Tanika Ray and her T.V. producer fiance Frank Williams have been very discreet about their relationship.

So it was a nice surprise when the expecting parents decided to share the baby shower with Essence.

Tanika was clear about not being a “typical baby shower girl” but was happy to spend the day with her friends and loved ones. The guest list included Tanika’s college girlfriends, VH1’s Janell Snowden, HGTV’s Danielle Colding, and former Essence fashion director, Agnes Cammock.

The T.V. personality explained, “[My friends] knew I didn’t want any baby shower games. I just wanted to have a room full of people that I adore and love from the different walks of my life. It was like, ‘Tanika Ray, this is your life.'” Accordingly, a day of casual celebration was planned, including mock-tails in honor of the mom-to-be. Guests were  asked to write little messages to her unborn girl, which had to be addressed to “little nugget”, since she remains unnamed.

The expecting mother noted that she has about 40 names floating around in her head and figures she will have to take a day or two to get to know her daughter before settling on one. As she notes, “It’s a big thing to name a child.”

The little one is due next month, but first, Tanika plans to celebrate with the soon-to-be godmothers.

Photos: Essence.com/Michael Rowe