Vanessa Minnillo Explains Why She Took Nick Lachey's Last Name

By Dahvi Shira

02/23/2012 at 07:20 PM EST

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Lachey.

The Wipeout host, formerly known as Vanessa Minnillo, has officially changed her last name so that it is the same as her new husband's, Nick Lachey.

"When you get caught up with things, it takes time to legally do it, but I'm doing that today," Vanessa tells Access Hollywood. "I got my social security card on Friday … and today, after this, I'm going to get my driver's license."

As for what prompted the name change, Vanessa takes credit for the decision.



"We talked about it and he was so sweet," she says. "He said, 'Whatever you want, I understand.' And I said, 'But would it mean a lot to you if I took it? Because I'm old fashioned and I want to.' And he said, 'What guy wouldn't want their girl to take their name fully?' [But] He didn't push me, no, no, no."

Now that names are out of the way, Nick, 38, and Vanessa, 31, are basking in the joys of being married.

Despite dating for years before saying, "I do," Vanessa says being husband and wife still "feels different, because you have this security blanket of knowing your partner and your best friend is there for you forever."