People often regard their wedding day as the most important day of their lives. They strive for perfection–the dress, the venue, the ceremony, and the guests. One particular bride took everyone by surprise by inviting her groom’s ex to attend the wedding and did something that nobody could have predicted…
A Strange Beginning
Katie Hild and Jeremy Musser met about four years ago while studying in college. Since day one, Katie knew there was something special between them…
Shared Feelings
Jeremy’s connection with Katie was unparalleled. The two entered a relationship, which became increasingly serious after the first few months. But something was unconventional about their relationship…
Complications Arise
Katie and Jeremy’s relationship was hindered by the fact that Jeremy had recently become a father. The child was a product of a previous relationship with a woman named Casey. The two were no longer romantically involved, but this certainly complicated Jeremy’s relationship with his current partner…
A Difficult Situation
Casey, Jeremy’s former girlfriend, felt hurt by all of this. The father of her child was no longer interested in forming a bond with her, and she resented Jeremy for being able to move on from their relationship so quickly. She was uncomfortable with the thought of her son being raised by another maternal figure…
 Working Through It
From the start, Katie was devoted to Jeremy’s son, baby Landon. Although she loved the boy, she was concerned about overstepping boundaries with his biological mother. Katie and Jeremy had been together for over a year. She was determined to maintain civility with Casey…
Reaching an Agreement
Despite their differences, the two women slowly reconciled their differences for the sake of Landon and Jeremy. Bearing this in mind, what Katie would do later was taking an enormous risk…
Growing Closer
“We bonded on so many more levels than just Landon,” Casey stated later in an interview. Katie and Casey initially began their friendship under the guise of burying the hatchet. Little did they know, the pair actually had much more in common than they first thought…
Better Together
Soon, Casey’s resentment towards Katie began to dissipate, and the two became closer than ever. Casey went on to meet her current husband, Tyler. Meanwhile, the time for Jeremy to pop the question was growing nearer…
The Next Step
After dating for over a year, Jeremy asked Katie for her hand in marriage. She could barely contain herself; she had been longing for this moment. However, feelings of anxiety and inadequacy would soon consume her…
Fitting a New Role
Although Katie loved Jeremy and wanted to be his wife, marrying him would also mean assuming the role of Landon’s stepmother. This enormous responsibility for Katie and she knew that she had big shoes to fill…
Learning to Co-Parent
Katie was frightened of becoming a parent. Not only would she serve as a permanent fixture in Landon’s life, but Casey’s as well. Katie wasn’t sure how to adjust to this new role…
The Plan
Katie feared making a negative impact on Landon. She wasn’t confident in her ability to handle the trials and tribulations of co-parenting. Stepping into the role of motherhood is not easy, but Katie soon concocted a plan to make things easier…
Writing her Vows
Weeks passed, and the two were ready to officially become man and wife. Katie knew her life would never be the same, and when it came time for her to write her vows, she felt it necessary to address the lifelong responsibility of becoming a parent to Landon…
Reflecting
The Missing Piece
“I realized I’m missing something, the piece that helped shape me and Jeremy’s relationship and helped us both grow up,” Katie said. “I needed Casey to know how thankful I am to her.” Nobody expected what happened next…
Planning Something Special
As the wedding day neared, Katie finally decided to invite Casey and Tyler to her wedding. She felt as though this was the best decision for both herself and her new family. Little did they know, Katie had something up her sleeve that even her husband-to-be didn’t know about…
The Day of the Wedding
On that fateful day, Jeremy and Katie were set to tie the knot and be unified in holy matrimony. The ceremony went smoothly without a hitch; the guests, the decor, and bride herself were all flawless. Then, it was time for the exchange…
An Unusual Choice
Katie was the first to read her vows. However, as she glanced down at the paper, Katie took a step back and turned to face the audience. Nobody knew what was happening, least of all Jeremy, as he watched his wife-to-be launch into a speech that would change their lives forever…
Wait, What?
