He became a world-known TV star after starring in the hit series “Saved by the Bell” 30 years ago. Since then, not only he has built a successful career, but he has also formed a beautiful family.
Lopez met his current wife Courtney, born Courtney Laine Mazza, four years after his first marriage to actress Ali Landy, which was annulled after only two weeks in 2004, and this time, he was up to the task of building a healthy relationship.
Mario and Courtney Lopez. I Image: Getty Images.
BECOMING AN ITEM
Despite the undeniable attraction and the bond the two formed, Mario wanted to take things slowly and making sure to do things right this time, but he also didn’t want to waste what he saw as the chance to find true love.
“I was in the right place in my life as an individual. Had I met her five, six years prior. I probably would have messed it up and it wouldn’t have worked out,” Mario said about that decisive moment later.
So, after giving each other a chance to put their feelings in perspective with a brief long-distance relationship, Mario was ready to step up and asked Courtney to move in with him, to which she happily agreed.
Mario Lopez and a pregnant Courtney. I Image: Getty Images.
BECOMING PARENTS
A proud Mario was delighted to announce the arrival of his and Courtney’s beloved daughter during an episode of his show “Extra.”
“We are so overjoyed. What an amazing, wonderful and overwhelming experience to welcome our daughter into the world,” Mario said at the time.
MARRYING
Three years into the relationship and with a baby daughter that made them a family of three, Mario felt ready to pop the question to Courtney, and he chose New Years’ weekend as the perfect occasion to ask her to marry him.
“I told Courtney that I wanted the mother of my children to have their last name. She was silent at first from shock, then she leaped for joy and did a little jete!” Mario recalled.
Mario and Courtney Lopez with their daughter Gia. I Image: Getty Images.
Later that same year of 2012, Courtney and Mario exchanged vows in an outdoor ceremony in Punta Mita, Mexico, as People reported at the time. The two became husband and wife just before the sunset, at the seaside.
Their wedding was aired in TLC, and little Gia served as a flower girl for the occasion. While talking to People, Mario joked about starting to expand the family right away.
“We’re working on that. Right after the wedding. We’ll wait for the guests to leave and then we’re getting right on that!” he said.
WELCOMING BABIES NUMBER TWO AND THREE
Mario proved he meant what he said about expanding the family right after the wedding when he and Courtney announced the arrival of their first son Dominic Lopez on September 09, 2013, almost exactly three years after his sister.
“It’s a boy!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please welcome Dominic Lopez to the world. Couldn’t be happier … Courtney and baby are doing just fine,” the actor tweeted.
In 2019, the couple was happy to once again inform the public about the upcoming arrival of a new member of the family, their son Santino, via an adorable family video announcement on Twitter.
On July 8, Santino Rafael Lopez was born. Courtney shared the baby’s first picture on Instagram, stressing how much he looked like his father.
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