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Madeline Stuart Dazzles in Wedding Photo Shoot

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Just weeks after her New York Fashion Week (NYFW) takeover, Madeline Stuart, the 18-year-old world-famous model with Down syndrome, looks absolutely radiant in a whimsical bridal shoot.

madeline stuart in wedding dress, veil blowing in the wind
Sarah Houston Photography | Photo courtesy of Rosanne Stuart

Stuart, from Brisbane, Australia, did her latest shoot at Rixey Manor, a popular wedding venue, in Culpeper, Virginia, with photographer Sarah Houston. She modeled a number of gowns, hair accessories and florals. “Not getting married,” Stuart wrote on Facebook. “Just a photo shoot lol.”

“[The shoot] was to break down barriers, to let people see and understand that people with disabilities get married also,” her mother Rosanne Stuart told The Mighty in an email.

black and white photo, madline stuart smiling in wedding dress
Sarah Houston Photography | Photo courtesy of Rosanne Stuart
groom kissing madeline stuart on the head
Sarah Houston Photography | Photo courtesy of Rosanne Stuart
madeline stuart in wedding dress with veil over face
Sarah Houston Photography | Photo courtesy of Rosanne Stuart

In the last year, along with appearing twice at NYFW, Stuart has made great strides in the modeling industry and in the advocacy world. “[Madeline] wants people to know Down Syndrome is a blessing,” Rosanne Stuart told The Mighty last year, “something to be celebrated.”

Stuart has had contracts with brands Manifesta and Living Dead Clothing, is the first face behind the GlossiGirl Cosmetics “Beauty Is…” campaign, had a one-of-a-kind doll made after her, and now is launching her own handbag line with a fashion company called EverMaya. The teen is also an ambassador for I Can I Will Australia, a nonprofit aimed at ending bullying. She acts as a mentor for young adults with special needs.

The photo shoot below is just the latest of her big accomplishments.

madeline stuart dancing with groom
Sarah Houston Photography | Photo courtesy of Rosanne Stuart
madeline stuart holding bouquet
Sarah Houston Photography | Photo courtesy of Rosanne Stuart
groom escorting madeline stuart down stairs
Sarah Houston Photography | Photo courtesy of Rosanne Stuart
profile of madeline stuart in dress
Sarah Houston Photography | Photo courtesy of Rosanne Stuart
madeline stuart with black jacket over dress
Sarah Houston Photography | Photo courtesy of Rosanne Stuart

Related: Behind the Scenes With the World’s Most Famous Model With Down Syndrome


Have you seen the first film with a national release to star a person with Down syndrome? Check out the film “Where Hope Grows” today!

Available for purchase on Amazon and iTunes.

Image via Wikimedia Commons/Madelinemgmt

Originally published: March 10, 2016
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