Weddings often bring tears of joy, but for one little boy, those tears came straight from the heart.
Four-year-old Gage learned that firsthand during an emotional ceremony in Ripley, New York, when his father, US Marine Corps sergeant Joshua Newville, married Senior Airman Emily Leehan. Gage stood proudly next to his father as they prepared to exchange vows, but he had no idea what was about to happen.
The ceremony was already emotional, with family and friends watching closely, but the real moment came when Leehan read a special set of vows she had written just for Gage. As soon as she started speaking, the little boy’s emotions took over.
Leehan began by saying, “I want you to be safe, and to try your hardest and to be a good person.” That was all it took for Gage to break down. He threw his arms around her, overwhelmed by the emotions of the moment.
The crowd couldn’t hold back their own feelings either. A chorus of “awwws” filled the room as they watched Gage hug his soon-to-be stepmother. Leehan gently tried to soothe him, whispering, “Don’t cry baby.” But at that point, Gage was so full of love and emotion, no one could blame him for letting the tears flow.
Leehan continued with her heartfelt vows, saying, “The last thing I hope you learn is that you are a special boy. You are so extremely smart, handsome, and kind to others. You have helped shape 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.”
Those words brought tears not just to Gage, but also to Leehan and Newville. The emotion in the room was palpable as the vows were spoken. Gage, wearing a sharp suit and looking up with big, tear-filled eyes, stole the spotlight. His reaction touched everyone, and it’s no surprise that the moment was captured on video, moving hearts around the world.
Though the newlyweds couldn’t go on a honeymoon right away due to their active military duties, returning to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst after the ceremony, it didn’t make the day any less special. The wedding was unforgettable, not only for the love between Joshua and Emily but also for the deep bond Emily shared with little Gage.
The video of Gage’s reaction went viral, with people from all over sending their well-wishes and talking about the power of love. It’s moments like these that remind us how love can bring families together in the most beautiful ways.
As this family starts their new life together, the ceremony will always be remembered for its warmth, love, and the heart-stealing moment that little Gage shared with his new stepmom.
What an unforgettable moment for Joshua, Emily, and Gage—proof that love, especially when it touches a child’s heart, is the strongest bond of all.
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