How did Cole Tucker meet Vanessa Hudgens? Realtionship explored as actress pays tribute to husband on 29th birthday

Vanessa Hudgens and Cole Tucker's romance reads like a modern-day love story — and it all began in a surprisingly down-to-earth way. The High School Musical alum first met the professional baseball player in a Zoom meditation group during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hudgens later revealed she was the one who made the first move after their virtual introduction, telling The Drew Barrymore Show in May 2021,

“I fully just slid into his DMs and was like, ‘Hey, it was nice to meet you.’”

“I think there is no shame in making the first move,” Hudgens added, making it clear that their connection was instant.

Cole Tucker, for his part, confirmed their relationship in a February 2021 MLB spring training interview, saying,

“I got a girlfriend and she's cool. She's awesome, I love her.”

He emphasized that he wanted to keep their romance low-key despite Hudgens' star status, adding,

“You will see her, but you saw the headline — it is what it is.”

Fast-forward to July 3, 2025 — and the two are not only happily married but also celebrating an extra special milestone. On Tucker’s 29th birthday, which also happens to be the first birthday of their child, Hudgens paid tribute to her husband on Instagram.

“Happy birthday to my best friend/lover/partner in life,” she wrote. “@cotuck you’re everything to meeeeeee. No one does it better. 🥳🎂😘”

From virtual vibes to real-life romance for Vanessa Hudgens and Cole Tucker

Their relationship quickly grew beyond the virtual sphere. Hudgens and Cole Tucker were first spotted together in November 2020, sparking dating rumors after being seen on a cozy dinner date in Los Angeles. Just a few months later, in February 2021, the couple made things Instagram official when Hudgens posted a Valentine’s Day photo of the two kissing, captioned,

“It’s you, it’s me, it’s us. @cotuck.”

By April 2021, Hudgens was openly expressing just how well they meshed.

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“He’s just kind of perfect for me,” she told Entertainment Tonight. “I am [happy]. I really am. I think that it’s also so important to stay grateful for everything that you have in life. I’ve been making that a priority, and I feel like it’s just been making magic happen all the more.”

From supporting each other’s careers to sharing family milestones, the pair has continued to grow stronger — and Hudgens' latest birthday tribute is just another testament to that bond.

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