Sarah Lahbati and Richard Gutierrez first met through their network connections but officially started their relationship while working together on the teleserye Makapiling Ka Muli. Richard, then 28, courted Sarah, 18, during the filming, and by the end of the show, they were officially a couple.
What Were Their Early Days Like?
September 2012: Traveling to Switzerland and France
The couple’s relationship blossomed further with an international trip to Switzerland, where Sarah was born and raised, and France. They shared photos from the trip, and Sarah later confirmed their relationship status in an interview, revealing that the trip was a birthday gift from Richard.
How Did They Handle the Pregnancy Rumors?
January 2013: Facing Pregnancy Rumors
Shortly after making their relationship public, Sarah faced pregnancy rumors amidst contract issues with her network, GMA. Sarah announced her decision to return to Switzerland to study, which many linked to the pregnancy rumors. Richard initially denied these rumors in January 2013.
When Was Their First Child Born?
April 2013: Sarah Secretly Gives Birth to Zion
Sarah gave birth to their first son, Zion, in Switzerland. The couple kept the pregnancy and birth private, and it took months for the news to surface, with the couple confirming it over a year later.
How Did They Announce Their Parenthood?
June 2014: Richard Announces Their Baby
Richard publicly acknowledged their baby on the pilot episode of their family’s reality show It Takes Gutz to be a Gutierrez. Sarah also shared a photo of baby Zion on Instagram, and the public saw Zion for the first time in a subsequent episode of the show.
When Did They Get Engaged?
March 2017: Engagement in Switzerland
Richard proposed to Sarah in Zermatt, Switzerland, with the Matterhorn as a backdrop. They announced their engagement at the premiere of the fifth season of their reality show, viewing it as a new chapter in their lives.
How Did They Share Their Second Pregnancy News?
September 2017: Expecting Baby Number 2
While fans awaited wedding plans, Sarah and Richard announced they were expecting their second child. They shared a family photo with an ultrasound image, surprising their followers.
When Was Their Second Son Born?
March 2018: Birth of Kai
Sarah gave birth to their second son, Kai, in March 2018. Since Kai’s birth, the family has traveled extensively, enjoying life as a growing family.
What Were Their Notable Public Appearances?
September 2019: ABS-CBN Ball
The couple attended the ABS-CBN Ball, looking stunning in matching white Filipiniana ensembles, and were named Couple of the Night.
When Did They Set Their Wedding Date?
October 2019: Setting the Wedding Date
After over two years of engagement and welcoming another son, Sarah and Richard announced their wedding date would be in March 2020. They chose March because it held special significance for them, including their engagement and Kai’s birth.
When and Where Did They Finally Tie the Knot?
March 2020: The Wedding
Sarah and Richard are set to get married on March 14, 2020, at Shangri-la at the Fort in Bonifacio Global City. Their sons will be part of the entourage, and the list of principal sponsors includes notable figures such as President Rodrigo Duterte and several senators.