A Kentucky couple transformed their love story into something even more magical — a wedding and a family honeymoon that fulfilled their young daughter’s dream trip to Disney.
Mike and Samantha Wise told local news outlets WKRC and WLWT5 that their daughter, 3-year-old Oakleigh, has faced serious health challenges since birth.
“She was born 29 weeks early. Then, she spent about four months in the NICU,” Mike explained to WKRC. “She had her first heart procedure, where they go and they put a mesh in… She’s actually in a lot better health than she used to be, so that is a blessing.”
Although her condition has improved, Oakleigh’s health remains delicate due to pulmonary vein stenosis — a rare disease that narrows the veins connecting the heart and lungs.
“She may not be here for this,” Mike told WLWT5, recalling the frightening prognosis they once received. “So it is definitely very emotional.”
Moved by their story, Kenton County Magistrate Stephen Hoffman helped organize the couple’s wedding ceremony. “I just wish that they have the best of life and everything they can do for their whole family,” Hoffman told WLWT5.
Mike and Samantha, who had been together for eight years, described the event as a “recommitment ceremony,” made even more meaningful with Oakleigh by their side.
“This girl lights up a room,” Mike said. “There’s not a room she goes into that when she smiles, everybody doesn’t smile. She has made so many leaps and bounds now; the doctors and everybody are amazed. So, when I tell everybody that this is a true miracle sitting here, I mean that it is a miracle that she is here.”
Next, the family will head to Disney for a Make-A-Wish trip — which doubles as the couple’s honeymoon. “[Oakleigh] loves Elmo and the Little Mermaid’s up there as well,” Mike shared.
Reflecting on their journey, he added, “Have faith in your heart, because things can always turn around, and I think we’re proof of that.”
