Nick and Vanessa Lachey’s relationship timeline: how did the power couple hosting Netflix’s Love is Blind and The Ultimatum meet, and did you know their first date was at Hooters?
From their initial meeting on the set of MTV in the early 2000s to becoming the dynamic duo behind some of Netflix’s most popular reality shows, Nick and Vanessa Lachey’s journey has gone through the highs and lows of public life.
Vanessa’s rise to fame began as a VJ on MTV, leading to significant roles including Jane Tennant in NCIS: Hawai’i. In 2021, she became the first woman to lead a series in the franchise, marking a historic milestone in her career.
Nick’s ascent in the 90s as a member of R&B vocal group 98 Degrees set the stage for a diverse career that transitioned from pop stardom to reality TV, notably with MTV’s reality series Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica (2002) – a show that followed Nick and former wife Jessica Simpson’s life as newlyweds inside their California home.
Despite a publicised divorce from Simpson, Nick’s career thrived. He showcased his acting skills in shows like Charmed (2004) and hosted gigs from The Sing-Off (2009). He returned to music with 98 Degrees in 2021 with the single “Where Do You Wanna Go”.
Here’s a look into Nick and Vanessa’s relationship through the years.
2003: Nick and Vanessa Lachey meet for the first time on TRL
Their romance started on MTV’s Total Request Live (TRL), where Vanessa was a VJ and Nick frequently appeared as a guest, promoting his music and his reality show Newlyweds with then-wife Simpson. Despite their professional paths crossing, Nick told Billboard in 2017 that he wouldn’t necessarily say TRL brought them together.
2006: They start dating after working together on “What’s Left of Me”
Their relationship blossomed in February 2006 after Vanessa appeared in Nick’s “What’s Left of Me” music video. Vanessa told Billboard that this was when their relationship turned romantic. Per Us Weekly, by that summer, they officially started their relationship, famously having their first date at Hooters. Nick told the outlet, “It was the only thing open in Trenton, New Jersey, after I did a show in Trenton, New Jersey … Nothing against Hooters, though. Great wings.”
2009: The couple split temporarily
In June 2009, reps confirmed to People that the couple had split, saying it was amicable and that they remained caring friends. In 2023, Vanessa revealed on an episode of Netflix’s The Ultimatum that the separation was due to her desire to settle down, which Nick wasn’t ready for at the time.
However, by October 2009, Nick confirmed their reconciliation during an appearance on Good Day Philadelphia.
2010: Nick proposes to Vanessa
The couple got engaged and soon shared the news with People, stating, “We’re excited and incredibly happy about our engagement, and we look forward to a wonderful future together.” Nick later revealed to Entertainment Tonight the earnestness of the moment, saying he proposed “on both knees in a full begging position”.
2011: Nick and Vanessa walk down the aisle
In 2011, the couple exchanged vows in a private island ceremony on Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands, in the presence of around 35 of their closest family and friends.
They televised their nuptials on TLC, allowing fans to glimpse their special day. Since then, they’ve welcomed three kids: Camden, 11, Brooklyn, nine, and Phoenix, seven.
2020: They become hosts of Love is Blind
The duo has hosted Netflix’s Love is Blind for six seasons since 2020, which became one of the streaming giant’s most popular shows. In April 2022, they expanded their roles with Netflix by co-hosting The Ultimatum, challenging couples to decide on marriage or breaking up while simultaneously considering other potential partners.
2021: The couple moves to Hawaii
In 2021, they moved their family from Los Angeles to Hawaii, a decision made as Vanessa began filming the hit CBS show NCIS: Hawai’i. Initially planning to commute, they quickly chose to settle in Hawaii full-time. Vanessa told Travel + Leisure, “We thought we were going to do a Hawaii to LA ‘travel-on-the-weekend’ thing. We sold our house, and now we’ve got Hawaii license plates!” They now live in Oahu.
2023: They celebrate their 12th wedding anniversary
In July 2023, the Lacheys celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary. Nick posted throwback photos on Instagram, expressing gratitude for Vanessa’s love and support, saying, “Vanessa, not a day goes by that I’m not grateful for your love.”
Vanessa, meanwhile, posted a humorous video with an ageing filter, captioning, “17 years together, 12 married! I love growing old with you. Happy anniversary, baby!”
