Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo Get Married in Surprise Ceremony

Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo are getting ready to have a blissful weekend ... As husband and wife! The two tied the knot Friday evening (July 15) in a private surprise ceremony on a tropical island, according to PEOPLE magazine.

The happy couple exchanged their vows in front of only 35 of their friends and family, keeping it as intimate as possible.

"For us, this is just a stepping stone to do what we ultimately want and that’s to start a family together," Minnillo tells the magazine.

Lachey popped the question to Minnillo in November, and kept their wedding planning out of the public eye as best as they could. Those in attendance were flown to the secret location and surprised with the nuptials upon their arrival to the island.

"Nobody knew where they were going," says the bride.

"Our wedding invitations were in the form of a plane ticket," adds her new husband, Lachey. "We told them they were going away and the attire was ‘island chic.’ It was all very vague."

Lachey's blushing bride wore a two-piece Monique Lhuillier ensemble featuring an intricately embellished lace corset with rose and crystal detail, paired with a signature hand tufted skirt made of silk faille. The look was completed with a tailored bow belt at her waist and chapel length tulle veil.

Lachey looked sharp for their big day, wearing a Dolce & Gabanna suit.

Look for the Lachey and Minnillo wedding to be televised on the TLC special, 'Nick & Vanessa's Dream Wedding,' which will premiere on July 30 at 9:00PM ET.

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