IT WAS the power of the written word that brought together Tammy Haynes and Michael Robinson last February.
"We met at a poetry reading at College Commons (Mona, St. Andrew) on a Sunday evening. I had just finished reading and was speaking to a friend when Michael came up to us and my friend formally introduced us," recalled Tammy, a 28-year-old psychologist and lecturer at the University of the West Indies (UWI). She admitted that it was almost love at first sight when she met Michael, a 30-year-old graphic artist.
Tammy said after the introduction she did not give much thought to Michael until the following Tuesday when he called her. "I didn't know how in the world he got my phone number as I knew I didn't give him, so I was a bit surprised by the call," said Tammy.
The surprise call by Michael was an invitation to a lunch date. She, however, declined, saying that she wanted candies instead. Michael, who was persistent was not about to be deterred. He left his downtown Kingston office to go to Barbican in order to deliver sweets for his future wife. This chivalrous act seemed to have worked as the two became friends instantly.
This friendship later led to a closer bond between them, and eventually resulted in a pregnant Tammy moving in with Michael.
Last October, after hosting a solo graphic arts exhibition which the two lovers attended, Michael proposed to Tammy on bended knees. A few months later this love match culminated in a beautiful December wedding on the Hummingbird Hill in St Ann overlooking Discovery Bay.
The wedding ceremony, witnessed by close friends and family members, was officiated by Reverend Webster Edwards, chaplain of Up Park Camp in Kingston.
"I know I've found my best friend in Michael. Marriage has been great and a lot of fun for both of us so far and we intend to keep it that way," said Tammy.
"I pretty much made up my mind about her since the first day I saw her. We're happy together right now and the baby will add to the happiness," commented Michael.
