Brother with Down Syndrome Sees Sister in a Wedding Dress for the First Time

On his sister’s wedding day, one proud brother from Tonawanda, New York, shared an unforgettable moment with her. It was unconventional, but it was perfect for the sibling duo.

Ashley Rice adored her brother Nick Rice. The two spent their childhood together having fun and making memories. Nick had Down Syndrome, and his condition only made his sister love him more.

While they bickered like most siblings, the pair had a unique bond, and for Ashley’s wedding, she knew she wanted to include her brother in a significant way.

The Perfect Way to Include Her Brother

Ashley and her husband-to-be Brian Sedar looked forward to every aspect of their big day in 2019, but there was one moment reserved exclusively for Nick.

One of the bride’s friends suggested that she have a first-look experience with her brother—she knew it was a perfect idea.

The couple’s wedding photographer shared that there wasn’t a dry eye in the room and called the experience one of the sweetest sessions she had ever witnessed.

The Unforgettable First-Look Moment

Ashley wanted her little brother to be the first person to see her in the stunning wedding dress, ready for the memorable event. She tried to give her sibling-bestie a moment he would always cherish.

Photographer Kelsey Gene was honored to be in the room for the big reveal. She captured the build-up and Nick’s emotional reaction. He was speechless. After gathering himself, he told his sister just how beautiful she looked. He said:

“You are the most indescribable person in the world. I can’t even describe it.”

Everyone Was in Tears

The couple’s wedding photographer shared that there wasn’t a dry eye in the room and called the experience one of the sweetest sessions she had ever witnessed. She recalled:

“Before the ceremony, these two carved out a moment to spend together. And it was so special and pure. I love that Ashley and her husband Brian chose to include moments in their day that felt right to them, even if it’s a little outside the ‘normal’ or ‘traditional.'”

Her Brother Made the Wedding Special

Nick served as a groomsman and even delivered a touching speech during the reception. It was a wedding everyone would remember, and Ashley described it as:

“The most beautiful moment on top of the most beautiful day, and it was perfect. He did good.”

She was teary-eyed as she recalled the momentous day and excited after her brother informed her he would be getting married next. The day was a beautiful display of their sibling love for each other, and everything happened just as Ashley dreamed it would.

Grateful for Him

Ashley was immensely grateful for Nick as her brother. She couldn’t have imagined anyone else as her partner in crime during their childhood and saw him as her absolute best friend in life.

He brought so much joy and positivity to her world, and the precious photos from Ashley’s wedding proved he felt the same way about his big sister.

The Online Response

Kelsey shared the precious wedding images online, and they quickly went viral, with thousands of netizens sharing them. People were in awe of the bond the duo shared.

They praised the sister’s unwavering commitment to her beloved brother and told them to cherish their one-of-a-kind friendship every day:

“When they say a picture is worth a thousand words… the photos in this post are saying a million words. Thank you so much for sharing.”

– (Janet McCrea McComb) October 28, 2019

“This is so beautiful. Each picture told a story. So heartfelt. Blessings be unto the union!!!!! Beautiful pictures.”

– (Shaneka Reddick) October 28, 2019

“This is so beautiful, and I, too, am the mother of a daughter and a son with an extra chromosome. These pictures made me cry!”

– (Brooke Daly) October 27, 2019

“The siblings of special needs kids are amazing. They learn to love no matter what, how to have empathy from a very young age, how to be incredibly selfless and giving. My son has special needs, and my daughter is his biggest supporter. They are the best of friends.”

– (Mandy Sheridan) October 25, 2019

“Oh my goodness, so beautiful, and what a handsome young man. I absolutely adore the relationships between siblings. Just such a pure honest love that will last beyond our time on earth.”

– (Kathy Stocks) October 25, 2019

While the bride’s first-look photos might be unconventional, they captured a memory she wanted to hold close forever. Ashley wouldn’t change a thing about her brother and loved every part of him.

Click here for a heartwarming story about a loving father who went the extra mile for his kids with Down Syndrome. He wanted to help them find a job, so he did something special.