Publications
Partners
Stephanie Agnew, 32, was diagnosed with cone-rod dystrophy, which is a group of inherited eye disorders that affect the light-sensitive cells of the retina, according to the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Centre in the US.
Stephanie met Robbie Campbell in 2016, after living next door to him for 18 months, Metro News reports.
“We had been living 1,5 metres apart but because I was in real estate and he was a policeman we never really crossed paths,” Stephanie said.
“We met that October at a drinks function our building was hosting and we didn't really get off on the right foot – he was almost too much, but then he wooed me and a month later we went on a date and it was fantastic.
“I've never seen him. I know his build – he’s six foot four (1,9m) and I’m five foot four (1,62m) so he’s a lot taller than me. And I know he has broad shoulders but other than that I have to rely on descriptions.”
READ MORE: Bride reads out fiancé’s texts to ‘other woman’ instead of vows at wedding
A year later, on Christmas day, Robbie popped the big question, Daily Mail reports.
“We’d spoken about marriage and I said if he ever proposed I’d want my family there or involved somehow.
“We were all there and I felt the box and he had given me an Apple TV but apparently my face dropped because it wasn't a ring box but then he surprised me and got down on one knee and did a little speech.
“I was so thrilled and it was just a beautiful, surprising moment,” she said.
The pair decided to say “I do” at a venue in the same road as Stephanie’s aunt’s house.
“It had the same amazing view over the Glasshouse Mountains that she remembers seeing as a child when she had sight,” Robbie said.
“She was able to picture the view on the day.”
In an attempt to experience Stephanie’s world for a few minutes, guests wore blindfolds during the couple’s vows, Café Mom reports.
READ MORE: Dad throws wedding party for 24th child with over 3000 guests present
“The blindfolds were received well by the guests as they were experiencing that moment in the same way Steph and her mom, who is also blind, were experiencing it,” Robbie said.
The special day was captured by James Day, who said it was a day he’d “never forget”.
“When we lose one of our senses the others become heightened,” James said.
“This allows us to experience something as beautiful as these vows in a totally unique way. Today, we get to experience them from Steph’s perspective.
“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have a few tears myself. In fact, I was a bawling mess seeing Steph walk up the aisle.
“It was easily the most emotional wedding ceremony I’ve ever been a part of.”
Stephanie hopes by sharing her experience she can inspire others who’ve lost their sight.
“When people tell you that you can't do something you can't let that affect you,” Stephanie said.
“It has pushed me to want to succeed even more.
“Everyone has hurdles so it's important to dig deep within yourself and understand that life can be hard but there are always ways to deal with things.”
Watch the video here:
Sources: Daily Mail, Metro, Café Mom
