Groom’s Heartwarming Surprise: His Bride’s Patients with Down Syndrome as Ring Bearers at Their Wedding

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Most brides want to spend their wedding day with their loved ones, and for Cíntia Bonfante, that included more than just friends and family. Cíntia is a Brazilian speech therapist who works closely with children, many of whom have autism and Down syndrome.

Knowing how much she cares for her young patients, her fiancé planned a special surprise for their wedding. He invited Cíntia’s patients to be part of the ceremony, making them the ring bearers on their big day.

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Cíntia Bonfante married José Vitor Flach in March 2020, just before the pandemic hit. As they planned their wedding, Cíntia asked her husband to check if the children she worked with could attend the ceremony. However, they were told it wouldn’t be possible. “Since we don’t have children in the family, I didn’t want to ask anyone else to bring the rings,” she explained to Revista Cresce. Feeling disappointed, the couple decided that Flach would carry the rings in his jacket instead.

When the big moment arrived and the priest called for the rings, Flach didn’t move. “I squeezed his hand, thinking, ‘Oh no, you forgot!’ That’s why I was so emotional,” Bonfante shared. But instead of Flach, her young patients with Down syndrome walked down the aisle, surprising the bride. Fighting back tears, Bonfante was overwhelmed with joy. After the surprise sank in, the couple warmly greeted each of the children.

The whole surprise was planned by Flach, who contacted the mothers of Bonfante’s patients through Facebook. “We were nervous because kids often freeze up, and they hadn’t practiced. But they were perfect during the ceremony!” shared Luciana Rocha Rech, whose child was a ring bearer. “It was both moving and gratifying. What professionals like Cíntia do for our children is beyond words. She truly cares, whether it’s about how the child is doing at school, following instructions, or being careful… She really puts her heart into everything.”

Four years later, Bonfante and Flach are proud parents to a son named Miguel. Bonfante is still a dedicated therapist, offering advice on Instagram and supporting her patients in southern Brazil. When asked about her work, she said, “It’s all about love and dedication. I put myself in the families’ shoes and understand the challenges they face in getting the rights of people with disabilities recognized. I show a lot of care to my patients so they can grow and overcome their struggles, because with love, anything is possible.”