Even if siblings squabble it doesn’t mean they don’t love each other whole-heartedly. In fact, a lot of brothers and sisters have such strong bonds as kids, that they’re able to carry their close relationships through adulthood.

Nick Rice is best friends with his older sister Ashley. The pair’s from Tonawanda, New York and they enjoyed all the joys of childhood side by side.

Ashley explained to ABC News:

“…I could always depend on him, he was just the best little brother. Wouldn’t change anything.”

When it came time for Ashley to get married, she couldn’t imagine not having her brother Nick (who has Down syndrome) be a special part of the day.

Along with making him one of the groomsmen – she also decided upon a unique moment they could share just the two of them. Nick would be the first person to see Ashley in her wedding dress.

Most times a “first look” occurs between the bride and groom. However, on his sister’s wedding day – Nick had the chance to be part of the tradition.

Nick was set up in a room with his back turned away from the door. Kelsey Watroba of Kelsey Gene Photography was there to capture the unforgettable scene that took place.

Ashley stepped in wearing her white gown and veil, tapping her brother on the shoulder. When he turned around, he couldn’t hold back his over-joyed reaction. In another photo, tears can be seen in Ashley’s eyes as they hugged.

Nick told his sister,

“You are the most beautiful thing in the world.”

That wasn’t the only touching part of the evening for the siblings. Nick also gave a speech during the reception, which according to Ashley, left guests choked up.

Even photographer Kelsey was moved by everything that occurred that day. After the event, she decided to upload the first look photos to Facebook. Unsurprisingly, her post went viral and has been shared more than 15,000 times in a couple of months.

Kelsey wrote in her post:

“Ohhh my…This wedding day was extraordinary for many reasons. But possibly one of my favorite moments was the special first looked Ashley planned for her little brother, Nick.”

She continued:

“Before the ceremony, these two carved out a moment to spend together. And it was so special and pure. Nick had some very heartfelt thoughts to share with his sister. When I tell you, that there was not a dry eye in the room… oh yes I was right along with them in tears.”

It’s not every day that a woman saves such a huge moment for her little brother on her wedding day. But for Ashley and Nick – it turned into something neither of them will ever forget.

During her interview with ABC News, Ashley said:

“The most beautiful moment on top of the most beautiful day. It was perfect – he did really good.”

In addition to the photos going viral on social media, the story overall is lifting people’s souls.

A man named Matt wrote on the news station’s YouTube channel:

“This is absolutely heartwarming! What a positive story we need more stories like this!!”

Someone else commented:

“Sniff, sniff, sniff. Tears streaming down my face! Such love!”

Watch the video below to see the photos that have the internet’s heart in a puddle. You can tell by how they interact that they’ll be best friends for life.