Most of the time, the vows are the part of weddings people most look forward too. Well, this man’s unorthodox vows sent shockwaves through the entire congregation. But let’s face it, conventional weddings—as wonderful and beautiful as they are—can be a bit boring. People like a bit of flair nowadays, but generally, the vows are off limits. Or so we thought.
Weddings restore our sense of wonder and appreciation for the people in our lives. The people at this wedding got something they never expected. So what happened? Usually when things go awry at a wedding the results are a drunk priest or lines to the bathroom backed up due to some overripe shrimp. Here’s the tale of a man with his own idea of love.
Most Important Day Of Their Lives
A wedding day is something both men and women dream of from a very early age. Emotions soar sky high on this often stressful, but joyful occasion.
We all know of the infamous “Bridezillas” that wreak havoc on friends, family, and guests when little things go wrong. And then there are also the sweet moments, when the father of the bride dances with his daughter, symbolizing the final giveaway before she comes under the care of another man. Weddings bring out the best, and sometimes the worst, in the people we know best.
The Couple
So here’s what happened. A couple from Portugal, Jefferson and Jessica, quickly fell in love and were to be married. The two were joined at the hip from the get-go.
It’s funny how one minute you’re walking down the street and then bang—you’re in love and getting married to the person of your dreams.
Portuguese
In Portugal, many languages are spoken, such as English, Spanish, French and of course, Portuguese. To honor their home, the couple chose to have their wedding performed in Portuguese.
As one of the romance languages, Portuguese makes a lot of sense for a wedding. Maybe all weddings should be in Portuguese. Just an idea.
Looking Great!
As is custom, Jessica looked ravishing in her white gown, tiara and veil. Jefferson was dapper in his suit and bow tie. Everyone looked ready for the big event!
The groomsmen and the bridesmaids all looked lovely in their matching getups, and the parents of the bride and groom looked extremely happy.
Crowd Waits Anxiously
They all had a huge surprise coming; Jefferson had a big confession up his sleeve.
What could it be? Cold feet? The crowd had no idea what was about to happen.
An Unexpected Twist
With every important person in his life watching, waiting and wondering what he would say, the groom knew that this would be an unforgettable moment.
He probably had big moments in his life before, but none like this.
Where It All Began
For all intents and purposes, the wedding was about as normal as could be expected, but as Jefferson took the mic to make his speech, he was obviously very nervous.
His hands were shaking and you could clearly see the anxiety on his face; you didn’t need to be a detective to notice Jefferson was rattled.
Best Man
The groom’s best man was ready with a video camera, standing close to the couple. As the two began reciting their vows, he started recording.
In case Jefferson ever does forget this magic moment, the marvels of modern technology will jog his memory.
The Start Of The Vows
As the recording began, the couple started to recite their vows in a normal fashion. Surrounded by her family, friends and future in-laws, the bride read her vows first, declaring her love for Jefferson.
Jessica seemed a little nervous too, but compared to her husband-to-be, she was cool as a cucumber.
Veering Off The Path
From the beginning, it was clear that Jefferson was going to say something monumental. As he started reading his vows, he suddenly stopped, paused for a bit, and then started again.
The crowd listened with heightened anticipation as the groom’s voice boomed in the microphone once again.
What Made Him Change His Mind
Although he was nervous, it was clear that Jefferson had rehearsed his speech many times. Jessica could tell he was going to say something important, and completely trusted him to reciprocate her undying devotion.
She watched him attentively as he continued on with his speech, curious as to when it would become clear what he was planning.
The Perfect Wedding
Jessica could not have hoped for the wedding to go any better. It was a wedding out of the story books we read as children. She had no idea what was about to happen.
She could easily have been Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty and Jefferson, her Prince Charming. The bride and crowd continued to watch the groom.
A Turn of Events
All was going perfectly. Jessica looked beautiful in her dress and all of the guests arrived without any problems from across the globe. What else could she want? As she waited for her future husband to finish his vows, she had no idea what was going to happen next.
She thought she knew her husband. She didn’t think there was any more mystery to him and that, perhaps, was a big reason she wanted to marry him—she knew him as well as she knew herself.
Not Quite The Usual Speech
As the video recording shows, Jefferson continued to be extremely nervous. In the middle of his vows, he admitted there was something he needed to confess. There was someone else in the room whom he truly loved. Many of the guests gasped. Who was this person? Despite her best efforts, Jessica could hardly hold her shock and anger in.
