Groom Writes Special Wedding Vows To Ask Permission To Adopt Bride's Daughters

Jan 11, 2023

Wedding vows are a special opportunity for couples to formally and publicly express their love and commitment to one another during the larger ceremony. Brides and grooms that choose to write their own personalized vows are faced with the unique challenge of having to say something memorable, something clever, something new. 

Some have incorporated shared dogs and beloved family pets, while others weaved inside jokes into more standard sentiments. Those that are bringing two families together find unique and heartwarming ways to include children, siblings, parents, or other dependents into the day just to let those individuals know that they have a place in the couple's shared future. 

During the 2021 Michigan wedding between Dontez Williams and Myshella Burton, the groom took the opportunity to mention his soon-to-be stepdaughters in his vows. Williams wrote a special note for 9-year-old Abigail and 8-year-old Natalie, who were both present at the ceremony, to let them know how much the girls meant to him.

In preparing his words for the wedding, Williams realized that he was "kind of like the only father-figure they had ever really had." The ceremony meant that he would soon legally be married to their mother and Williams felt that his role in the girls' lives should also similarly be formalized. However, he believed in asking their permission first. 

For this reason, Williams took a moment during his vows to his wife-to-be to address the girls separately. He began, “I know that I’m a father figure to you both. A young, quality dad." His words were captured in a video of the ceremony, which has since gone viral.

On his decision, he said, "Just the thought of me writing the vows for them, it made me want to tear up. When I felt that emotion just thinking about it, I was like, ‘I got to do this. This is the right decision. There's no ifs, ands or buts about it.’" 

Williams mentioned seeing the girls at one of their birthday parties, a moment when he recognized how special they were and how important they had become to him. He continued, speaking through tears with both girls beside him, reading, "You really become a man when you have children … Having someone to teach, protect, provide for them, discipline them, learn from them and grow from them. For all of these reasons, you’ve helped me become a better version of me.” Most of the wedding party can be heard sniffling through his small speech.

Dropping to his knees and taking both Abigail and Natalie by the hands, he asked, "But I want to make it official and ask, can I adopt you?” The girls tearfully nodded and collapsed into Williams' arms. 

Williams later told reporters about the birthday party, saying, "I’ll never forget the way Abigail looked at me. It was priceless … It really meant a lot to me seeing her face light up.”

He continued, "Myshella was really shocked, but she was happy and just thankful for me stepping up … She was really happy that I feel that way for them and said she’s grateful to have me in their lives.”

Williams later posted countless Instagram photos of him and their daughters, clearly thrilled to be their dad. We hope their family has many happy years to come.

What special notes did you include in your vows? Let us know — and be sure to pass this article on to friends, family, as well as any newlyweds!