Weddings are known for their touching moments, but one groom’s special day turned into a viral sensation thanks to a heartwarming surprise orchestrated by his three-year-old daughter. Before his bride even walked down the aisle, Elliot Gwilliam found himself overcome with emotion at Hawkstone Hall and Gardens, thanks to a heartfelt message from his daughter, Evie.
In a video that has captivated millions across social media, Elliot, 34, can be seen standing at the altar, waiting to marry Emma Beddow, his 27-year-old fiancée. Just as the anticipation reached its peak, a tender audio message played over the venue’s public address system.
“Hello daddy, it’s me, Evie,” began the sweet voice of his daughter. The message continued with the adorable announcement that Evie was on her way down the aisle, ready to see him marry her mum. The sentiment was wrapped up with playful and loving words: “We love you so, so much, to the moon and back. Love you lots and lots, like Jelly Tots. See you in a minute. See ya, don’t wanna be ya. You see alligator.”
Elliot, who moments earlier had been composed, was visibly moved, shaking his head and muttering a disbelieving “Nah” before reaching for a tissue. He later confessed that hearing Evie’s voice made him “just lose it.”
“We’d been planning the wedding for about 12 months,” Elliot said. “I wasn’t nervous as I stood there waiting for Emma. I thought, ‘Nah, I’ve got this.’ Then I heard Evie’s voice and within moments I was gone. I don’t think I managed to pull myself together until Emma was alongside me.”
Photo courtesy of SWNS
The moment was captured by wedding videographer Owen Bloor of JOL Videography, who described the scene as unforgettable. “I can’t believe how crazy it’s gone online,” Bloor said. “I’m so happy for the couple as well, because it’s such a moment that people are going absolutely mental for; it’s lovely.” The reaction wasn’t limited to the groom alone.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house, especially when Evie came down the aisle as one of the flower girls. She is such a character and always keeps us on our toes.”
Since its upload, the clip has gone viral, amassing over 120 million views and countless comments from touched viewers. One person confessed, “I started bawling as soon as it started,” while another joked, “The wife wasn’t taking no chances, she made sure that man would cry when she walked down the aisle.” Even more was the idea that someday this would come full circle with Elliot someday making his
“Please play this at her wedding before you leave a message to her about walking her down the aisle… I cannot handle this lmao,” wrote one commenter, gaining more than 195,000 likes. “The wife wasn’t taking no chances, she made sure that man would cry when she walked down the aisle 😂,” read another joking comment with nearly 500,000 likes.
Sources: Daily Mail | People
