They say, “When our actions are based on good intentions, our soul has no regrets.” But fate has zero care for those plans.
Martin Robinson, the class representative for a public speaking course in 2020 at Te University of the West Indies, Mona campus, was in possession of his peer’s contacts. He was, however, determined to keep things professional, so he blocked them from seeing his status. Then one day, a beautiful scholar by the name of Shay-Ann Bennett slipped through the cracks and entered his chat. The two communicated and made a romantic connection that transcended the talks on WhatsApp to the walk in holy matrimony.
“I wasn’t looking in anyone’s direction because I had my own problems to deal with. Here comes this girl with the 354 questions and the 132 opinions. And for some reason, I was intrigued,” he told Island Wedding. Shay-Ann matched his fascination by initially thinking that Martin was both handsome and assertive.
When the pair went on a first date, Shay-Ann admitted that neither party liked the location, but it turned out to be a wonderful encounter. “His company made everything better. While talking, I felt like I knew him all my life,” she added.
Explaining that his darling is not only caring, but supportive, cheerful, provoking at times and very sexy, he continues to marvel at her ambition and willingness to try in every facet of life. “She has a go-getter spirit; anything she wants, she’s willing to work for it. Even if I say I’ll do it, she wants to do it, then we end up having a healthy competition as to who can top the other person. But the most significant thing is her willingness to improve on a personal level, learn new things, understand various perspectives and compromise,” he shared.
Martin went on further to state that she motivates him to make similar personal improvements that are geared towards elevating his financial and mental state.
Supportive, assertive, conscientious, caring and sacrificial were the words Shay-Ann used to describe her love. “He has taught me plenty about the reality of life. He helped me through my undergrad pursuit and pushed me past my limits with a brand I started from 2019. Because of how exposing relationships can be, he has helped me become an overall better human, more loving, tender, sacrificial and hard-working.”
Shay-Ann knew two weeks into their talking phase that Martin was the one. And Martin had a similar feeling that same year. “In August of 2020, I was telling her that I didn’t have a childhood. I was busy trying to survive. And she started planning fun, childlike stuff that we would do for my birthday to re-enact a happy childhood. That is the smartest, most loving, caring, considerate and creative thing anyone has ever done for me. I said to myself, ‘It dis enuh, King. Your time now’,” he said.
So after courting for a year and five months, Martin popped the question in January 2022. “I told her we were going on a date night. I bought the dress and everything, because it had to be perfect. I called Perfect Proposals to do a set-up with petals, carpet, marquise letters, candles and all that by a poolside, and it came out amazing. I invited her immediate family; she always said she wanted them to be there. Then, I gave my speech and popped the question, she said yes, and we went for dinner.”
The couple went on to plan most of the wedding together, with assistance from family, friends and Bliss Bridal, which “understood the assignment”. On September 24, a gorgeous Shay-Ann walked up the aisle to meet her handsome groom. And Martin received his beautiful bride with open arms and an open heart just for her. It was only fitting that they honour where it all began. So the duo tied the knot at the UWI Chapel.
“The wedding was everything I hoped for, and more,” Mrs Robinson declared. Her husband agreed and made special mention of DJ Powa, who understood the assignment by delivering pure vibes, as well as the nuptial photographer, Cassius Rochford, who travelled all the way from Trinidad to take pictures of the wedding.
“Cassius Rochford did the shoot for free under the condition that we took care of his plane ticket and amenities. To know he lives in Trinidad and decided to expand to Jamaica and do our shoot for free is one of our biggest blessings,” Martin added.