When a baby with Down syndrome is born people say he or she has no future. People with an extra chromosome are believed to be unable to find a job, to be an active member of their community and, of course, to get married. But it turns out, these are all misconceptions. And this amazing couple is a living proof that such special people can live a normal life.
Tommy Pilling met Maryanne in the early 1990s. She was the girl of his dreams – pretty, nice and had Down Syndrome just like him.
Tommy and Maryanne started dating, and after 18 months the guy decided to propose to his girlfriend. He got a toy ring from a vending machine and went to Maryanne‘s mother, Linda. He asked for her blessing, and Linda immediately said yes. She knew how happy her girl was with Tommy. But the woman Tommy to be able to properly propose to her daughter, so she brought him to the ring store.
Maryanne didn‘t hesitate to agree when her boyfriend popped the question. They became the first couple with Down Syndrome to get married!
However, when they got engaged, they were hit with tons of criticism.
“She received a lot of flak at the time for letting them get married but she insisted it was their decision,”Lindi says about her daughter.
Despite everything, Maryanne and Tommy had a beautiful ceremony in a church in the U.K. in 1995. The bride wore a a big white wedding dress she‘d dreamed about since she was a little girl.
Their wedding pictures look amazing…
The groom wore a white button-down with a tie and a bright blue vest.
And now, everyone who criticized the couple for getting married should kick themselves —they‘ve had a perfect marriage and celebrated their 22 years anniversary.
Maryanne‘s sister Lindi to set up a Facebook page for them. She’s shared pictures of her sister and brother-in-law current photos of the couple from throughout their 22 years of marriage.
People from all over the world saw the photos and wished the happy couple all the best. Some users said Maryanne and Tommy are an inspiration to everyone and a beautiful proof that love comes in all shapes and sizes.
We think this couple is a reminder that everyone deserves respect and happiness.
