One thing that is almost always guaranteed to make you cry is wedding speeches. Full of love, emotion and sentiment, wedding speeches are the epitome of wholesome storytelling. And for bride Chenin and her groom Brian, they got the surprise of a lifetime during their recent wedding reception from Brian's nonverbal son Evan (who has apraxia and autism)–a tearjerking and witty speech that was made possible from new a new speech technology method.
"This was probably the most emotional speech I’ve ever witnessed," rorafilmco founders Jimmy and Lex, wedding videographers in San Diego, California, wrote in the video's caption. "Everyone in the room had tears in their eyes including me, as Brian’s son delivered the most beautiful and yet witty speech that no one saw coming."
They go on to share that the speech was made possible by a new speech technology method called The Spellers Method, which supports nonspeaking, minimally speaking or unreliably speaking individuals learn how to spell and type as their most effective method of communication.
"His son used a methodology called Spellers which he (painstakingly) spells out his words with a letter board that looks like a stencil board. The entire speech was then read back using voice software. So incredible!" they wrote.
And the speech is a tearjerker. "Chenin, you are not just beautiful. You are kind, patient and smart. A real triple threat. And dad, what can I say? All my life, you've had my back. Looking out for me and taking care of me. It's not what either of us expected, but we're in it together, and I love you for that," he says. "We both know my body can be unpredictable sometimes. Although Tricky Trey (my brother) might be the real wildcard. Sorry little brother."
The camera I had to say you are pretty dad and we are lucky to have you. So, to wrap this up, Chenin and Dad, cheers to your love. Cheers to family and cheers to the new chapter you are starting together. We are also excited to be part of it. Love to you both."
In the comments, bride Chenin shared more about the video. "Thanks for capturing this moment. Evan has never let apraxia/autism stand in his way. We’re so proud of his character and resilience despite the obstacles - what an inspiration he is ❤️," she wrote.
The video got many emotional responses from other parents of nonverbal kids. "Mom to a nonspeaker here who communicates through spelling. I sobbed watching this. Thank you for sharing that our kids have a lot to say and want to take part in their family’s lives. It’s our job to unlock their voices," one wrote. Another shared, "When your child is non verbal and so little as a parent u fear they will never have a voice never be able to voice their opinions, their emotions. This is a beautiful moment to watch this him be able to have worked hard and be surrounded by love and support so he could be able to do this🥹🥹🥹❤️❤️❤️❤️"
Other were purely moved by how sentimental it was. "The way my makeup would be wiped off instantly by all the tears if I were in that room," one commented. Another wrote, "What a tear jerker! Such a beautiful speech! His words made me cry 😭😭😭."