Couple With Down Syndrome Prove Skeptics Wrong And Celebrate Their 22nd Wedding Anniversary!

We’re living in a world were Jay-Z just admitted to having cheated on the baddest in the game Beyoncé. So excuse me for being a little jaded about love.

This story has really come at the right time for me.

In 1995, Maryanne and Tommy Pilling were married. They happen to born with Down syndrome. It is believed they were the first with the condition to get married in the U.K.

Now it’s 2017, and the couple have defied the assumptions of many by celebrating their 22nd year of marriage. 

Tommy and Maryanne dated for 18 months before he proposed.

They had a huge wedding at a church in Essex, fulfilling Maryanne’s childhood dream of a white wedding. 

“Tommy and I never argue. I love my husband very much. He is my best friend,” Maryanne said.

Maryanne is now 45, and Tommy is 59.

In keeping with tradition, Tommy asked Maryanne’s mother’s permission before he proposed to her daughter. 

But he only had a toy ring from a vending machine to give to Maryanne.

Touched by his gesture, she gave him her blessing and then took him to a shop to buy a real engagement ring.

For their 20th anniversary in 2015, Maryanne and Tommy renewed their vows, proving that people living with Down syndrome can live long, happy lives with people they love.

Maryanne and Tommy are an inspiration to us all!