Fashion icon Heart Evangelista and husband Senstor Chiz Escudero has renewed their wedding vows in a private island resort.
In photos taken by photographer BJ Pascual, Heart wore a beige gown designed by Lebanese fashion designer Elie Saab as she walked down the aisle at the Royal Villa in Balesin Island Club.
“Elie Saab has a special place in my heart—it was actually one of the first shows I ever attended in fashion week. I’ve always loved their dreamy and romantic creations, and when I saw the custom couture dress, I knew that was it,” said Heart about her dress in an interview with Harper’s BAZAAR Singapore.
Heart’s second gown for the reception was made by her longtime friend, fashion designer Michael Leyva.
The couple’s vow renewal ceremony followed the celebration of Heart’s 39th birthday and the pair’s 9th wedding anniversary. Notably, the ceremony took place at the exact resort where they celebrated their wedding back in 2015.
“We actually originally wanted to do it during our fifth year wedding anniversary but life just kind of got in the way and it didn’t really pan out. But all things happen for a reason; we’re here in our ninth year of marriage and it just feels like the perfect time to do it,” Heart explained.
Compared to their wedding in 2015, the couple’s renewal ceremony was more intimate with the total guest list only amounting to a little over 50 people.
“It wasn’t hard to decide who we wanted to invite—these are people who have played important roles in our marriage,” the fashion icon said.
Heart’s mother, Cecile Ongpauco, had walked the actress down the aisle during the ceremony. Meanwhile, her father, Rey Ongpauco, was not able to attend due to his medical treatment in the US.
Heart’s parents previously did not attend the couple’s wedding in 2015 as they did not approve of their relationship back then. Following Heart’s reconciliation with her parents, the Ongpaucos had eventually expressed their support for their marriage.
Many fellow celebrities and fans have congratulated the fashion icon as well as expressed their admiration for her looks during the ceremony.