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This Couple Celebrated Their 25th Wedding Anniversary Without A Hint Of What Will Happen

Events planner and wedding coordinator Rhed Sarmiento executes the perfect wedding ceremony for her sister as thanks for her timeless support

Article (news)

Janelle Roa Cabrera-Paraiso

<p>Marking another milestone in their lifetime track, <strong>John and Elyn San Juan</strong> recently renewed their vows in time for their <strong>25th year</strong> together as a married couple. The makings of a memorable wedding was a major challenge, though, as the celebration was a surprise setup. </p><div><br/></div><p>Upon learning that her sister Elyn is looking forward to re-establishing the foundation of her married relationship, master planner <a href="https://www.rhedsarmiento.com/" target="_blank">Rhed Sarmiento</a> started to prepare ahead of the much-awaited silver jubilee of her sibling and brother-in-law. </p><div><br/></div><p>“<em>Nu’ng sinabi ni Ate na mag</em>-<em>re</em>-renewal of vows <em>sila</em>—25 years—<em>siyempre</em>, pressure <em>sa’kin ’yun</em>, ’<em>di ba</em>, <em>dahil</em> being the only sister—<em>tapos</em> wedding planner <em>ka pa</em>—<em>parang</em> you want to give everything to her. With all the [things] that happened before—<em>kumbaga</em>, ’<em>yung mga</em> effort <em>na ginawa niya rin sa’kin</em>, <em>gusto ko rin namang bumawi</em>, and I think this is the best time <em>para makabawi kay Ate</em>,” Rhed says, driven by her strong desire to return the favor to her rock—her Ate Len.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/a3d7a762-36b0-45f9-a002-60c8fcfbc3e9_ste00002.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="This Couple Celebrated Their 25th Wedding Anniversary Without A Hint Of What Will Happen"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Elyn San Juan (left) and Rhed Sarmiento (right)<span id="isPasted" style="color:rgb(65, 65, 65);letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;display:inline !important;float:none"><em> Photo by NicePrint Photo  </em></span></span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>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—<em>kasama kasi ako ni</em> Mommy before <em>siya namatay</em>—<em>sabi niya sa’kin</em>, ‘Len, ’wa<em>g mong papabayaan ang kapatid mo</em>.’ <em>Parang gusto kong sabihin kay</em> Mommy, ‘Mommy, <em>ako</em>, <em>hindi pinabayaan ng kapatid ko</em>.’ <em>Lagi niya kong tinutulungan</em>. She wanted the best for me, always,” Elyn narrates.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/e90e1e6a-2009-43fe-9d8d-e2234bdca4f8_dscf4715.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="This Couple Celebrated Their 25th Wedding Anniversary Without A Hint Of What Will Happen"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">The bride and the wedding planner/sister of the bride<span id="isPasted" style="color:rgb(65, 65, 65);letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;display:inline !important;float:none"><em> Photo by NicePrint Photo  </em></span></span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>“<em>Kasi</em>, <em>dalawa na nga lang talaga kami</em>, because my mom left when I was 11 and she was graduating from high school. So <em>ngayon</em>, <em>nag</em>-college <em>siya pero hindi niya tinapos kasi kailangan niyang mag</em>-work <em>para makapag</em>-<em>aral ako</em>,” Rhed recalls, her voice suddenly breaking. “So <em>ngayon</em>, <em>gusto kong ibigay sa kanya lahat</em>, though <em>hindi ko na mababalik ’yung nangyari nu’n</em>. I’m so grateful <em>sa lahat ng ginawa niya</em>. This is just one way of giving back to my sister for all that she did <em>sa mga nangyari sa’min</em>, <em>sa mga pinagdaanan namin</em>.”</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/643cd852-aeef-43d4-8b62-300de90654b0_dscf4773.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="This Couple Celebrated Their 25th Wedding Anniversary Without A Hint Of What Will Happen"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">John and Elyn San Juan at The Blue Leaf<span id="isPasted" style="color:rgb(65, 65, 65);letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;display:inline !important;float:none"><em> Photo by NicePrint Photo  </em></span></span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>On the <strong>23rd of December 2022</strong>, John and Elyn tied the knot again and renewed their vows in an <strong>Iglesia ni Cristo church</strong> and held the reception at <strong>The Blue Leaf</strong>—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: </p><div><br/></div><p><strong>NicePrint Photography</strong>; <strong>Juan Carlo the Caterer</strong>; <strong>Rau Uson-Ablaza</strong> (Bridal Ensembles); <strong>Gorgeousa Makeup Studio</strong> (Hair and Makeup); <strong>Gideon Hermosa</strong> (Bridal Bouquet); <strong>Dave Sandoval</strong> (VIP Table); <strong>Amante Fleurs</strong> (Entourage; Ceiling and Guest Tables); <strong>Amelia Blossoms</strong> (Ceremony Stylist); <strong>Sound Level Production</strong> (Tech); <strong>Honey Glaze Cakes</strong> (Cake); <strong>Got Music Lights &amp; Sounds</strong> (General Set); <strong>Dragon Fireworks</strong> (Special Effects); and <strong>Wishing Well Films</strong> (BTS Video).