What else could we ask for?

Vanessa Hudgens and Cole Tucker, who got married in December 2023, welcomed their first child this July 2024, and we’re as delighted as them by the news. The well-renowned actress and the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball player were seen walking out of the Hospital with their baby in Vanessa’s arms.

Unraveling Their Love Story

Now, to aspire for such relationship goals, is to decode their relationship first. The rumors of their relationship had started flying in November 2020. But, they went Instagram official on Valentine’s Day 2021, posting a sweet image of the pair sharing a kiss on the lips. ‘It’s you, it’s me, it’s us. @cotuck ,’ Hudgens captioned the post, to which Tucker replied in the comments, “Big love.” Since then, they have been going strong.

Hudgens shared with Entertainment Tonight in April 2021 that she and Cole met through a Zoom meditation group. “It was random, yes,” she laughed. “But Zoom, you’ve got to love it. He’s just perfect for me, and I’m really happy.”

Making the First Move

A month later, she opened up about making the first move  when they initially connected. “I fully just slid into his DMs and was like, ‘Hey, it was nice to meet you.’ So I think there’s no shame in making the first move,” she shared on The Drew Barrymore Show in May 2021.

Reflecting on Past Relationships

Hudgens showed her affection for her new husband by commenting on her previous relationship. During her interview for Teen Vogue, Vanessa Hudgens opened up about her breakup from long-time boyfriend Austin Butler, explaining why she’s “grateful” for the split. When asked about her breakup with Austin Butler, she said, “It pushed me to the right person, which I’m so grateful for.” 

Austin and Vanessa, after being in a relationship for 8 years, ended it in January 2020. The reason for the split was said to be Austin’s busy schedule while filming for his movie Elvis. So, it was mutual. But, the same problem did not seem to arise with her current relationship, what with Tucker’s baseball season being as long as it is. Well, as they say it, everything just makes itself right when it’s with the right person.

From Engagement to a Private Wedding

It didn’t take them long to announce their engagement in February 2023, sharing their joy with a joint Instagram post that read, “YES. We couldn’t be happier .” They decided to keep the relationship somewhat private, opting to get married at a very private venue in Tulum, Mexico, at the Azulik City of Arts, on December 2, 2023. The ceremony was closed-off to everyone other than close friends and family.

From Engagement to a Private Wedding

Hudgens went on to praise the baseball player, adding: “He’s just the most supportive, real, and understanding human being I ever met.”

Not only that, but we found out that Tucker is crazy about High School Musical. Back in January 2012, he proved his devotion through his tweet, “In search of: A girl who’s down to watch High School Musical with me and scratch my back,” If this doesn’t prove that soulmates do exist, we don’t know how to convince you.

Sharing the Pregnancy Announcement

On March 10th 2024, Hudgens, set to co-host ABC’s “Countdown to Oscars: On the Red Carpet Live!” announced her pregnancy to the audience and received great fanfare and hearty congratulations. She proudly showcased her growing baby bump in a fitted black gown, glowing with happiness and excitement throughout the event.

Sharing the Pregnancy Announcement

Zac Efron, Hudgens’ ex-boyfriend of 5 years and co-star, could not stop gushing about how excited he was about the news. He revealed that he was looking forward to all the “fun family reunions” that were coming up. Ashley Tisdale, Hudgens’ other co-star from High School Musical, was just as excited and happy for the actress.

That’s not to say Tucker’s teammates also offered him some very hearty good wishes. We do love to see a celebrity couple happily settled down and wish them the best.

The Bucket List for the quintessential So-Cal experience offers the most authentic off-beat experiences coming to you from the locals of Los Angeles, California who do know a little bit about other parts of the state.

Other than the stunning beaches, diverse cultural experiences, and a mild climate year round, southern California has a lot more to offer. Namely, the breathtaking natural wonders like the towering mountains and sprawling deserts, vibrant local art scenes, and vineyards. You’ll find charming small towns, hidden hiking trails, and unique festivals that reflect the rich tapestry of cultures here.

