Kobe Bryant and wife Vanessa’s enduring love story

The couple were married for nearly 20 years and had four daughters together

UPDATED JANUARY 29, 2020 9:08 PM ESTJAN 29, 2020, 9:08 PM EST

It seemed like the world came to a stop on Sunday, when Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna “Gigi” Bryant tragically died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. The 41-year retired NBA star and his 13-year-old daughter were headed to the the teenager’s basketball practice at Kobe’s Mamba Academy along with seven more passengers, who also lost their lives in the accident. Kobe will of course always be remembered as huge basketball star, but but he was also famed for his enduring love story with his wife Vanessa Laine Bryant, the mother of his four daughters – Natalia, 17, Gigi, 13, three-year-old Bianka and seven-month-old Capri – who he married in 2001. Vanessa, who tied the knot with Kobe when she was just 18 and he was 21, was the love of the former Lakers player’s life. As we mourn this terrible loss, here is a look back at Kobe and Vanessa’s life together.

When Kobe met Vanessa

It was 2000 when Kobe and Vanessa saw each other for the first time. He was a promising 20-year-old basketball player, she was a beautiful 17-year-old. Stunning Latina model Vanessa was working a background dancer in Tha Eastsidaz video by G'd Up, and Kobe happened to be in the same building. It was love at first sight.

Teen bride

In 2001, the couple tied the knot in Saint Edwards Chapel, Dana Point, California, when Vanessa was 18 and Kobe was 21.

Two decades together

In November, Kobe sent the sweetest message to Vanessa on social media along with this beautiful photo of the couple to mark two decades together. “On this day 20 years ago I met my best friend, my Queen @vanessabryant I decided to take her on a date to Disneyland tonight to celebrate old school style (pre 4princesses) I love you my mamacita per sempre.”

The happiest place

The couple celebrated their anniversary at one of the most ‘magical’ places in the world, and one which meant so much to them, Disneyland.

Heart emoji

Kobe and Vanessa’s love story has been well documented on both of their social media accounts as they weathered the ups and downs of life together.

Kobe and Vanessa’s first princess

The basketball star and his wife welcomed their first daughter, Natalia on January 19, 2003 in Los Angeles.

Kobe Bryant family photos: daughter Gigi

Daddy’s girl

On May 1, 2006, Gianna arrived. Just like her father, Gigi, who lost her life in the tragic crash at her dad’s side, was pursuing a career in basketball – and Kobe was thrilled

Proud parents

Ten years later, in 2016, Bianka – Kobe and Vanessa’s third daughter – arrived into the world, and was immediately the apple of her daddy’s eye.

Kobe’s babies

Just seven months ago, on June 20, 2019, the family was completed with adorable Capri Kobe Bryant, the couple’s fourth daughter. Kobe shared this sweet picture of Vanessa and Capri with the caption “My babies.”.

Kobe bryant and vanessa bryant wedding anniversary

Love and light

Candles and roses helped the couple celebrate 20 years of Kobe’s career as well as their 15th wedding anniversary. “I love you mama per sempre #15yranniversary”, he wrote along with the romantic picture.

Mona Lisa smiles

In 2008, Kobe and his family traveled to Paris, the city of love. The couple visited such iconic locations as the Louvre, posing in front of the museum’s most famous painting together.

Soulmates

“Me and my baby,” read this picture’s post. Kobe’s love for his wife was famously infinite and his social media profile was flooded with romantic gestures and beautiful pictures of the couple.

Kobe Bryant and Vanessa Bryant at the Oscars

A golden night

Vanessa shared the most important moments in Kobe’s life, including just last year when he received an Oscar as the producer of the short film Dear Basketball. Based on a poem the sports star wrote when he retired in 2016, the beautiful animated movie is an emotional love letter to the sport he dedicated his life to. Vanessa was proudly by her husband’s side on his big night