The year was 1982. Richard J Kinsella Elementary School was filled with bright Hartford students including Tayarisha Green and Michael Batchelor. It was the perfect setting for Tayarisha and her sister in-law to be, Bernadette Batchelor (Cookie) to become friends. The paths of Tayarisha and Michael crossed often, as the girls became close friends, but it would take decades before Tayarisha and Michael would become soul mates. The bride and groom to be both attended Bulkeley High School in the late 80's into the year 1991, but there was still no romance.

Fast forward to more than two decades from our initial meeting in Elementary School, Michael and Tayarisha's first official date was a fundraiser event at their former High School " A Taste of Bulkeley". It was the perfect date, combining education, community service, and food- all things that the couple enjoys. Michael wore a red sweater and Tayarisha came in work attire. They laughed at the irony of their first date being at the school which they both attended, but paths never seemed to cross. The food was good, and the company even better.