Deaf Groom Confused When Bride Abruptly Stops In Aisle, Slowly Raises Her Hand

Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in February 2018.

In a breathtaking moment that defies the ordinary, a radiant bride orchestrated a heartwarming surprise for her groom on their wedding day – a serenade like no other.

Elizabeth Shoesmith, a 41-year-old bride hailing from Sydney, Australia, crafted a truly unforgettable experience for her deaf fiancé, Scott, 38. Through a touching video, the bride, with an ethereal presence, conveyed the lyrics of his beloved song using sign language at the church altar.

Months of dedication led Mrs. Shoesmith to masterfully sign the lyrics of Christina Perri’s “1000 Years,” a melodic expression of her love, just in time for their special day. This extraordinary gesture was witnessed by over 40 guests who were left teary-eyed as they observed Mrs. Shoesmith flawlessly sign the love song to her groom during their ceremony last month.

This heartwarming act of love resonated far and wide, captivating the hearts of more than 700,000 viewers worldwide who were touched by this enchanting video.

In the midst of wedding preparations that typically center around floral arrangements, guest lists, and attire, Mrs. Shoesmith embarked on a unique journey, mastering Auslan (Australian Sign Language) to communicate her feelings to Scott. The mother-of-two transformed the busy months leading to their wedding day into a quest to learn the language, enabling her to convey her profound emotions.

Recalling her remarkable path, Mrs. Shoesmith explained, “He’d never experienced the melody of a song, so my aim was to convey it to him. As I was about to step in, I was quite nervous – not only did I strive for precision, but his deaf friends would fully comprehend my signs. The pressure was real, but I was deeply committed to making it flawless as I entered that moment.”

With determination, Mrs. Shoesmith taught herself sign language using online resources, apps, and videos. Her efforts culminated in a flawless rendition of the song that moved everyone present. “It all poured instinctively from my heart, not from my mind. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room – including Scott, who is filmed with tears uncontrollably rolling down his cheeks,” shared the emotional bride, who also serves as the CEO of Inclusive Foundation.

The poignant moment is a testament to love’s ability to overcome adversity. Elizabeth and Scott’s story sparked from a chance encounter on Tinder two years ago, quickly blooming into a whirlwind romance that resulted in an engagement a mere 18 months later.

While their path is not without challenges, the couple’s bond and communication have only grown stronger. As Mrs. Shoesmith eloquently stated, “Our communication has heightened because when we’re communicating, we’re looking into each other’s eyes.” In the end, their love story reminds us all that love transcends barriers and challenges, creating a profound and lasting connection.