In January, Dominik Bauer “knew” he’d marryJen Bricker— and on July 12, he did.
Peace is the name of the game for Bricker, 31, who was born without legs and placed for adoption, finding a home with George and Sharon Bricker of Hardinville, Illinois, before later discovering her biological sister was gymnast Dominique Moceanu. An award-winning acrobat, she recountedher life story in her 2016 memoirEverything Is Possible, and these days, travels the globe spreading her messages of hope and positivity.
Dominik Brauer and Jen Bricker.Savanna Kathleen Photography
“It hit me like a truck the first time I met her,” he tells PEOPLE of an August 2018 book signing in Austria. “And after I read her book I had to reach out to her … everything she wrote was so true, and I knew I wanted this woman to be in my life.”
Savanna Kathleen Photography
Moceanu, her mother and sister Christine attended the nuptials, as well.
Romanian-born designer Valerica Moldovan of Sacramento made a custom gown for Bricker, designing it to cover her wheelchair for the ceremony.
“I sent her photos of different ideas, but it was her idea to make the gown cover my wheelchair,” says Bricker. “It was genius! I could only meet for one fitting, but it fit like a glove. It was absolutely perfect.”
The pair’s pastor came in from California for the big day, and “he made the ceremony just a blessing,” Bauer says, adding that the couple wrote their own vows. “It was so beautiful.”
Dominik Bauer and Jen Bricker.Savanna Kathleen Photography
Bauer and a friend also performed the couple’s song, “What a Wonderful World,” with lyrics changed to reflect their life together. “Everyone was crying,” says Bricker. “We practiced via WhatsApp!” adds Bauer.
With the wedding behind them, the couple hopes to have Bauer’s green card in place soon, and for now will travel together in Austria following a three-week honeymoon and mission trip through the Philippines. In the future, they plan to settle in Los Angeles and have children.
“We have our plans,” says Bauer. “And God has his plans, too.”
source: people.com
