A couple had a beautiful wedding ceremony in Pennsylvania involving the groom’s four-year-old son from a previous relationship. This boy’s new stepmom decided to read vows to him too, and his reaction made the citizens burst into tears.
Josh and Emily Newville worked in Burlington County, New Jersey, had been together for two years before deciding to tie the knot. During that time, Emily had a chance to build a strong bond with her future stepson Gage, a relationship causing a clip from the Newvilles’ wedding to go viral.
Emily can be seen reading her “vows” to toddler Gage as his stepmom in the video. Through tears, she expressed herself. “I just want you to be safe, try your hardest, and be a decent person,” Gage says, crying and squeezing Emily tightly. This was photographed by Jessica Husted Photography.
And this is when Gage, Josh, the officiant, and even some people in the audience of loved ones all lost it. This is just too delicious to bear. The stepmom pressed on, her voice shaking, totally determined to say what she had to say to her new stepson.
“I know we will butt heads…but I hope with all my heart that as you become a grown man, you will understand my methods and realize I have only done what’s best for you and that I love you.”
“The last thing 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 turn 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.”
Emily finished her vows and leaned down to hug and kiss Gage before gently urging him to go to his uncle because there was still a wedding to finish. The easy vibe between this stepmom and her little guy is probably the biggest reason why the whole video is sweet.
Emily described her connection with Gage as “nothing short of perfection,” which is why she wanted him to be a part of their wedding. “I wanted to include him because when I promised to be Josh’s wife, I also promised to be his stepmom,” she explained. I wanted to make him feel special and remind him of how important he is to me.”
She claims he was taken aback by his reaction. “He had no idea I was planning vows to him, and at four years old, I didn’t expect him to understand what was going on, but his feelings say otherwise!”
It is never simple to merge families even if all parties involved are supportive. There are still hurdles to overcome. However, in this family, it’s clear that Gage’s well-being is paramount.
His biological mom even chimed in on the video’s comments saying, “As his mother, I can say that she is an amazing step-mother to him. I couldn’t have picked someone better. Gage is lucky to have her and I’m so thankful I can trust her to be there when I cannot be!”
At the end of the day, Gage has two moms who love him very much. And that’s a beautiful thing to see.