Once more with feeling!
Fresh off the hangover from Valentine's Day, Heart Evangelista and Chiz Escudero renewed their marriage vows as their way of celebrating their 9th wedding anniversary on February 15, 2024.
Let's revisit the details that made every bit of this occasion extra special.
Read: Here's how these celebrity couples celebrated Valentine's Day 2024
THE VENUE
The intimate vow renewal ceremony was set in the romantic place of Balesin Royal Villa in Balesin Island, where Heart and Chiz began their married life nine years ago.,
A majestic structure facing Lamon Bay and its gorgeous sunset, the Balesin Royal Villa takes the best of Asian royal heritage with its intricate filigree finishes, rich fabrics, and luxurious yet airy ambiance.
For this special occasion, the venue underwent a magical transformation.
Soft glowing lights adorned the surroundings, immaculate white flowers added a touch of ethereal beauty, and enchanting installations transported everyone into a world immersed in romance.
THE GOWNS
Living up to her reputation as a couture enthusiast, Heart was a picture of absolute loveliness in a captivating masterpiece designed by renowned Lebanese fashion designer Elie Saab.
The gown, adorned with intricate beading, featured a hood-like veil—a personal request from Heart herself, adding a unique touch to her look.
In an interview with Harper's Bazaar Singapore, Heart expressed her deep connection with Elie's creations, describing them as "dreamy and romantic."
To complement the gown, Heart wore a bespoke necklace adorned with diamonds collected over the years, including precious gifts from her parents and husband.
Read: FIRST LOOK: Heart Evangelista wows at vow renewal ceremony in stunning Elie Saab couture
Later, at the afterparty, Heart's change of wear was a fully beaded gown in Swarovski crystals with a cape, crafted by the celebrated local designer Michael Leyva.
CHIZ'S SUIT
Meanwhile, Chiz radiated class and opulence in a crisp light ecru-colored suit from Dior.
Paired with dark leather loafers from Gucci, the Philippine senator's outfit exuded sophistication, complementing the elegant setting of the ceremony.
THE TOUCHING MOMENTS
Cecile walks Heart down the aisle
Despite the absence of Heart's father, Rey Ongpauco, who is undergoing medical treatment in the United States, the ceremony marked a significant moment of reconciliation.
Heart's mom, Cecile, walked her down the aisle and gave her a warm embrace at the altar, symbolizing the healing of past differences and her newfound support for the couple.
It can be recalled that during Heart and Chiz's wedding in 2015, both Cecile and Rey chose not to attend the attend, publicly expressing disapproval of Chiz.
The closest thing Heart got as a form of blessing was a heartfelt letter from Rey that was read during the couple's wedding reception in 2015.
Read: Heart Evangelista's mom Cecile Ongpauco walks her down the aisle
Heart's wedding vow
Acknowledging the pain of the past, Heart expressed a more profound understanding of love, emphasizing that the devil's actions seemed to have led to such a miracle.
She eloquently expressed gratitude for her husband's unwavering love and underscored the transformative power of their relationship and the gift of second chances.
Here's a transcript of her wedding vow:
"Where can I find the one thing I valued the most? My heart went missing. The heart that contained most valuable memories, from the deepest, darkest secrets to a whole universe with endless rooms filled with laughter. And archives of the most saddest poems I've ever written, but was never meant to be read out loud. Songs for angels. Soul bonded lyrics from diaries of my childhood. How can I find my heart once more? I had a feeling of anger and resentment, but there was still an inkling of hope. Open faith was the reason I awoke. I was alive, but I never felt so alone. I knew one thing, that what the devil used for evil, God will use for good. And I always believed that I had a childlike faith to a fault at times, that I never stopped believing. And so I kept searching. After countless of emails, letters and requests. Sad to say, I was never able to find my heart again. In life.
"Sometimes we need some things to be hurtfully taken away in order for us to feel renewed and to be given a second life, a new beginning. And so, in the end, I did get a response. A miracle. I was given a brand new heart. A heart that came with an upgrade to boot. Stronger, bigger, wiser, and with freshly-painted wounds. Getting married again, a second time around, we're even now. Still seems like it's actually my first. And I do truly believe it's actually my first time. Because I knew. I knew what love was before. But now I know what love should be. A lot of married people will resonate with what I'm saying as I stand here today in front of you as a testament that it's never actually too late. Nothing in life should be too late. It's all about God's perfect timing. And today is exactly that.
"I thank you for being the perfect example of what a Husband should be. Yes. You are not perfect. You're not perfect. Ako lagi yung parang mali, just putting it out there. But you are close to it. You have proven what real love is. You waited, you accepted, and you had faith in the heart that I have today. Because only true love will remember the heart. No matter what season, no matter how long it took.
"You reminded me of who I am when I couldn't remember. They say earth angels are meant to struggle here and forget their power. And so I shall remind you every day that you have been one of the greatest archangels in my life. Your one true, unique power is hidden in your golden heart, and that is unconditional love. That love healed a lot of people around you, and it has healed me how my life would have been if you weren't around. You are not just a husband, but you are the greatest angel there is. God knew exactly what was going to happen in my life, so he had it planned out even before I was born. And he made sure to send me one of his best angels because he knew one day I was going to need someone exactly like you.
"So they say we meet people for a reason, a season, or a lifetime and that many loves may come into our lives. But in the end, I will always be grateful for the time that we have shared together. I sold my soul and you bought it back for me. You have softened all the edges. You rearranged the stars, and you have pulled it down to where I am. You. You have proven every word of my favorite love song can become a reality. And just like what I said before, I will love you. And I will always love you with all my heart."
THE ENTERTAINMENT
The enchanting atmosphere of the celebration was heightened by the mesmerizing voice of Mark Bautista singing a soulful serenade of love.
During the after-party, Mark and Heart shared a duet, captivating the audience with Steven Curtis Chapman's hit song I Will Be Here.
The wedding band, 3rd Avenue, added its heartwarming music to the air, sealing the occasion with a melodic finale that resonated with the spirit of love and joy.
Read: Senator Chiz Escudero surprises Heart Evangelista with ring on her 39th birthday