</p><div><br/></div><div class="youtube-iframe"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p-0vKMg4Bqw" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><br/><div><br/></div><div><strong>To get a glimpse of what this surprise wedding party looked like, check out the gallery below:</strong></div><div class="article-content" itemProp="articleBody"><div class="media-content"><div class="slider-for"><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/18f3d878-43f8-454f-8a66-70f64c2ad95a_john and elyn san juan wedding landscape.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/71794aea-f414-44e1-863f-ac4dbea95792_dscf3603.jpg" alt="This Couple Celebrated Their 25th Wedding Anniversary Without A Hint Of What Will Happen" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/c9813ed5-a2f8-4581-8510-cfb9fa977da3_ste00077.jpg" alt="This Couple Celebrated Their 25th Wedding Anniversary Without A Hint Of What Will Happen" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/15f2974d-996b-443a-806d-2eb1594ce1a2_ste00103.jpg" alt="This Couple Celebrated Their 25th Wedding Anniversary Without A Hint Of What Will Happen" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/d362a451-9f04-40b0-be1f-4b77422821ef_ste06995.jpg" alt="This Couple Celebrated Their 25th Wedding Anniversary Without A Hint Of What Will Happen" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/11023201-5818-48fa-8e70-e6f3f56f2076_ste07891.jpg" alt="This Couple Celebrated Their 25th Wedding Anniversary Without A Hint Of What Will Happen" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/a62163db-370f-42d2-a57e-e4c867ac1228_ste09108 2.jpg" alt="This Couple Celebrated Their 25th Wedding Anniversary Without A Hint Of What Will Happen" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/4b1b8d36-fa62-4166-ba2d-132aaf1f0005_dscf2678.jpg" alt="This Couple Celebrated Their 25th Wedding Anniversary Without A Hint Of What Will Happen" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/a2308c40-693c-46f8-bb09-eb3947c0143a_dscf3003.jpg" alt="This Couple Celebrated Their 25th Wedding Anniversary Without A Hint Of What Will Happen" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/da9cf975-6e99-436d-807c-f507c5cfdbdf_dscf3562.jpg" alt="This Couple Celebrated Their 25th Wedding Anniversary Without A Hint Of What Will Happen" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/706dffc8-2042-498a-a892-4339c0d1408d_dscf8386.jpg" alt="This Couple Celebrated Their 25th Wedding Anniversary Without A Hint Of What Will Happen" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/13eb1454-d4db-491d-b9c1-c671a896ad50_ste08956.jpg" alt="This Couple Celebrated Their 25th Wedding Anniversary Without A Hint Of What Will Happen" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/72fb2e94-f53c-43f6-a43c-e9129b6a1c08_dscf4773.jpg" alt="This Couple Celebrated Their 25th Wedding Anniversary Without A Hint Of What Will Happen" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/542ecab3-bd6b-4296-9357-2ab0407e31d9_dscf4794.jpg" alt="This Couple Celebrated Their 25th Wedding Anniversary Without A Hint Of What Will Happen" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/2e5c7dc4-f971-4ef3-9c65-3dfa860f33e6_dscf4854.jpg" alt="This Couple Celebrated Their 25th Wedding Anniversary Without A Hint Of What Will Happen" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/b4236a80-9ca7-40ab-8fd3-5ca07ade96fa_dscf5025.jpg" alt="This Couple Celebrated Their 25th Wedding Anniversary Without A Hint Of What Will Happen" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/136303bf-24e5-488f-981a-2b89b24343f5_dscf5815.jpg" alt="This Couple Celebrated Their 25th Wedding Anniversary Without A Hint Of What Will Happen" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/0af8e1da-08a1-4d61-82c7-8f6a95a6f914_ste00742.jpg" alt="This Couple Celebrated Their 25th Wedding Anniversary Without A Hint Of What Will Happen" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/500d6136-3be8-488d-8411-d31d26e440a7_ste00876.jpg" alt="This Couple Celebrated Their 25th Wedding Anniversary Without A Hint Of What Will Happen" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/ec5c2af4-d34d-4fe4-b3e3-78ad19939e73_ste00912.jpg" alt="This Couple Celebrated Their 25th Wedding Anniversary Without A Hint Of What Will Happen" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/887a66d9-98a0-4ff9-a35e-784d12a5faab_ste01010.jpg" alt="This Couple Celebrated Their 25th Wedding Anniversary Without A Hint Of What Will Happen" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/6c12cb82-4660-470f-8ceb-c9cd4d0628a3_ste08647.jpg" alt="This Couple Celebrated Their 25th Wedding Anniversary Without A Hint Of What Will Happen" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/8f71a440-d6d0-4284-b86b-86fdefdecd84_ste08688.jpg" alt="This Couple Celebrated Their 25th Wedding Anniversary Without A Hint Of What Will Happen" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/3a4bc068-99c0-48e3-96cf-8bb5693d2807_ste08808.jpg" alt="This Couple Celebrated Their 25th Wedding Anniversary Without A Hint Of What Will