ICYMI, Ria Atayde and Zanjoe Marudo tied the knot on Saturday, March 23, 2024, just a month after they announced their engagement! The happy couple has been dating for over a year, and kept their relationship pretty much under wraps and drama-free, flaunting their adoration for each other through adorable couple snaps on Instagram.
That said, it comes as no surprise that the two opted to exchange vows on a smaller scale, inviting their nearest and dearest to an intimate civil ceremony, which, by the way, coincided with Ria’s birthday. (We know—sooo romantic!)
In honor of the couple’s milestone, below is a complete timeline of Ria and Zanjoe’s low-key but gush-worthy romance, a friends-to-lovers kinda trope straight out of a movie.
Zanjoe Marudo and Ria Atayde’s Relationship Timeline
2017: They co-starred in My Dear Heart
The pair first worked together in the fantasy TV series My Dear Heart where they co-starred with industry veteran Coney Reyes and Bela Padilla. While back then, they were nothing but co-stars, it pretty much is the time when they first met, and what you can stay is the start of their friendship journey.
2021: Ria, Nguya Squad, and Zanjoe
The two remained acquaintances for a few years, but it wasn’t until 2021 that they started getting close after being spotted on several hangouts with mutual friends. ICYDK, Ria was part of the celeb barkada Nguya Squad, which has former reel-to-real-life love team Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla as two members.
Aside from KathNiel, Gabbi Garcia, Khalil Ramos, Pat Suigui, Aeriel Garcia, and Marco Gumabao were also part of the fun and chaotic group! They used to go on these fun barkada trips—including Halloween and yacht parties where they would dress up and just ~live the life~. While Zanjoe wasn’t originally part of the group, he was Daniel’s close friend—which explains how he eventually got to hang out with Ria as well.
August 9, 2022: Ria-Zanjoe relationship rumors
Relationship rumors started to swirl after Ria and Z were spotted dining with some friends in New York, sans the presence of their other celeb friends.
Oct 14, 2022: Ria’s mom Sylvia Sanchez confirms the relationship
Certainly not a drill! Ria’s mom Sylvia Sanchez put an end to all speculations and confirmed the good news herself, “Nung huli, sabi saken dating. Pero hindi pa talaga sila,” she told reporter MJ Marfori when asked about her daughter’s love life. She also shut down pregnancy rumors there and then: “Kaya nga natatawa ako dun sa mga lumalabas na buntis, nagpakasal… Hello? Ako muna makaka-alam noh. Ako po nanay.”
Nov 1, 2022: Japan vacay!
A month after the dating news was confirmed, the couple went on a much-needed vacation to Japan with KathNiel and Joshua Garcia, sending their fans into a frenzy. P.S. Ria was also once linked to Joshua in the past too, but she dismissed it, saying they’re better off as friends. “Rumored boyfriend ko nga daw siya pero mas nare-reassure ako sa lalim ng friendship namin for us to withstand the rumors and all. Whatever people throw at us, parang kampante ako that we could be friends forever,” she said.
Jan 17, 2023: Zanjoe confirms relationship with Ria
Zanjoe *finally* confirms his relationship with Ria! In an interview with Karen Davila, the actor was directly asked, “I heard you were in a relationship right now. Kay Zanjoe muna tayo, you’re in a relationship right now?”
Unable to hide his kilig, the actor replied, “Yes. Parang it’s out in the open naman na, so yes.” He was also asked about future wedding plans, to which he calmly set aside: “Sobra lang akong nag-e-enjoy ngayon sa sitwasyon ng buhay ko, sa career ko, sa personal life, pero yung mga ganyang bagay [pag-aasawa], masyado pang maaga,” he said.
Feb 20, 2024: Ria and Zanjoe got engaged!
A little over a year after confirming their relationship, the lovebirds announced their engagement, sharing the news on Insta. “Forever sounds good,” Ria captioned her post, followed by a white heart and engagement ring emoji. “And tastes even better,” Zanjoe added.
Feb 23, 2024: Mom Slyvia reacts to the couple’s engagement
Known as a sweet mother-in-law, Sylvia was indeed the happiest mom when Ria broke her engagement news to her. “My heart is overflowing with joy. Perfectly matched,” she described the sweet moment. Aww! ICYDK, the *proposal* happened in the simplest way possible, as Zanjoe just popped the question one morning while they were in bed. So adorbs!
March 4, 2024: Gela Atayde slams pregnancy rumors about Ria
Following their engagement, rumors that Ria was pregnant started circulating. Her sister Gela quickly debunked the news, though she did disclose that the couple has plans on starting a family. “For now, no. They’re trying, that’s for sure. My sister has PCOS, and it would be a miracle if she had a child. Well, at least my parents are also supportive of that. My sister nga kasi is at the age—turning 32 this year medyo kailangan na din,” she told ABS-CBN News.
March 23, 2024: Ria and Zanjoe are married!
Ria and Zanjoe are ~*officially*~ married! As you know by now, Z surprised everyone by uploading the sweetest snaps of the occasion on his Insta, captioning it, “Happy birthday MY WIFE.” In the photos uploaded by Niceprint Photography, the couple radiated happiness, proving that a simple wedding can still be as memorable as a big one.
Aand that concludes Ria and Zanjoe’s kilig-filled relationship timeline. We’ll keep you posted for further updates, but for now, we’re so happy for these two! Congratulations, lovebirds, and all the best!
