Maryanne and Tommy Pilling were the first couple with Down syndrome to ever tie the knot in the United Kingdom, and they just celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary.

Not only are Maryanne and Tommy madly in love, they also share a deep friendship.

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

Maryanne and Tommy first met at a daycare center back in 1991, and they dated for 18 months before Tommy asked her to marry him.

“My wedding was the best day of my life. I was shocked when Tommy proposed but I didn’t have to think twice about saying yes,” Maryanne said, adding that they got married in a church in Essex.

To celebrate their anniversary, the couple reenacted their first dance to a song from the movie Dirty Dancing. They also gave thanks to Maryanne’s mother, who supported their decision to marry even when some of their other relatives had issues with it.

Maryanne’s sister Lindi Newman lives next-door to the couple and provides help whenever they need it.

“Maryanne had dreamed about a big white wedding since she was a little girl and that’s exactly what she had. It was a beautiful day,” recalled Maryanne’s sister.  “When they walk down the street holding hands they make a statement but in a good way. Some people stare, they assume people with Down’s Syndrome and learning difficulties can’t get married. But we also get so many lovely messages from people who are inspired by their story.”

“People worried about their own children or grandchildren with Down’s Syndrome get hope from Maryanne and Tommy’s story, hope that their children can also fall in love and live happily ever after,” she added.

What an inspiring story of love! Find out more about this couple in the video below.