Weddings are always full of emotions, but sometimes, those emotions hit harder than expected. That’s exactly what happened to four-year-old Gage, who learned firsthand just how overwhelming love can be.
The moment came when his father, US Marine Corps sergeant Joshua Newville, married Senior Airman Emily Leehan in Ripley, New York. What started as a beautiful day full of joy and excitement quickly turned into a touching moment that left everyone in tears.
For little Gage, it was already a special day as he stood proudly by his father’s side while Joshua exchanged vows with Emily. He was doing his best to keep his emotions in check, but no one expected what would come next. Gage didn’t know that Emily had written a special set of vows just for him, and when she began reading them, the emotions became too much for the young boy to handle.
As Emily started her vows, the atmosphere shifted, and all eyes were on Gage. She looked at him with warmth and love in her eyes, and her voice was steady yet filled with emotion. “I want you to be safe, and to try your hardest, and to be a good person,” she began. Hearing those words, Gage’s composure broke.
His big eyes filled with tears, and before Emily could say more, he rushed forward, throwing his arms around her. The floodgates opened, and Gage was lost in his feelings.
The audience was captivated by the moment. A collective “awwww” echoed through the room as everyone watched the little boy embrace his soon-to-be stepmother. Emily, trying to comfort him, gently said, “Don’t cry, baby,” but Gage’s emotions were far too strong to be stopped. It wasn’t just a moment of sadness; it was pure, unfiltered love and connection.
Despite the tears, Emily continued her vows to Gage, her voice growing more tender as she spoke from her heart. “The last thing I hope you learn is that you are a special boy,” she said, pausing for a second to catch her own breath. “You are so extremely smart, handsome, and kind to others.
You have helped shape me into the woman that I am today. I may not have given you the gift of life, but life surely gave me the gift of you.”
Those words were powerful enough to make everyone in the room tear up. Even Joshua, Gage’s father, couldn’t hold back his emotions as he watched his son and his new wife share this unforgettable moment. The tears flowed freely from all three of them—Emily, Joshua, and Gage—as they stood there, united by love. It wasn’t just about two people getting married; it was about a family coming together.
Gage’s heartfelt reaction wasn’t just something for those in attendance to witness—it became a moment that touched hearts all over the world. The video of Gage’s emotional response quickly spread online, where viewers from everywhere were moved by the powerful display of love. His little suit, teary eyes, and pure innocence made him the star of the day, capturing the hearts of everyone who saw the video.
As much as Gage stole the show, the day was also special for the newlyweds. According to reports from ABC7, both Emily and Joshua remained on active duty immediately after the ceremony. This meant that instead of heading off for a honeymoon, they returned to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst to begin their married life together.
While they didn’t get the traditional honeymoon right away, the wedding itself was a day they would never forget.
The ceremony became a perfect reminder of what love truly means, not just between husband and wife, but between a parent, a step-parent, and a child. It wasn’t just vows exchanged between Joshua and Emily—it was a promise to Gage as well, a vow to build a family together, filled with love and care.
Weddings are meant to be emotional, but this one was particularly special. Gage’s raw, emotional reaction captured the essence of the day—love in its purest form. It wasn’t just about a beautiful wedding dress or a fancy ceremony; it was about the bond between a new family, and the love that tied them all together.
If you watch the video of Gage hearing Emily’s vows, be sure to grab some tissues. This beautiful ceremony is a powerful reminder of the strength of love and family. We wish Joshua, Emily, and Gage all the best in their future together.
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