Nelly and Ashanti have been married in secret for 6 months

Nelly and Ashanti have been secretly marriedfor six months, documents obtained by PEOPLE reveal. The couple tied the knot on December 27, 2023, but kept their wedding under wraps until now.

The news comes as a surprise, as the couple had previously only announced their engagement and pregnancy. Ashanti recently shared details about Nelly's proposal and her dream wedding in an interview, adding to the surprise of the secret nuptials.

In May, Ashanti celebrated her first Mother's Day as an expecting mother, sharing photos on Instagram of her with Nelly and family. The caption expressed her excitement about the "incredible journey" they were embarking on.

The couple's relationship began in the early 2000s and experienced a brief break-up in 2013. They rekindled their romance in 2023, and a year later, announced their engagement and pregnancy.

In an April 2024 interview with Essence, Ashanti subtly confirmed the engagement by referring to Nelly as her "fiancé" and expressed her anticipation for motherhood.

The revelation of their secret wedding adds another layer of joy to their journey as a couple and soon-to-be parents.