Blind Bride Asked Groom & Wedding Guests To Wear Blindfolds At Ceremony So They Could 'Experience What It’s Like' For Her

Sep 26, 2023

While wedding ceremonies often follow familiar paths of tradition, Lucy Edwards, a bride who lost her eyesight as a teenager, chose to embark on a profoundly unique journey on her special day. 

Edwards, a broadcaster, social media influencer and activist, tied the knot with her partner, Ollie Cave, on Aug. 31, 2023, in London. The extraordinary wedding left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance because she asked her wedding guests to wear blindfolds when she walked down the aisle. For those few minutes, the bride and the groom wanted everyone to experience what she goes through every day.

The 27-year-old bride has a rare genetic condition called incontinentia pigmenti (IP). According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, this is a hereditary condition caused by genetic factors impacting various systems within the body.  

The skin-related symptoms of IP evolve over time but initially manifest as blistering rashes, which later progress to resemble wart-like skin growths. These growths transform into swirled grey or brown patches during childhood and ultimately transition into swirled light patches in adulthood. Developing eye abnormalities, which could result in vision impairment, is also one of the symptoms of IP, alongside hair loss and small or missing teeth.

In an intimate interview with Insider, Edwards revealed that she lost her eyesight completely at the tender age of 17, just two months into her relationship with Cave. Her journey from sight to blindness left her grappling with uncertainty about her future.  

Edwards confessed that she had a traditional image of being a bride walking down the aisle, gazing lovingly at her groom and guests. However, the idea of people smiling at her while she couldn't see them in return made her feel uncomfortable and it conflicted with her dreams of the perfect wedding. 

Thus, in an act of daring originality, she decided to bring out the blindfolds for her wedding day so she could create a shared experience of the moment for everyone present. She was fortunate and grateful that the groom agreed to her idea. 

What made this moment truly exceptional was the groom’s decision to keep his blindfold on, allowing him to experience the textures and sensations of his bride’s wedding gown as he stood next to her by the altar. It was a gesture of love and understanding that transcended the visuals. It explored the world of touch, giving a special view of the bride’s day-to-day experience.

“This was such an important experience for us both even though Ollie isn’t blind, but we thought it was really important for him and all of my guests to experience what it’s like for me in the most important moment of our life so far,” Edwards wrote in the video of her bridal walk, which was uploaded on Sept. 10, 2023. 

"It was such an emotional moment and one that I will remember for the rest of my life. I am so lucky that I have a husband that accepts me for exactly who I am my disability and everything," the bride added. 

"This is quite an emotional and raw moment to share with you guys, but I thought it was so important as it’s not a typical way that a bride walks down the aisle but it was my way."

The comments on her video, which had over 6.4 million views on TikTok, reflected the immense impact of her wedding. 

"The groom falling to his knees while seeing you as a bride, the way you see, is a fairytale moment," a follower said. 

"This actually took my breath away, thank you for sharing something so heart warming," another follower posted. 

Don't you just love a beautiful twist at weddings? Lucy Edwards's wedding story is a reminder that love, inclusivity and empathy can make any moment truly beautiful, regardless of the circumstances. Spread this heartwarming message by passing on the story to your family and friends!