While some guests looked at each other confused, all of the focus in the room quickly shifted back to Jefferson to see where he would go with this.
Was This Actually Real?
They were joined at the hip from the beginning. Jessica thought she found her soulmate and that they would be together forever. But as he confessed his love for another, Jessica began to doubt what she thought she knew. Every emotion passed through her. She couldn’t believe it.
Feeling a roller coaster of emotions, she looked on to try to make sense of what was happening.
Someone Else Took His Heart
With all eyes on him, Jefferson took his eyes off of Jessica and searched the room for the one he loved.
Who could it be? The crowd watched Jefferson’s eyes to see where they would stop. The crowd held their breath.
Someone Else
Jefferson said that there was another girl in the crowd who made all of his dreams come true. This girl, he said, he truly loved. The guests were on the edge of their seat.
Who could it be? More people clocked the room to see who he was referring to, as the groom fought back tears.
Significant Other
It was clear that Jefferson was talking about someone near and dear to him. Everyone was fixated on Jefferson with no clue as to how the situation would end.
No matter how it was to end, each and every member of the crowd knew as they watched that this was no ordinary wedding.
Just The Two Of Us
Really, none of this was making any sense to Jessica. The two of them were like two peas in a pod from the day they met. How could there be someone so important in his life she didn’t know about?
Was it someone from work? An old flame? One of the bridesmaids!?! She was completely in the dark about who he was talking about. And so she watched and waited to hear what he had to say, trying desperately to keep it all in.
Not Always Sunshine And Roses
Their bond was unshakable, but what did she miss? Was she not as attentive or clued in as she thought? Clearly, something was wrong.
These things happen sometimes when work, family, friends or just plain life takes over. Is it really possible to know someone completely and truly? Don’t we all live double lives in some capacity? Is that not what makes us human?
The Other Girl
Jefferson revealed the other woman's identity. Her name was Giovana and she was about to play a very significant role in the proceedings.
Things just took a major turn. Apparently, he wanted this other woman, Giovana, to become a part of the ceremony without consulting with his bride! Well, I guess it was his wedding too.
Giovana
Turns out, Giovana was Jessica’s eight-year-old daughter from a past relationship.
She was standing close by, quietly watching the proceedings, dressed in a pretty dress with her hair done up with flowers, kind of like her mother’s.
Another Love In His Life
Giovana was to be the groom's stepdaughter once the ceremony commenced, but now it was time to hear how he felt about her.
As long as Jefferson was getting all of his feelings out, he might as well just tell everyone in the room how he feels about them. Or would that be going too far?
No Longer Just Her And Her Mother
Jefferson knelt down in front of the bewildered little girl. He started reading a part of his speech just for her, much to her mother’s surprise.
It looked like Jefferson was proposing to the little girl, just as he had proposed to her mother. With all eyes on the two of them, he continued.
List Of Grievances
Oddly enough, he started by listing all of the frustrating things Giovana does to him, such as poking him and eating his food.
Interesting place to start, saying your vows to an eight-year-old at your wedding, but hey, this wedding got off the normal train a long time ago.
Digs A Little Deeper
The poor little girl had been through so much already. What was her new step dad going to tell her next?
Was he going to tell her he expected rent money from her? That she was to be locked in the attic and let out only to do her daily chores? Was he going to be an evil stepfather?
Part 2
Then Jefferson shifted gears by telling Giovana all of the things he would like to do as her stepfather. He said “If I could ask God anything, it would be to have you as my daughter. I would be the proudest father in the world to have such a beautiful, intelligent and educated daughter like you.”
That’s touching. I would ask how long it took him to think of all of that, but it is clear here that he was speaking from the heart when he wrote that.
Words They Will Never Forget
Giovana, her mom and the crowd all heard his beautiful words. What amazing things to hear from the guy you’ll call dad!
Sounds like this guy really has his heart in the right place. Well done Jessica! Looks like you made a good decision with this one. And any doubts about Jefferson’s worth would have surely died down by now.
A Sweet Gesture
Still down on one knee, Jefferson told the little girl that he loved her as his own. He promised to always protect, help and love her. Jessica was bursting with tears of joy. .
