How did you two meet?
Mary: "Haynes came to Saint James in the 8th grade. During 10th and 11th grade, I considered Haynes one of my best friends. In the 11th grade, we had a history class together, and we sat in the very back of the room next to each other. We would pass notes to each other during class, and he would always make me laugh. I actually still have the post-it-note that he passed to me during class which he told me he liked me. That's when I started to see Haynes as more than my best friend, and that I had feelings for him."
Hanyes: "Mary and I met in high school in eighth grade and became really close friends. In 11th grade, we became best friends when we got to sit next to each other in the back of history class. Luckily, the teacher was not strict at all, and we basically talked the whole time. We would sit in the back pass notes, which is when I started to fall for her. When we went to Auburn, we quickly started dating and have been dating ever since! I think we’ve had such a great relationship because we became best friends before dating."
How did Haynes propose?
Mary: "Haynes proposed on March 31st. A couple of weeks prior, he sent me a picture of an email invitation from his boss that the firm was having a party to meet clients in Birmingham, and that I was invited. At first, I had no idea the email was fake, and that Haynes had asked his boss to send the email so there would be a reason for me to come to Birmingham. On the way to the party, Haynes received a phone call from someone pretending to be his boss to stop and get ice. After I heard the phone call, all my suspicions were thrown out the window, and I realized we were really going to an office party. When we pulled up, there were people inside the building wearing nice business clothes. I told Haynes I was not dressed appropriately, and I refused to get out of the car and go inside. Poor Haynes was probably freaking out at this point. He told me that their event was supposed to be in the garden. The glaring sun blinded my eyes, so when I walked into the garden I could not see anything. I did not even realize that there were candles and rose petals lining along the walkway. When I realized what was actually going to happen, I began to cry. I looked over at Haynes and he was also crying. We walked up to the platform and at that moment Haynes asked me to marry him. Thank goodness he had written down what he had said to me because neither of us remember. After he proposed, my best friends, who I did not know were in on this special moment, came out of hiding, and Haynes popped open a bottle of champagne for all of us to celebrate. We then met our families for dinner and afterwards went back to Haynes’ home where many of our friends from Auburn had come to celebrate with us!"
Haynes: "I proposed in March. I have been traveling for work, so getting a chance to do it was tough. When I was home, I told her I had a customer event at Park Crest Event Facility in Hoover and had a fake email and fake phone call from my boss to throw her off. I proposed that night and then surprised her with friends in family back at my house in Homewood!"
Mary-- what's one of the things you admire most about Haynes?
Mary: "There are many things that I admire about Haynes. One of the things I admire most about him is his kind heart as he always sees the positive and good in everyone. I also admire his patience. No matter the situation Haynes is always calm and collective."
Haynes-- what's one thing you admire most about Mary?
Haynes: "One of the things I admire most about Mary is how much she cares for her friends and family. She would go to the ends of the earth for them (and me!). It shows me how kind and loving her heart is. I always tell her that she is a major support system for me, but she is also that way for those she is close to."
What are some things you two like to do together?
Mary: "Whether we are sitting around the house watching T.V., going out for drinks, or just me driving the golf cart while he golfs, as long as I am with him, I am happy. He is my best friend, and I am always content when I am with him."
Haynes: "We love to go to Lake Martin together and fish, drink beer, get tan, and ride on the boat! Occasionally I can convince her to drive the golf cart and be my moral support on the course."
