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Amy Scherzer's diary

Heart Beat: Their love, rooted in family ties

His grandpa was the best man at her parents' wedding. Of course, the onetime middle school classmates didn't find that out till their first date.His grandpa was the best man at her parents' wedding. Of course, the onetime middle school classmates didn't find that out till after they started dating.

By AMY SCHERZER
Published July 21, 2006

PLAZA TERRACE

For David Morejon and Shirley Naranjo, eloping was never an option. They knew that if even one person found out, the entire family would find a way to show up. Like they did the night he proposed.

"I always said when I proposed it would be at Charley's Steakhouse, at dinner, at a table, when we were alone," Morejon said.

The couple went often, but the right moment never came along, he said. He made sure they either sat at the bar, ordered just appetizers or went with a group.

Then on Oct. 16, the four-year anniversary of their first date, Naranjo thought Morejon's grandparents were joining them at the Westshore restaurant for dinner. She believed him when he said they were having "car trouble."

They weren't alone for long. About 25 relatives were tailgating in the parking lot. A manager hid them in a private room until Morejon, 25, slipped the ring on her finger.

"It was perfect," said Naranjo, 24, "because we always share everything with our family."

The couple discovered the strength of their family ties during their first date, when Morejon took her to meet his maternal grandparents.

"At first, I thought, whoa, it's a little early for that," Naranjo said. But meeting Margaret and Oscar Rodriguez put the puzzle pieces together.

Turns out, her father, Santiago Naranjo, and David's grandfather, the late Gilbert Morejon, owner of the old Latam's restaurant on Columbus Drive, were best friends and business associates.

"We found out my grandfather was her parents' best man at their wedding," Morejon said.

Last year, Morejon was thrilled to fulfill that role when the Naranjos renewed their vows in Las Vegas on their 25th anniversary. She was the maid of honor.

About 12 years ago, his father, David Morejon Sr., moved Latam's into Centro Asturiano on Nebraska Avenue. Morejon Jr. practically grew up there, busing tables, cooking yellow rice and black beans and tending bar.

"The 42-foot marble-and-onyx bar was my girlfriend," he said. "Taking care of that bar was my passion."

The bar saw plenty of action after Morejon and Naranjo's July 8 wedding at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Ybor City. The 500 guests ate traditional Spanish and Cuban food in Latam's ballroom and danced in the cantina. Two DJs and a mariachi band entertained.

"Dad went all out," said Morejon.

Naranjo remembers her groom from when she was in the seventh grade at St. Lawrence Catholic Middle School. She thought the eighth-grader was cute and carved his initials in the sidewalk. He doesn't remember noticing her until they were at Tampa Catholic High, where she was student body president, homecoming queen, ran track and played basketball. She dreamed of being elected the first female U.S. president.

They began to bump into each other at the University of South Florida, where Morejon earned a bachelor's degree in geography. Naranjo has a bachelor's degree in international business and plans to finish her master's of business administration in May.

It wasn't until October 2001 that they really connected, during college night at Oyster Bay Bar and Grill, formerly on Anderson Road. She was alone and looked upset. He walked over and paid her a compliment.

"And I genuinely meant it," he said. It took a few days to register the potential of her reaction.

"I bet I have a chance," he thought.

He went back to the bar the following week to try his luck. One drink led to another, and the evening flew by. They had such a good time that Naranjo missed work the next day.

"And I forgot to get her phone number," he said.

He searched old high school directories, called mutual friends and, finally, opened the phone book. On about the sixth Naranjo he dialed, she answered.

"It was so unusual that he got me because I never miss work, I'm never home and I never answer the house phone," she said.

The relationship rooted like their family tree. Naranjo went to work at Bank of America as a small business banker.

Morejon began teaching science at Tampa Catholic, their alma mater. He considered buying a house with his brother, Adam, 23, but bought an engagement ring instead.

After a honeymoon at Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic - just the two of them - Mr. and Mrs. Morejon moved into a house she bought near Al Lopez Park 10 months ago.

"Everyone's helping us fix it up," she said. "My father ripped out the old carpet and my mom is painting the walls. We could never do it without our families."

Know of an interesting wedding story to share? Let me know at scherzer@sptimes.com or call (813) 784-6269.

[Last modified July 19, 2006, 12:49:15]