Bride Delivers Beautiful Baby Girl Just Hours before Her Wedding: ‘Best Surprise Ever’

A couple had reason to celebrate. They were getting married and were also scheduled to welcome a baby girl two months later. However, their bundle of joy had plans of her own and “crashed” their wedding perfectly.

John and Jael Pulcipher loved their life in Traverse City, Michigan, and couldn’t wait to start their time together as Mr. and Mrs. The duo arranged their dream wedding ceremony at a beautiful lake.

Everything was set for their perfect day at Lake Charlevoix on July 29, 2017. Unexpectedly and at the very last minute, something significant changed all the couple had planned—but it was worth it.

The Bride-To-Be’s Water Broke

John and Jael adored each other and were grateful for their many blessings. Not only were they making a lifelong commitment, but they would welcome a child in seven weeks. They thought they had lots of time to unite in matrimony, but fate had other plans.

The little girl was due September 16, but she decided she didn’t want to miss her parents’ big day. Jael’s water broke four days before the July wedding. She went to the hospital in disbelief, still wanting to say her vows before the infant was born.

Jael thought doctors would permit her to travel the hour journey to Lake Charlevoix for the day, but her healthcare practitioner quickly told her she wasn’t allowed to leave the hospital campus.

The proud parents were thrilled their newborn was healthy and delighted when doctors gave them some good news.

Their Plans Changed Drastically

The couple’s ceremony was moved to the Munson Medical Center to grant Jael’s wish to get married before the baby arrived. Their guests had come from far and wide to see the duo wed, so John was tasked with informing everyone of the new plans.

Nurses at the hospital celebrated with Jael and held a mini bridal shower for her, using a laundry bag to make her a veil. John split his time between phoning guests and massaging his wife-to-be.

Plans changed drastically when Jael’s bundle of joy arrived on the morning of the rescheduled wedding. Briar Dorothy Pulcipher was born on July 29, and her mom called her “the ultimate wedding crasher.”

They Had a Big Surprise for the Guests

John told wedding attendees the ceremony had been pushed back by two hours but excited them with the promise of a big surprise. The proud parents were thrilled their newborn was healthy and delighted when doctors gave them some good news.

Briar and her mom were in such good shape they could join the wedding party five hours after the birth. The 70 wedding guests were stunned and in awe when the little one was wheeled into the room, her presence making the event all the more special.

She Became a Mom and a Wife in One Day

Little Briar witnessed her parents say “I do” in the medical facility’s conference room. The couple was happy they proceeded with their big day, albeit slightly different from the lakeside event they initially imagined. The doting mother added:

“Having her in the room was the best surprise ever. Holding her in front of everybody, my heart just melted. I started crying happy tears. I was just crying. Oh my gosh, I’m a mom; I’m a wife.”

Their Unique Hospital Wedding

The couple felt blessed and on top of the world because everything came together perfectly. With the help of her dad, Jael managed to walk down the aisle in a red dress and floral headpiece hours after she gave birth.

She was overwhelmed by how things had panned out but immensely happy. Jael shared:

“I was feeling pretty good. I was moving slowly and wasn’t going to be dancing.”

The Experience Left Them Speechless

John was beaming with pride and told the guests the name of their baby girl. They enjoyed drinks and cake together as everyone had fun celebrating the miracle of life and the beauty of marriage.

The dad expressed his abundant joy and called the day miraculous. He had a healthy baby and a wife who was his best friend—everything was more than perfect in his eyes.

The Most Beautiful Part of Their Big Day

The combined birth and wedding worked out logistically for the couple’s friends and family. Jael noted that many loved ones could fly in for only one of the two significant milestones. However, they were present for both special moments because of how things unfolded.

Looking back on their big day, John and Jael will have countless unique memories because of their adorable daughter. Briar’s dad said:

“The most beautiful part was Briar. That was the best surprise.”

Click here for a story about a two-year-old boy who had the chance to walk his mom down the aisle. It was a moment the woman would never forget.