Michigan Groom Stops Wedding to Propose Adoption to Bride's Daughters and Gets a Sweet Reaction

On the most special day of his life, a man gained more than just a lovely wife to spend the rest of his life with. After exchanging his wedding vows, he got down on one knee and made a touching proposal to his stepdaughters.

Dontez Williams and Myshella Burton crossed paths virtually on the dating website Plenty of Fish. In 2017, they decided to put a ring on their love, and after their engagement ceremony, they began making marriage plans. Although the pair wanted to have their wedding in 2020, the coronavirus pandemic delayed things.

Burton and Williams were both associated with careers that involved dealing with children. Williams worked as a case manager at a Family Services Organization, where he helped kids aged six to sixteen. He had moved to Detroit, Michigan, from Cleveland, Ohio, more than two decades ago.

On the other hand, Burton had switched her job from being a surgical technologist to an obstetrician and provided medical care to women during pregnancy and after birth.

Meant to Be Together

Since meeting his fiancée, Williams had also developed a liking for her daughters, Abigail and Natalie. Williams said he first met the girls when they were babies, and from the beginning, they appeared to be fond of him.

The touching video was shared widely on social media and became a viral sensation, racking up thousands of views.

The soon-to-be-married couple noted that they took it as a sign they were meant to find each other and be together for the rest of their lives. Seeing her daughters get along with Williams was a pleasing sight for Burton, but neither she nor the girls knew what the future had in store.

The Big Day

On August 13, 2021, Williams, 33, married the love of his life, Burton, 26, in a beautiful ceremony, surrounded by their family and friends.

After eternalizing his love for his gorgeous bride at the San Marino Club in Troy, Michigan, Williams did something that astonished everyone in the room. He took out a paper and began reading a speech that he had exclusively written for two people who meant the world to him.

The Moving Speech

The guests watched in awe as the groom made a heartwarming speech to the pretty young girls, Abigail, then 9, and Natalie, then 8. It took the sisters several seconds to comprehend what their stepfather was saying. In the meantime, Williams continued and said he had known the girls since they were infants, adding:

"It was love at first sight when I laid eyes on you two. The very first day I had ever seen you both. And I told you I loved you already. From there on, I felt destined to be there for you."

The Michigan man also touched upon a few precious moments he had shared with the two youngsters, including when he met them on Abigail's birthday. "I never knew that you really become a man when you have children," he expressed.

A Sweet Proposal

Then Williams took a moment to thank the girls for helping him become the best version of himself. What he said after that moved everyone to tears. "I know that I'm a father figure to you both, and you call me dad. But I want to make it official and ask, can I adopt you (sic)," added a teary-eyed Williams, who went down on one knee at this point.

Seeing their stepdad's beautiful gesture of love and affection, Abigail and Natalie couldn't fight back the tears and wrapped their arms around him. It was their distinct way of saying yes to the man they had come to love and cherish as a father figure for as long as they could remember.

The Bride's Reaction

Williams explained that the adoption proposal was a complete surprise for his bride and her daughters because he never mentioned it during the wedding rehearsal. Only the officiant was aware of his plans, besides a few friends who the Detroit resident said gave him positive feedback and helped him move ahead.

Even Burton didn't know that her thoughtful husband had orchestrated such a beautiful surprise for her daughters and was touched by his emotional speech. While talking about his wife's reaction to the proposal, Williams shared:

"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."

A Heart-To-Heart Connection

Williams noted that he had no confusion about proposing adoption to his stepdaughters because he knew he was doing the right thing. As he sat down to write his vows, Williams said he cried, and all he could think about was how much he loved the girls and that they reciprocated his feelings. He expressed:

"I have transitioned from a stepfather to a father to these girls and love them dearly. Although they are not biologically mine, blood could not make us any closer."

The Importance of Having a Father Figure

The touching video was shared widely on social media and became a viral sensation, garnering thousands of views. Williams said he was overwhelmed by everyone's love and appreciation and thanked them for their love and support. Highlighting the importance of having a father figure, he stated:

"I want people to understand that showing emotion is healthy, that fathers are needed in a child's life, and that there are good men out there who will step up when the other parent is absent."

Indeed, every child needs a parent and a loving home to grow and prosper, and with Williams as their father, Abigail and Natalie will always feel loved, safe, and valued. We wish this family all the best and hope they continue making worthwhile memories. Please share this story with your loved ones.

Click here to read another story about a stepdad who interrupted his family photoshoot and knelt down in front of his wife's daughter.