Rams' Kobie Turner ties the knot with longtime love Alissa Villanueva in a beautiful ceremony

Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Kobie Turner embraced a major personal milestone this offseason as he tied the knot with his high school sweetheart, Alissa Villanueva. The couple, who had been together for nearly eight years, celebrated their love in a deeply personal and intimate ceremony at The Estate at River Run in Maidens, Virginia, over the weekend.Kobie Turner and Alissa Villanueva’s journey began in high school, where their mutual passion for music brought them together. Their relationship took shape in a choir class, and their bond deepened over time, especially after a memorable choir trip to Disney that played a pivotal role in their love story. Their connection was further solidified when they prepared for a duet performance, marking the beginning of a romance that officially started in December 2017.Given their musical roots, it was only fitting that their former choir teacher, Lynne Babcock, officiated the wedding, adding a sentimental touch to the occasion. In another heartfelt gesture, the couple incorporated a "ring warming" tradition, allowing each of their 94 guests to hold and bless the rings before they exchanged vows. Reflecting on this cherished moment, Villanueva exclusively expressed to PEOPLE, "We’re marrying our best friend. From the beginning, our relationship was always about building toward this moment, and now here we are."Their relationship, however, was not without its challenges. When Turner left for college, the couple found themselves in a long-distance relationship that spanned six years. Despite the difficulties, their love endured. In February 2023, Villanueva shared in a TikTok video that, "the goodbyes never get easier," a sentiment familiar to many who have navigated long-distance commitments.By April 2023, the couple had reached another milestone, with Villanueva announcing their engagement on Instagram, setting the stage for their wedding nearly a year later.Following their wedding, the newlyweds embarked on a romantic honeymoon in Italy, a dream destination for many couples. Their itinerary included iconic locations such as Rome, the Amalfi Coast, and Florence, promising an unforgettable start to their married life.Also Read: Tom Brady’s ex, Gisele Bündchen, flaunts stunning postpartum glow in first public outingEven amid personal celebrations, Turner remained focused on his professional commitments. Recently, when discussing the Los Angeles Rams, he did not hesitate to express his unwavering faith in quarterback Matthew Stafford, reaffirming his dedication to the team.