Marking another milestone in their lifetime track, John and Elyn San Juan recently renewed their vows in time for their 25th year together as a married couple. The makings of a memorable wedding was a major challenge, though, as the celebration was a surprise setup.

Upon learning that her sister Elyn is looking forward to re-establishing the foundation of her married relationship, master planner Rhed Sarmiento started to prepare ahead of the much-awaited silver jubilee of her sibling and brother-in-law.

“Nu’ng sinabi ni Ate na mag-re-renewal of vows sila—25 years—siyempre, pressure sa’kin ’yun, ’di ba, dahil being the only sister—tapos wedding planner ka pa—parang you want to give everything to her. With all the [things] that happened before—kumbaga, ’yung mga effort na ginawa niya rin sa’kin, gusto ko rin namang bumawi, and I think this is the best time para makabawi kay Ate,” Rhed says, driven by her strong desire to return the favor to her rock—her Ate Len.

Elyn San Juan (left) and Rhed Sarmiento (right) Photo by NicePrint Photo

The bride, Elyn, who met John in 1996 and married him in 1997 when they were only 20 and 18, respectively, expressed her deep gratitude for Rhed, whom she would describe as “generous.” While Elyn gave up her studies to give way to her younger sister, Rhed never for once neglected her sister, too. “Before our mom died—kasama kasi ako ni Mommy before siya namatay—sabi niya sa’kin, ‘Len, ’wag mong papabayaan ang kapatid mo.’ Parang gusto kong sabihin kay Mommy, ‘Mommy, ako, hindi pinabayaan ng kapatid ko.’ Lagi niya kong tinutulungan. She wanted the best for me, always,” Elyn narrates.

The bride and the wedding planner/sister of the bride Photo by NicePrint Photo

“Kasi, dalawa na nga lang talaga kami, because my mom left when I was 11 and she was graduating from high school. So ngayon, nag-college siya pero hindi niya tinapos kasi kailangan niyang mag-work para makapag-aral ako,” Rhed recalls, her voice suddenly breaking. “So ngayon, gusto kong ibigay sa kanya lahat, though hindi ko na mababalik ’yung nangyari nu’n. I’m so grateful sa lahat ng ginawa niya. This is just one way of giving back to my sister for all that she did sa mga nangyari sa’min, sa mga pinagdaanan namin.”

John and Elyn San Juan at The Blue Leaf Photo by NicePrint Photo

On the 23rd of December 2022, John and Elyn tied the knot again and renewed their vows in an Iglesia ni Cristo church and held the reception at The Blue Leaf—something that the couple wasn’t expecting at all. Rhed Sarmiento and her team was in charge of the planning and coordination, and the rest of the suppliers include the following:

NicePrint Photography; Juan Carlo the Caterer; Rau Uson-Ablaza (Bridal Ensembles); Gorgeousa Makeup Studio (Hair and Makeup); Gideon Hermosa (Bridal Bouquet); Dave Sandoval (VIP Table); Amante Fleurs (Entourage; Ceiling and Guest Tables); Amelia Blossoms (Ceremony Stylist); Sound Level Production (Tech); Honey Glaze Cakes (Cake); Got Music Lights & Sounds (General Set); Dragon Fireworks (Special Effects); and Wishing Well Films (BTS Video).

To get a glimpse of what this surprise wedding party looked like, check out the gallery below:

The Bride - Elyn San JuanNice Print Photography

Bridal Bouquet by Gideon HermosaNice Print Photography

Bridal Gown by Rau Uson-AblazaNice Print Photography

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Bridal Robe by La TerceraNice Print Photography

Elyn with her bridesmaidsNice Print Photography

John with his groomsmenNice Print Photography

The Groom - John San JuanNice Print Photography

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The groom with his three childrenNice Print Photography

The bride with his three childrenNice Print Photography

At The Blue Leaf events venueNice Print Photography

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Bridal Gown by Jo RubioNice Print Photography

At the Iglesia Ni Cristo churchNice Print Photography

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Ring Box by Emerizza Rosacia; Shoes by Shoepatos Custom Made Shoes; Accesories by Christopher Munar; Invitation by neonoveltiesNice Print Photography

VIP Table by Dave SandovalNice Print Photography

Tunnel by Randy LazaroNice Print Photography

General Set by Got Music Lights & SoundsNice Print Photography

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The Sisters - Elyn and RhedNice Print Photography

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Photos courtesy of NicePrint Photo