It’s rare to attend a wedding and not see a few people crying. Weddings are beautiful and emotional events, and it’s not uncommon for dear friends, family members, and even the bride and grooms themselves she shed a few tears.
U.S. Marine Corps. Sgt. Joshua Newville and Senior Airman Emily Leehan’s beautiful wedding was sure to cause a few people to grab for a tissue, but it was Joshua’s son who really couldn’t contain his emotions.
4-year-old Gage was unable to hold back his tears when the couple began to read their vows.
Not only did Emily write vows for her husband-to-be, but she had something special to say to Gage as well. She read her “vows” to the young boy during the ceremony.
“I want you to be safe, and to try your hardest, and to be a good person.” Emily says. You can hear the emotion in her voice as she tries to hold back her own tears. Looking down at her soon to be stepson, she says “Don’t cry!” to Gage. He immediately throws his arms around her and starts sobbing. The crowd reacts with adoration and more tears, and Emily tries her best to get through the vows without sobbing too.
“I know that you and I will butt heads,” she continues, but Gage’s sobs are just too distracting for her to go on. “Except for right now” she laughs as Gage turns to his father. As he clings to Joshua’s leg, he continues to cry. “Buddy, it’s ok” his dad says.
With the help and comfort of his dad, Emily is able to go on with her loving words to Gage.
“I hope with all my heart that as you become a grown man you will understand my methods and realize that I have only done what was best for you, and I love you. The last thing that I hope you learn is that you are a very special boy. You are so extremely smart, handsome, and kind to others. You have helped make me into the woman that I am today, and I may not have given you the gift of life, but life surely gave me the gift of you.”
Gage was unable to stop sobbing throughout Emily’s beautiful speech, and it is clear that even though she is not his real mother, these two truly have a special bond.
Joshua is even able to get Gage to turn around and face Emily as she delivers her kind words to the young boy, and you can see the tears in his eyes as he hugs her tightly.
Joshua and Emily were married at Quincy Cellars in Ripley, New York on July 22nd. They won’t be taking a honeymoon just yet, as Joshua is committed to serving the Marines at this time.
All the best wishes to this loving family! You can watch the heartwarming video for yourself below.
