BAZAAR Exclusive: Heart Evangelista On Her Vow Renewal Ceremony
Evangelista reveals all, from planning the intimate event to picking her stunning gowns.
Love is in the air for Heart Evangelista and her husband, Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero, who are celebrating a significant milestone in their marriage today: A renewal of their wedding vows on the occasion of their ninth anniversary. Following Evangelista's 39th birthday celebrations (that also fell on Valentine’s Day), the private and intimate event will be taking place on Balesin Island—where the couple tied the knot in 2015—with close friends and family in attendance.
In this BAZAAR exclusive, the multi-hyphenate and our December 2023 cover star spilled all the details ahead of her special day—from planning the vow renewal ceremony to picking her stunning gowns.
Related article: 10 Lesser-Known Facts About Heart Evangelista, Our December 2023 Cover Star
Heart Evangelista in custom Elie Saab
What makes this year the perfect time to renew your vows with your husband? When did you start planning the ceremony?
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. We’ve grown so much as a couple and are in a great place together. The total wedding planning took about nine months—my husband actually took full rein in planning everything. I’m very lucky.
What are the key differences between your wedding ceremony in 2015 and your vow renewal ceremony?
For the ceremony itself, 2015 definitely had a bigger and guest list. This time around, we have a little over 50 people we personally handpicked to join us. It wasn’t hard to decide who we wanted to invite—these are people who have played important roles in our marriage. My mum is also here. She wasn’t at the 2015 ceremony but all is well now and I’m happy that she’s finally here. I told her, “You finally made it mum, but you’re nine years late!” But we’re all good.
What considerations went into picking your wedding gown from Elie Saab and second reception gown from Michael Leyva for this important occasion?
Elie Saab has always had 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. The beige colour and the details on the beading... it was love at first sight. My only request was to add the veil—it was a non-negotiable.
Michael Leyva is a dear friend; he knows what I like and always does it so well. He’s dressed me for many occasions and it felt right to work with him for this special occasion, too.
Related article: Heart Evangelista’s Style Evolution Through The Years
Tell us about your wedding dress fittings in the Elie Saab and Michael Leyva ateliers.
We had a total of three fittings in Paris for Elie Saab—the final one in January this year. For Michael Leyva, we only had one fitting and the dress was already a perfect fit.
Who are the designer(s) for your husband’s vow renewal suits? Did you both intend for your looks to complement each other?
Chiz is wearing Dior for the ceremony and the reception. Complement is a good word, because we didn’t intend to match. I also respect his personal style and what he’s comfortable with, so of course I let him decide for himself, too.
What is one treasured piece of jewellery you will be wearing for the ceremony?
On my birthday this year, my husband surprised with the most beautiful paraiba diamond ring of my dreams. He hid the ring in a box that was shaped like a rose and stuck it in a giant bouquet of roses. It took me a while to find it but when I opened it, I was close to tears as it was the most special thing. Maybe it’s my “something blue” for this wedding.
Tell us about the necklace that you have customised with pieces from your diamond collection.
I love breathing new life into things—my friends know I’m constantly rearranging my home, painting my bags, finding new ways to wear pieces, etc. It was the same for this special necklace. I have been collecting diamonds since I was very young and some of them were gifts from special people like my mom, dad, and Chiz. Putting them together to make one special piece feels like weaving the chapters of my life together to form a story—a story that I can wear on my neck. I can look at each stone and tell you their story; they’re that special to me.
What is the theme for the ceremony?
We didn’t actually impose a strict theme. We just asked guests to come in formal neutral shades of beiges, browns, and nudes.
Related article: How To Ace Heart Evangelista’s Everyday Natural Makeup Look
Your wedding ceremony was held at the Balesin Island Club 9 years ago. Was it without question for you to opt for the same venue this time around?
Balesin has always been a special place for Chiz and me. It’s a place we’ve often gone to when we want to escape the city and unwind for a bit. We also had a wonderful relationship with its late owner, Roberto Ongpin. So yes, it was definitely without question to hold the ceremony on the beautiful island again. In 2015, we had our ceremony in the Balesin spa, and the reception at the Toscana village. This time around, we’re having both the wedding and the reception at the Royal Villa.
We’re also working with a lot of the same suppliers we had worked with during the 2015 wedding: Event stylist and florist Badang Rueda, photographer Pat Dy, and videographer Bob Nicolas. My good friend and makeup artist Albert Kurniawan is also doing my makeup again. It’s the same people who’ve seen us through the years so it felt fitting to have them again for this milestone.
What is the most important line in your vow, and why does it mean so much to you?
“I thought I knew what love is but now I know what love should be.” I think this line just speaks so much of where Chiz and I are now in our marriage and where I am personally as well. I have learned so much about love—I thought I knew everything at 30 when I got married, but of course I didn’t. I realised I was practically a baby. But throughout the years, I’ve grown and evolved with and through my husband, my pillar, my constant, and my greatest love.