A love story: Proposal video goes viral for couple with Down syndrome

A North Carolina couple's breathtaking proposal video is circulating the internet, even being shared by celebrities and people in other countries.

The lovebirds are Matthew Schwab, 26, and Lucia Romano, 27, who both live in the Triangle.

Both Matthew and Lucia have Down syndrome, and their inspiring love story delivers a reminder of hope and joy just in time for a new year.

The two were brought together in their teenage years, when Matthew attended Holly Springs High School and Lucia attended Carrboro High School. They wouldn't have met if not for their mothers.

"Our moms fixed us up on a date," Matthew said. "Lucia really wanted a boyfriend, and I really wanted a girlfriend."

Matthew's mother, Michelle Schwab, had met Lucia's mother years earlier when Matthew and Lucia were babies. The women quickly became best friends.

"Lucia was born, and I was really eager to find other moms," said Maria Romano, Lucia's mother.

The mothers met at a gathering for parents with babies with Down syndrome, and the families were forever intertwined.

"We have been friends ever since," Maria said. "That one first interaction really brought us together."

It wasn't until Matthew and Lucia were teenagers that their moms set them up.

Their first date was in 2013 at Southpoint in Durham. They saw "Frozen" in theaters and had dinner at Maggiano's Little Italy. In 2015, Matthew asked Lucia to be his girlfriend, and that's when they shared their first kiss.

Matthew said he wanted to propose to Lucia since he graduated high school.

"I realized my heart belongs to her truly and she's the one for me," he said. "She never outgrew me and I never outgrew her."

"I was very emotional," Lucia said. "It's a dream come true."

The proposal took place in November in Chicago at a leadership conference for GiGi's Playhouse, which provides programming and support for people with Down syndrome and their families.

During a photo shoot, Matthew got down on one knee and made his best speech yet.

"I've got something to say to you," he says to Lucia in the video. "You're beautiful, kind, friendly, [and] you always make me laugh. You always make me a better self ... I want to continue this journey with you even though it may take us longer to achieve our dreams."

When Matthew pops the big question, Lucia answers enthusiastically, saying, "It's a yes, Baby! Definitely a yes!"

Lucia, whose family is from Argentina, is bilingual. She has her driver's license and works several jobs, including at Weaver Street Market.

Matthew is a motivational speaker who advocates for people with Down syndrome, especially in the workplace. He started his own advocacy platform, Matthew Schwab Speaks, and has even given a Tedx Talk. Recently, he was elected as a board member for GiGi's Playhouse, where Lucia and Matthew both volunteer.

"Lucia is driving on her own, and we're actively working at our jobs," Matthew said. "We're dating each other, because that's what we love. No matter what we're doing, we're defying the odds."

The couple also enjoys ballroom dancing, outdoor walks and cooking together.

"We have Down syndrome," Matthew said. "That means there is a little something extra, although it may take us a longer to do stuff."

"For us, we feel special," Lucia added. "We have an extra chromosome."

It's not just Matthew and Lucia who are thriving. Many others with Down syndrome are living full lives thanks to career programs, social and emotional support groups and other resources now readily available to people with Down syndrome.

Many of these resources, like GiGi's Playhouse, are 100% free to families.

After they connected, Matthew and Lucia’s mothers worked alongside other parents and advocates to bring North Carolina's first GiGi's playhouse to the Triangle. There are now 58 GiGi's Playhouse locations in the U.S. and Canada, and virtual options make it possible for families in rural areas and 86 countries to access services.

"Support is so much more readily available," said Michelle Schwab. "People with Down syndrome are everywhere ... they are in advertising, they are in books, they are in movies."

Maria Romano explained a Down syndrome diagnosis feels different now than it did when she gave birth to Lucia in the 1990s.

"Now we are so excited ... [now it's like] these are all the things your baby is going to be able to do. Look where our kids are today, there is so much possibility," she said.

"That's one of the reasons why the video of their proposal went viral," Matthew's mom added. "It makes everyone so happy."

The video went viral indeed, with messages of support pouring in from around the world, including places like Argentina, Brazil, the Netherlands, Canada and Nigeria.

Actress Viola Davis shared the video to wish the couple happiness, and Lucia's favorite band, Big Time Rush, even commented on the social media post.

Matthew and Lucia have not yet set a wedding date, but they're relishing in happiness and hope for years to come.

"He's always a gentleman to me, and he is very kind," Lucia said. "I love that he inspires me."

"Our love has only intensified," Matthew said.