Los Angeles, Feb 21 (IANS): Grammy Award-winning singer Ne-Yo and fiancée Crystal Renay married in front of family and friends at Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, near Los Angeles.

"We can't wait to start our life together," Ne-Yo, 36, told people.com. after walking down the aisle on Saturday.

"We're looking forward to just being each others' best friend."

The couple began dating shortly after meeting for a possible collaboration for his 2015 album "Non-Fiction", and the Grammy winner knew even then they had a connection, which led to his popping the question last summer.

"I kind of knew right away. From that first encounter, I knew there was something different about her, something special," he said.

The couple's big day comes just before they will welcome their first child together. Ne-Yo is already father to Madilyn Grace, 5, and son Mason Evan, 4, from a previous relationship.

And the expectant bride took her growing belly into consideration as she got her gown.

"When I went to my first fitting, I had actually just found out the day before that I was pregnant, so from the beginning of the whole dress process, we knew that it would be a growing belly," said Renay.