I’m sure she joined others crying in the crowd. How could you not feel something after hearing such lovely, thoughtful words? You would have to have a heart of stone.
Those All Important Words
Jefferson ended his speech by declaring “I love you”, his voice wavering, on the verge of breaking down.
It’s kind of a miracle that he kept it together the entire time without breaking down, but he got through it. All of the time and rehearsals really paid off.
Everyone Was In Tears
With both mother and daughter crying, the little girl took the mic and thanked her new dad for his kind words.
What an incredible response to a speech like that. You couldn’t blame her for being speechless after hearing someone tell her such wonderful things.
I Love You!
Jefferson added “I love you, my love!” to his very heartfelt speech to his stepdaughter.
And just then, between their collective tears of joy, every woman in the crowd wondered why nobody had ever spoken to them like that.
More To Come
Now that her stepdad had done his part, it was Giovana’s turn to take the microphone. But before she did, she took a minute to wipe away her tears as Jefferson stayed sobbing on one knee.
This was obviously an emotionally charged moment, but geez dude, get it together so you can hear what your stepdaughter has to say!
Giovana’s Turn
The little girl thanked her stepdad in a brief, heartfelt speech. She said that while Jefferson was not her biological father, he was a “father of heart.”
That is one of the most beautiful compliments in the world. Hearing that this little girl considers him a “Father of heart” must have made Jefferson feel like his little speech had paid off.
Not A Dry Eye In The House
During her speech, Giovana could not hold back the tears, wiping them away constantly. Jefferson continued crying too.
What a lovely scene. I bet by this time the best man was not the only person in the audience recording the spectacle, especially in this day and age.
Warm Embrace
After Giovana finished her part, the two of them hugged warmly to the overwhelming applause of the crowd.
What a way to win over a crowd after taking them on such a wild ride of emotions. The payoff was completely worth it.
The Video Went Viral
Nowadays, YouTube is full of wedding videos, hilarious best man speeches and proposal mishaps. However, not all videos exceed a million views. So why did this one?
My money is on the buildup and the darling little girl calling the guy “Father of heart.”
Unique Video Sensation
This February 2017 video was very well-received. Jefferson and his stepdaughter’s speeches were in Portuguese, but even if you're not fluent in this language, you can still make out what’s going on and you WILL cry!
The international language of “aww” is lost on no one.
Elements Of The Viral Video
In the beginning, when the bride and groom are exchanging vows, they are in the middle of the room in front of all of their guests. It is obvious that the crowd has no idea what's about to happen.
Just a normal wedding between two people who love each other immensely, with a cute little girl in the mix.
Elements Of The Viral Video (continued)
The video shows the groom taking the microphone and starting his speech. He initially jokes with the crowd but things get emotional fast.
It’s nice to see this balance in a wedding speech. It doesn’t have to be all gooey, but it should certainly be warm and heartfelt with some light humor. Always being careful to not roast the bride, of course.
Reaction
The video also shows how Jessica reacts, as well as her daughter and the guests in the crowd. It is a wonderful moment they all shared.
Viral videos need to appeal to a strong sense of emotion. Whether it is fear or happiness, there has to be an emotional reaction to make the viewer relate.
The World Moved
The video has to go down as one of the most heartfelt and beautiful in history. The recording went viral almost immediately after it was uploaded to YouTube.
People all over the globe were watching, re-watching and sending the video to friends and family.
Magnanimous Attention
In just over half a year, the video received over 10 million views. The world can be a dark, dangerous place, so no wonder a video like this became so popular.
It’s nice to see a video that is so positive get all that attention. Among all the fail videos, fights and all other negativity on the web, just knowing a video like this exists is a great comfort.
A Beautiful Reaction
The reaction was also positive. The comments read words of congratulations and well wishes along with compliments about the video itself.
This is also nice to know. Usually, the comments section of a video is where the lowest of society spend their time taking others down.
Lessons To Be Learnt
One comment from a user called Jochelle Recto read “Even if the language is foreign, it still makes me cry.” What a fantastic message!
I'm sure the same was felt by most people who watched the video.
No Matter The Language
This video shows that true, emotional and meaningful moments can be understood across language and culture. We can’t get enough of stories like this and we hope you enjoyed it too!
Thus ends our wonderful story of love and devotion. A real life example of the power of affection and others wanting to witness it.