FYIDC | WEDDINGS
NEWS HOSTS, GOP POLITICAL PLAYERS, LATINO CELEBS:
A POWER-PACKED MIAMI WEDDING Ana Navarro says ‘I do’ with color. BY DA R A K L AT T
ANA NAVARRO AND AL CARDENAS March 2, 2019 | Indian Creek Country Club, Miami Beach, Fla.
T
he CNN contributor and political strategist Ana Navarro can set fireworks raging when she’s sparring live on camera. But on her wedding day to Al Cardenas, a lawyer, lobbyist and former chairman of Florida’s Republican party, the sparks were simply ones of affection. Instead of verbal blasts at lawmakers and epic social media take-downs, there were just two people on a Miami waterfront who “make each other laugh.” The couple met more than 25 years earlier through their activism and involvement in
politics. While the attraction was instant, Navarro says, it wasn’t the right time. “We had obligations and professional goals that we prioritized.” Cardenas and Navarro remained friends and eventually grew into being each other’s advisors and confidants. “A lot of time passed,” Navarro said, “but we realized we wanted to be with each other in the good times and the bad ones. At last, we made ourselves and our happiness the priority.” When Cardenas, 71, took Navarro to the French-Belgian restaurant Marcel’s, in the District’s West End and a waiter brought out a dome covered silver platter with a ring underneath, he dropped down on one knee. “It is never too late,” said Navarro, 47. “It sounds corny, I know. We didn’t give up on
love, and we didn’t give up on each other. “ With a hectic schedule to manage, Navarro brought in wedding planner Alina Moleta. “Knowing how difficult a schedule I have, she tried to take on as many tasks, [make] decisions and solve problems before they ever had to make their way to me.” The wedding space was outfitted with a “big tropical orchid look” with a vintage Miami theme that reflected the heritage of Navarro (originally from Nicaragua) and Cardenas (who is from Cuba). On the big day, Cardenas appeared in a black, custom-made Pepi Bertini dinner jacket while Navarro wore an ivory silk, off-the-shoulder gown with a scalloped neckline and a lace overlay by the “Rene Ruiz Collection” designed by Luis Escudero. (Continued on page 24)
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