Six months after the fact, BEYONCÉ has finally confirmed that she and JAY-Z did, in fact, get married on April 4th. In the new issue of Essence magazine, Beyoncé confirms that the wedding was small and intimate -- she says she didn't want any major deal because, quote, "It's been my day so many days already." B also says she never had an engagement ring because, quote, "It's just material and it's just silly to me." As for the decision to marry, B says, "We've been together a long time. We always knew it would happen." She also confirms that she does want children...someday.

And why did Beyoncé and Jay keep their wedding so hush-hush? She tells Essence, "What Jay and I have is real. It's not about interviews or getting the right photo op."

Read more about Beyoncé's new album and movies in the new issue of Essence -- she's on the cover.

The November issue of ESSENCE hits newsstands on October 12th