Niecy Nash Comes Out in Exuberant Wedding Announcement

Third time's the charm for Niecy Nash. The Selma actress came out in her wedding announcement to wife Jessica Betts on August 31, revealing her new marital status and the first photo from their outdoor nuptials.

Nash, 50, took to Twitter to share her big news with the world with the caption: "Mrs. Carol Denise Betts." She added the hashtag, "#LoveWins."

The accompanying photo from the intimate ceremony, which was held outdoors, shows the couple moments after being pronounced as newlyweds. In the pic taken by photographer Robert Ector, the pair triumphantly holds hands and grins underneath a large tree embellished with an array of white, pink and orange roses.

When They See Us actress Nash chose a mermaid-style, strapless gown with a dainty lace overlay. Betts opted for an ivory-color vested suit with an olive tie, artfully paired with white Gucci sneakers. The surprise couple married in what appears to be a backyard ceremony--a popular option for 2020 engaged couples amid the coronavirus pandemic. To play up the natural decor and design elements, they chose a white acrylic aisle runner decorated with tropical greenery with whimsical touches.

Luxury event planner William P. Miller executed the event held in California. "Big congratulations to @niecynash1 and @jessicabettsmusic who recently had us busy creating a wonderland of love for their special day," Miller expressed on social media. The event planner also revealed the pair exchanged vows in a microwedding and got hitched on the West Coast.

"I got a whole Wife," Betts, a singer-songwriter, added on Instagram with the hashtags: "#Bettsofbothworlds #LoveWins." Shortly after the announcement went live, Nash followed up on Instagram Stories with a day-after photo with Betts, adding the cheeky caption of "plot twist."

This is the third marriage for Nash, who was married to Don Nash from 1994 to 2007, followed by a marriage to Jay Tucker from 2011, which ended in October 2019. At the time, Nash and Tucker released a joint statement explaining the end of the relationship. "We believe in the beauty of truth. Always have. Our truth is that in this season of our lives, we are better friends than partners in marriage," they expressed. "Our union was such a gorgeous ride. And as we go our separate ways now, we feel fortunate for the love we share — present tense."