They Became World’s First Married Couple with Down Syndrome — 28 Years Later, Their Marriage Is Record-Breaking

After meeting as teenagers, the world's longest-married couple with Down Syndrome recently celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary. They looked back on their life together and shared how they've managed to keep their love strong.

Love knows no bounds – this is the exact saying that Gareth and Deana Tobias have proven to be true these past 28 years. Despite their difficult circumstances, their love has stood the test of time and is going strong.

Gareth and Deana met when they were only teenagers back in 1981, after they both visited their community center. Gareth was 17, and Deana was 19.

Gareth was a Self-Proclaimed Ladies' Man

Despite being younger, Gareth proudly shared that he was quite the ladies' man back in the day. Before meeting Deana, he already had three girlfriends.

"I chose the right one, and that's Deana," he sweetly added upon revealing that bit about his past. It was love at first sight for him.

Little did he know, it was the same for Deana, who was attracted to his ginger hair. She was a ginger, too, and it made them the perfect pair.

A Blossoming Friendship

After their first meeting, Gareth and Deana became inseparable. They first hung out as friends, before it ultimately developed into something more.

Their families admitted that it wasn't until they were talking about marriage 10 years later that they realized they were serious about each other. The lovely couple got engaged while on vacation in Blackpool, England, during Deana's birthday.

After planning their dream wedding with the help of their family, they walked down the aisle on July 4, 1992, in front of of forty of their closest family and friends. It was a heartfelt celebration filled with a lot of smiles, fun, and dancing.

Celebrating 28 Years as a Married Couple

Now, 28 years later, they are the longest known married couple with Down syndrome. Despite the challenges they've faced through the years, they've managed to live a happy life together.

Like any married couple, Gareth and Deana have been spotted arguing a couple of times through the years, but they always managed to make amends. "I suppose that's what a long marriage is all about," their neighbor Lorraine Heyworth said.

Before their age slowly started to catch up to them, they used to go on yearly camping trips. They'd hit the camping sight during the day, and go dancing in the evening. Now that they aren't able to travel as much, they go on dates at the local pub where they enjoy a drink together before heading home.

Proud to be the Man of the House

Gareth also still works three times a week at a local grocery store. Deana is proud of how hardworking her husband is, saying:

"We are together all the time except when he is at work and we have lots of laughs and we look after each other."

Likewise, Gareth is happy to be working, as he enjoys what he does. He is also proud to be "the man of the house," which allows him to provide for their needs and their dates to the pub.

Keeping their Love Strong

Everyone around the couple is happy to see their love blossoming even after 28 years. Even their neighbors know their routine – the couple enjoys having a drink together and playing a game of dominoes. If there's music, they also love to dance together.

With so many years of unique experiences as a married couple, Gareth and Deana are happier than ever. They remain inseparable, and always have a good time together.

Gareth and Deana serve as an inspiration for other couples with Down syndrome to follow their heart. Leah and Andrew Taylor Jones also took the leap and decided to get married, proving love conquers all difficulties. Click here to read all about their story.