Couple with Down syndrome weds on Valentine’s Day

By Jeff Pope

Thursday, Feb. 19, 2009 | 3:50 p.m.

While many people traded valentines on Feb. 14, Dawn Herrmann and Steven Schumm exchanged vows.

The couple chose the day associated with romance and red hearts because their courtship included sending each other love notes, many on heart-shaped paper.

In many ways, Dawn and Steven are a typical couple in love. What makes them unique is they both have Down syndrome.

Dawn is the daughter of June and Dick Herrmann, who founded New Vista Ranch in 1984. The community teaches developmentally disabled adults life skills so they can live independent rather than in institutions.

The wedding was just the second among residents of New Vista, 5520 W. Charleston Blvd.

The couple met while working at Bahama Breeze in 2005. They are both Elvis Presley fans and love bowling. Steven proposed to Dawn in a bowling alley.

The wedding took place with family and friends at the Desert Shores Community Center, 2500 Regatta Dr.

Steven said "I do" more than once, the first time before the minister finished asking the question.

They share an apartment in Henderson, which is filled with heart-shaped things, and are visited once a week by New Vista support staff like Monica Vollaire.

Before she started dating Steven, Dawn was shy and wouldn't look people in the eye when she talked, Vollaire said.

"He brought it out of her. He's very outgoing and talkative," she said. "They complement each other very well."

Jeff Pope can be reached at 990-2688 or [email protected].