Happen" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/e489a856-880b-4ba3-ac46-79e9a8e51e06_ste08968.jpg" alt="This Couple Celebrated Their 25th Wedding Anniversary Without A Hint Of What Will Happen" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/a958a1a7-768a-44ad-a9b3-98d0c9f78e48_dscf1894.jpg" alt="This Couple Celebrated Their 25th Wedding Anniversary Without A Hint Of What Will Happen" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/75dd5760-427c-4e7e-af72-b3d94f6e0edf_dscf4216.jpg" alt="This Couple Celebrated Their 25th Wedding Anniversary Without A Hint Of What Will Happen" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/7af0f0b0-ce4d-429f-baf7-b6b48cbc3dcc_dscf4294.jpg" alt="This Couple Celebrated Their 25th Wedding Anniversary Without A Hint Of What Will Happen" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/bc89c238-312d-4ddc-8d28-817457dd6cba_dscf4319.jpg" alt="This Couple Celebrated Their 25th Wedding Anniversary Without A Hint Of What Will Happen" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/b6f9dda6-0ea7-4e94-b201-11ad2a5c48c4_dscf4470.jpg" alt="This Couple Celebrated Their 25th Wedding Anniversary Without A Hint Of What Will Happen" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/0009268d-9d2c-48a4-bab9-561c11b957b7_dscf7291.jpg" alt="This Couple Celebrated Their 25th Wedding Anniversary Without A Hint Of What Will Happen" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/1010c595-bbb6-4039-b0c7-7157dd987a64_ste00002.jpg" alt="This Couple Celebrated Their 25th Wedding Anniversary Without A Hint Of What Will Happen" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/ed87d6d0-0083-4018-9208-39014256797b_dscf4715.jpg" alt="This Couple Celebrated Their 25th Wedding Anniversary Without A Hint Of What Will Happen" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div></div><div class="media-content slider-desc"><div class="item-desc"><div></div></div><div class="item-desc"><p>The Bride - Elyn San Juan<cite>Nice Print Photography</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Bridal Bouquet by Gideon Hermosa<cite>Nice Print Photography</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Bridal Gown by Rau Uson-Ablaza<cite>Nice Print Photography</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><div><cite>Nice Print Photography</cite></div></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Bridal Robe by La Tercera<cite>Nice Print Photography</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Elyn with her bridesmaids<cite>Nice Print Photography</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>John with his groomsmen<cite>Nice Print Photography</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>The Groom - John San Juan<cite>Nice Print Photography</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><div><cite>Nice Print Photography</cite></div></div><div class="item-desc"><p>The groom with his three children<cite>Nice Print Photography</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>The bride with his three children<cite>Nice Print Photography</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>At The Blue Leaf events venue<cite>Nice Print Photography</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><div><cite>Nice Print Photography</cite></div></div><div class="item-desc"><div><cite>Nice Print Photography</cite></div></div><div class="item-desc"><div><cite>Nice Print Photography</cite></div></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Bridal Gown by Jo Rubio<cite>Nice Print Photography</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>At the Iglesia Ni Cristo church<cite>Nice Print Photography</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><div><cite>Nice Print Photography</cite></div></div><div class="item-desc"><div><cite>Nice Print Photography</cite></div></div><div class="item-desc"><div><cite>Nice Print Photography</cite></div></div><div class="item-desc"><div><cite>Nice Print Photography</cite></div></div><div class="item-desc"><div><cite>Nice Print Photography</cite></div></div><div class="item-desc"><div><cite>Nice Print Photography</cite></div></div><div class="item-desc"><div><cite>Nice Print Photography</cite></div></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Ring Box by Emerizza Rosacia; Shoes by Shoepatos Custom Made Shoes; Accesories by Christopher Munar; Invitation by neonovelties<cite>Nice Print Photography</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>VIP Table by Dave Sandoval<cite>Nice Print Photography</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Tunnel by Randy Lazaro<cite>Nice Print Photography</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>General Set by Got Music Lights &amp; Sounds<cite>Nice Print Photography</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><div><cite>Nice Print Photography</cite></div></div><div class="item-desc"><div><cite>Nice Print Photography</cite></div></div><div class="item-desc"><p>The Sisters - Elyn and Rhed<cite>Nice Print Photography</cite></p></div><div class="item-desc"><div><cite>Nice Print Photography</cite></div></div></div></div></div><div><br/></div><p>Photos courtesy of <strong>NicePrint Photo</strong></p><div><br/></div>