That was a lesson learned the hard way by four-year-old Gage, when he struggled to battle his emotions as his father, US Marine Corps sergeant Joshua Newville, married Senior Airman Emily Leehan in Ripley, New York a few years ago.

Little Gage was doing quite the job of keeping it together. That was until his father’s bride read vows that she had written specifically for him. Queue the breakdown.

It was a proud moment in the life of Gage Newville; standing by his father’s side as the latter exchanged vows with his wife-to-be, Senior Airman Emily Leehan.

Little did the four-year-old know, however, that Leehan had written a set of vows especially for him. When she delivered them, with an already-emotional audience watching on, it all became a bit much for Gage to bear.

No sooner had Leehan began her recital, did Gage breakdown in floods of tears. As per the Daily Mail, Leehan began: “I want you to be safe, and to try your hardest and to be a good person.”

Before she could continue, however, Gage had thrown his arms around her and was lost to his emotions.

As was to be expected, a collective ‘awwww’ came from the audience as Leehan tried to compose him. “Don’t cry baby,” she said, though at that point it’s safe to say Gage could be forgiven for relaxing on his discipline.

“The last thing thing I hope you learn is that you are a special boy,” Leehan went on to say. “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.”

Somewhat unsurprisingly, both Leehan and Newville shed their own tears before they were able to finish up their vows. As for Gage … well, he did a mighty fine job of stealing the show; if not for his striking suit and doe-eyed stare as Leehan began her vows, but for a reaction that promises to steal hearts the world over.

According to US outlet, ABC7, newlyweds Leehan and Newville remained on active-duty immediately after the ceremony, and so were not able to head straight off for their honeymoon. Instead, they returned to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst to begin married life.

Regardless, their ceremony was certainly one to remember. You can watch the video of Gage hearing Leehan’s vows below – might want to grab the tissues for this one.