The minister took the microphone and announced, “To start their vows, I’d like to invite Tyler and Casey Bender to stand.” Everyone was shocked and confused. Why would she be addressing them directly?
Nobody Knew What Would Happen
The audience, baffled, turned to face the back of the church, where Casey and Tyler were seated. They stood up and marched toward the podium. When the minister handed Katie back the microphone, everyone waited with bated breath…
Katie’s Promise
A Confession
The room grew teary-eyed at Katie’s dedication to Landon and his mother. She steadied herself and continued…
Letting it Out
“And I promise to respect, work, listen, and communicate together as co-parents. I will love you guys no matter what comes our way. We are one family, always,” Katie continued. She wanted to let them know that she was willing to put in the effort it would take to raise Landon alongside Casey…
More To Say
Commitment to Her Stepson
Once Katie had finished her vows, the minister beckoned for Landon. Katie crouched down so she was eye-level with the boy, and took his hand in hers. “Landon, I love you more than you will ever know,” she said, fighting tears. “I’ve had the privilege of knowing you since the beginning.” Everyone around them was crying, overwhelmed with emotion…
Expressing Her Gratitude
“I’ve loved watching you grow and I will for the rest of my life. I’m so happy that now I officially get to be your bonus mom,” Katie said. Landon looked into her eyes, overwhelmed with love for his stepmom…
A Whole Family
Katie knew that having four parents might be overwhelming for Landon, so she wanted to make sure he knew that his “bonus mom” was committed to making the transition as easy as possible. “I promise to love daddy with all my heart. I promise to be a best friend to mommy and your daddy Tyler. We will be one big family that I promise you will have for the rest of your life,” she told him…
Lifelong Loyalty
Katie wrapped her arms around Landon and held him tight. She stood up and continued to exchange vows with Jeremy, who was still overwhelmed with emotion at Katie’s love for his son. Finally, the couple was pronounced man and wife…
Newfound Connections
Katie and Casey never expected to be in this position. “At the time, I thought we would be able to be cordial and co-parent. Never in a million years did I think she and I would be the very best of friends,” Casey said. The unlikely pair had become the best of friends…
A Happy Ending
Landon, despite the unconventional circumstances, is a lucky little boy. He gets double the love, affection, and effort from two sets of parents! As long as Katie, Jeremy, Casey, and Tyler work hard to keep their family happy and healthy, Landon will grow up with more love in his life than he could ever ask for. Here are some tips and tricks to keep your family just as contented as Landon’s
Weekly or Monthly Family Night
As kids grow older, spending quality time together as a family becomes more difficult. If you’re having trouble making time to spend with your children, try to schedule a designated time together. Put away the screens and do something fun, like a multiplayer board game…
Sharing Meals Together
Sharing mealtime together has been proven by professionals and family therapists to be the easiest and most efficient way for fast-moving families to spend time together. It doesn’t have to be a scheduled meal on a specific day of the week, but try to squeeze in at least one meal a week where everyone is sitting at the table…
Observe Family Rituals
Observing family traditions can be a wholesome way to maintain routines that bring you closer to your family members. Try a movie night with special popcorn, or decorating a Christmas tree. Anything that your kids will fondly reminisce upon in twenty years, and possibly pass down to their own families when the time comes…
Date Night
It is crucial that you and your partner share quality time together as individuals in order to reinforce the bond between you two. The livelihood of your family depends on the strength of the relationship between your partner and yourself. Children will try to emulate the dynamics they see at home…
Community Service
Serving the community together instills great values within your family. It reinforces the importance of giving back. Help out at a soup kitchen during the holidays, or work together in a community garden. Both you and your kids will enjoy the quality time…
Healthy Habits
Offering your kids warmth and affection is integral to your family’s wellbeing. Hug and kiss them each night before, and make sure to be vocal about your appreciation for them. Pat your daughter on the back after she hits a home run at softball practice, or praise your son for his algebra grades. Just make sure you show them positive reinforcement.