Couple Who Can't Smile Are Getting Married

Even though a rare facial condition prevents them from smiling, this couple is thrilled to be tying the knot.

English born Alex Barker and his soon to be wife Erin Smith from the US, met online and are set to be engaged after just four dates, The Daily Mail reports. While most couples look for common interests and hobbies when choosing a potential partner, Alex and Erin had something else in common that affects less than 1000 people worldwide.

Someone Who Understands

The couple both have a rare condition known as Moebius syndrome, which causes a paralysis of the cranial nerves, preventing sufferers from changing their facial expressions, and met through an online support group for people with the syndrome.

Erin says, “At first, I would never have thought I would fall in love with someone that was born with the same thing I was. But I mean it’s not just the Moebius, we have a lot of other things in common too. It is so nice to meet someone that understands me for me.”

Alex agreed, pointing out that the couple is able to communicate their feelings in other ways. “I can tell when Erin is happy because she always puts her head on one side and goes ‘ooh’…we know each others mannerisms…there is a lot of non-verbal communication that goes on.”

Enjoying Being Together

The couple both experienced severe bullying as children and have struggled to establish relationships in their adult life due to the condition. As a result, they did consult doctors about what the future may hold and have been reassured that any children they may have in the future won’t necessarily have the syndrome.

For now, however, the couple are just enjoying finally being able to be together. Though they chatted online for three years, they only had four dates in person before Alex proposed to Erin on a trip to the Santa Monica pier back in July 2016. While it isn’t known whether they will settle in the US or UK, we think this is a beautiful love story no matter which continent it continues on.

There’s really nothing better than finding someone who understands you and loves you for who you are.

Do you and your partner have something special in common? Tell us in the comments.

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38 Comments

- - meedee said
  - 30 Dec 2022
    9:45 am
Oh wow….I have never heard of this. How awesome that they found each other. Chuildhood must have been very hard for both of them and im sure even as adults other adults would have rude things to say.

- - nadine_hill said
  - 29 Jul 2019
    5:10 pm
How sad to not be able to show facial emotion, especially smiling – so pleased they have found each other! Hubby and I are like chalk and cheese, but I guess that’s what makes it work!

- - mom81879 said
  - 20 May 2019
    6:15 pm
That would be so strange, going through life always looking angry. They’re lucky to have found someone they’re compatible with

- - nealsq said
  - 07 Jan 2019
    10:43 pm
Congratulations to them, may they enjoy a long and happy marriage!

- - skbou said
  - 06 Jan 2019
    3:03 pm
What a great outcome. It’s fortunate they were born in a time that the internet allowed them to meet even though they live in different countries.

- - rnash02 said
  - 28 Dec 2018
    10:14 am
Hope they have a happy life together

- - mom101628 said
  - 26 Dec 2018
    11:19 pm
Such a lovely story – real soul mates. Hope they live happily ever after.

- - Mum2archer said
  - 09 Dec 2018
    9:54 pm
I think everyone has their soul mate who they are meant to be with – they just have to find them. It must be difficult not being able to show that you are happy, but I am so glad they have each other that they can both understand what the other is going through, and be there for them. I wish them all the happiness in the world!

- - mom206279 said
  - 09 Dec 2018
    4:49 am
There’s a lid for every pot. This is a great story.
- Mum2archer replied
  
  09 Dec 2018 , 9:51 pm
  Thats a cute saying, I like that!
- - ella12 said
  - 03 Dec 2018
    2:57 pm
All the best to them, I wish them well.

- - mom265671 said
  - 01 Dec 2018
    11:20 pm
Beautiful. Love has no boundaries and I’m glad they found it in each other

- - MuthaNita said
  - 01 Dec 2018
    9:27 pm
Interesting. If it’s meant to be its meant to be I guess. Even after talking to someone online for that long I wouldn’t be comfortable marrying them, to me you can edit what’s written online to give someone the impression you want them to have of you. In person interactions are much more authentic.

- - mom62894 said
  - 01 Dec 2018
    6:00 pm
We complement one another what one lacks the other lifts them up…I’m so lucky, we have never shouted at each other, don’t get me wrong we have had arguments but always still been able to speak

- - curlytops said
  - 01 Dec 2018
    4:31 pm
how lovely that they have found each other.

- - tessie said
  - 30 Nov 2018
    11:00 am
That’s so wonderful for them both. I wish them years of love and happiness

- - kjgarner said
  - 30 Nov 2018
    10:16 am
It’s great that they found many things in common, my hubby and I have stacks of things in common too

- - mom241861 said
  - 29 Nov 2018
    8:59 pm
Such a loving story I wish them all the best amazing story. Xx

- - natct said
  - 29 Nov 2018
    1:27 pm
Congrats to the happy couple. Love a nice story like this.

- - sars_angelchik said
  - 29 Nov 2018
    1:22 pm
Nawww how cute!

- - rovermum said
  - 29 Nov 2018
    8:31 am
I am so pleased for this couple. My hubby and I come from interesting families. We’ve both broken the mould of our family’s toxic cycle and very much support and share that. We’re both hard working, decent, loyal, and honest people. Similar traits, but different personalities !!