While it’s commonly believed that family is not a choice, Emily Leehan, an Airman in the United States Air Force, challenged this notion when she became engaged to Marine Corps Sergeant Joshua Newville. Determined to convey her deep regard for her soon-to-be stepson, Gage, despite the absence of a blood connection, Leehan incorporated the 4-year-old into her wedding vows. Gage, the son of Newville from a previous relationship, played a central role in the couple’s nuptials at Quincy Cellars in Ripley, New York, on July 22, 2017. In the midst of a poignant military ceremony, Leehan publicly recited her vows for the first time.
Leehan shared with People that the idea of involving Gage in their wedding had been on her mind since the engagement to the Marine Sergeant. To execute this heartfelt plan, she chose to compose vows specifically for Gage, a decision that she discussed with Newville. He embraced the idea but opted not to read the vows until the actual day.
Beginning her vows with a commitment to always shield Gage, Leehan urged him to embrace goodness in every circumstance. As the emotional 4-year-old buried his face in her wedding dress, Leehan affectionately comforted him with the words, “Don’t cry, baby.” The audience responded with collective expressions of endearment, emitting heartfelt “awws” while some wiped away tears, moved by the sincerity and beauty of this unconventional celebration of familial love.
In a poignant moment, Newville embraced his emotional son, encouraging him to stay strong, even as he fought back tears himself.
Continuing her vows, Leehan expressed, “The last thing I hope you learn is that you are a special boy. You are exceptionally smart, handsome, and kind to others. You have played a crucial role in shaping me into the woman I am today.” Concluding her heartfelt words, she conveyed to Gage that she may not have given him the gift of life, but life had undeniably blessed her with the precious gift of him.
For the full video, be sure to scroll to the end of this article and witness this touching moment.
The pair, who had been in a relationship for three years prior to tying the knot, were taken by surprise at Gage’s emotional response to Leehan’s gesture. The unpredictability of four-year-olds was evident, and Leehan anticipated that Gage would quickly lose interest in the day’s festivities.
Leehan expressed her surprise at Gage’s reaction, sharing with People, “I definitely didn’t expect him to react the way he did. My response was to giggle it off because if I hadn’t, I would have cried like a baby, and I wouldn’t have been able to get it all out. It couldn’t have been any better than how it went.”
Newville also revealed how he tried to hold back his tears during the emotional moment, saying, “I was trying not to lose it more than I already had—I think I was tearing up before the vows even started, just because of the emotion of the day—then when I saw Gage tear up, I was trying not to tear up with him.”
Moreover, the authenticity of the moment resonated with friends and family who expressed their appreciation. “We were telling him, ‘You did awesome,’ and our family and friends were saying that and told him he made it even better,” Newville shared with ABC.
Fortunately, Gage’s mood lightened at the reception, where he amused the crowd by wearing a Darth Vader mask. The couple, Leehan and Newville, have since expanded their family with two beautiful daughters, occasionally sharing glimpses of their lives on Facebook.
Celebrating their first pregnancy in 2018 with joyful maternity shoots, the couple marked their sixth anniversary on July 22, 2023. In a Facebook post the day before, Leehan expressed her love, stating that she would choose Newville again in another life.
Did you find Emily Leehan’s wedding vows heartwarming? If you’re part of a blended family, share your experiences with us! Don’t forget to pass this touching story along to your family and friends. Keep scrolling for more heartwarming tales 🙂
