Texas Couple Marries in Hospital, Next to Prematurely-Born Son

A Texas-based couple got married in the neonatal intensive care unit of Cook Children's Medical Center on Tuesday with their 11-week-old son by their side as the ring bearer.

The couple, Kristi Warriner and Justin Nelson, had Justin Jr. 15 weeks early on Sept. 2. His twin brother Colt Austin had died in the womb.  JJ was weak too; he weighed less than 2 pounds at birth, Star Telegram reports.

The couple had planned on getting married at an earlier date, but had to postpone after they discovered that she was suffering from a rare condition - twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome - that occurs when identical twins share the same placenta. Warriner was rushed to the hospital on 31 August and was informed by doctors that one of her sons had died. She went into labour 1 September and JJ was born the next day.

"He has been struggling but has made great improvements. We still grieve but keep strong for JJ," Warriner told CNN. The infant is still suffering from chronic lung disease and requires assistance in breathing. He now weighs 6 pounds and 8 ounces and is improving by the day.

The couple said that they never doubted their love for each other and remained committed to getting married in future. All they wanted was their kids, Warriner's 8-year-old daughter and JJ, be there. "We wanted our family together. He couldn't leave the NICU so we brought the wedding to him," she told TODAY.com.

Even though he slept throughout the ceremony, JJ was the star of the show as he looked adorable in his tuxedo onesie.  

"It's not what you dream of as a little girl. It's even better. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect wedding," Warriner added.