ellefson, the legendary former co-founding bassist of Megadeth and one of Raquel’s longtime close friends. Years ago, Raquel had asked him that, if she ever found the love of her life, he would officiate her wedding. On June 27, that promise became reality.
The ceremony itself opened in true rock fashion. As Raquel and her bridal party made their way down the aisle, Todd Kerns, known to fans as the bassist and vocalist for Slash featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators, led a live performance of Guns N’ Roses’ “November Rain,” Raquel’s favorite song and a bridal dream she had imagined since she was a teenager.
Kerns was joined by an all-star group of musicians that included Zach Throne on guitar, Blas Elias of Trans-Siberian Orchestra on drums and Jimmie Romero on guitar. With special approval from The Ritz-Carlton and the City of Dana Point, the band continued playing outdoors during cocktail hour, transforming the luxury resort into a dramatic oceanfront rock venue.
The surprises did not stop there. Ellefson later returned to the stage, this time with bass in hand, to perform with Kerns and the band. Vocalist Keith St. John also made a surprise appearance, joining the musicians for an impromptu performance that brought guests to the dance floor. St. John attended with designer Sherri Lu, founder of Riot Stitch, who was also part of Raquel’s bridal party.
The evening also featured a performance by internationally acclaimed burlesque artist Miss Miranda, whose blend of classic Hollywood glamour, vintage cabaret and rock ’n’ roll decadence fit the mood perfectly. DJ Skum Love kept the celebration going late into the night, bringing his longtime Southern California hard rock and metal scene credibility to the dance floor.
Guests also included Gabriel Connor and Lluis Kalil from Red Devil Vortex, along with Joe Taback, guitarist and vocalist of B.I.A.S., among other friends from across the music world.
For Raquel, the celebration was not simply about celebrity appearances or industry connections. It was about the friendships that have shaped her life and career.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to spend more than two decades working with incredible artists, managers, photographers, promoters, journalists, designers and musicians,” Raquel shared. “Some of my closest friends came into my life through rock and heavy metal. Brian and I wanted our wedding to celebrate those friendships as much as our marriage. By the end of the night, everyone—from family to rock stars—felt like one family.”
That sentiment says everything about Raquel. In an industry that can often feel transactional, she has always seemed to lead with relationships, loyalty and genuine enthusiasm for the people around her. It is no wonder her wedding became such a meaningful gathering of musicians, creatives and longtime friends.
Of course, as someone who met Raquel through the music world, I have to add with a smile that we are thrilled for her and Brian — even if The Hollywood Times somehow missed the wedding invite. We will forgive her, but only because the photos look fabulous and the soundtrack was clearly worth the price of admission.
The celebration was planned and designed by Weddings by Jennifer Laskey, with photography and videography by Balerina Films. The bridal gown was by Leah Da Gloria through The White Dress in Corona del Mar, with florals by Lark Florals, lighting and sound by Distinctive Event Solutions, and rentals and linens by MTB Event Rentals.
As Raquel begins this new chapter with Brian, one question remains for those of us in the media world who have known and worked with her: will she continue bringing her rock ’n’ roll magic to public relations?
We certainly hope so.
Raquel Figlo has long been a trusted name in the music and entertainment community, and The Hollywood Times would love to remain on her press list as she continues championing artists, events and stories worth amplifying.
Congratulations to Raquel and Brian Bell on a wedding that truly lived up to its theme: champagne wishes and rock ’n’ roll dreams.
For media inquiries, contact Raquel Figlo Public Relations at Raquel@RaquelFiglo.com or visit www.RaquelFiglo.com.
Photo Credit: Balerina Films