The original bucket list will take you at least two weeks to cover, if not more. So, here’s a downsized version of the list with the most essential to visit places that are unmissable when you come to SoCal.

SoCal Bucket List:

Joshua Tree Area

• Glamping/Camping: Your housing/accommodation of the day should be glamping. You’ll be able to experience the beauty of the desert and witness the stunning starry skies.
• Drive Through All of Joshua Tree National Park: Although pretty crowded during peak visiting season, this National Park is very much worth it to visit, especially for the prehistoric and honestly? Otherworldly atmosphere, especially during the lockdown.

San Diego Area

• Visit the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park: One of the world’s best zoos, combined with beautiful gardens and museums.
• Kayak Through the Caves in La Jolla Cove: An unforgettable adventure with breathtaking views and marine life.
• See Temecula from a hot air balloon: Although Temecula isn’t in San Diego, it’s close enough to visit from the city. This unique hot air experience smack dab in the middle of beautiful vineyards and rolling hills.

A unique food experience you’ll not be able to have elsewhere

• Taste SoCal’s wine in Temecula. 

• Cross the border for tacos, Tijuana tacos in particular. Yes, you heard that right. You just need your 

Small pleasures

• Enjoy your small, but wholesome experience of the day by watching the sunset at Sunset Cliffs.

Los Angeles Area

LA is famous for it . But what they don’t tell you is that LA is, to put it in simply, paradise for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.

• If you’re in it for the shedding of sweat, blood and tears (figuratively), you should skip the hike to the Hollywood sign and instead hike Mt. Baldy, or the highest point in LA and enjoy the natural beauty of the San Gabriel mountains. For a shorter hike, you can hike to Potato Chip Rock.

• See Views of LA from Griffith Observatory: This landmark offers breathtaking views of the city, the Hollywood Sign, and the stars. The observatory also has interesting exhibits and telescopes for stargazing.

Small pleasure of the day

• Have a picnic on the Getty Center lawn.

Santa Monica & Venice Beach Area

Santa Monica & Venice Beach Area

• Santa Monica Pier: The Santa Monica pier is full of fun activities, making it a great spot for families and beachgoers. And if you’re going to the pier, you cannot miss riding the Ferris Wheel with great ocean views. 

• Venice beach: The perfect place to get your holiday shopping done at. Your daily dose of people-watching, enjoying the different cultures merging in a large hub of street/art performances will allow you to just be. Which, unfortunately, doesn’t mean you can be careless of your belongings.

Food/small pleasures

• You can expect a lot of Taco eating. And the best experience comes from eating from Mexican taco stands at night along the Santa Monica pier.
• The Burgers at HiHo are as close to the wholesome experience as it gets.

Orange County: One word, Beaches (no offense meant).

Explore All 20+ Beaches in Laguna Beach. Each beach has something different to offer, some of the most popular and unmissable beaches are:

• Victoria Beach is perfect for skimboarders.
• San Onofre State beach is perfect if you want to go beach camping. 
• Newport Beach’s boat-filled harbor sits opposite the Balboa Peninsula, allowing you to visit both.
• Dana point: From sitting inside the Dana Point Sea Cave, attending the Sawdust Art Festival for locally handmade crafts, art demonstrations, and live music, and of course, riding the Orange Balloon at the Great Park, Dana point is not without its own set of activities to do.

Small/wholesome pleasure

• Roast s’mores on Huntington beach.

Southern California is like a treasure chest of epic experiences waiting to be explored. From glamping under the stars in Joshua Tree to munching on late-night tacos in Tijuana, every spot on this list is a must-visit. Whether you’re hiking up to Mt. Baldy or chilling on the Santa Monica Pier, you’ll be soaking in that classic SoCal vibe. 

Let us know if there’s any new places that you’ve been to and let us know how you found Southern California in all its Hollywood glory.