United States

of America

Congressional
Record
PROCEEDI NGS AND DEBATES OF THE

114th

CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION

House of Representatives
HONORING
The upcoming wedding of Alex Fernandez and Robert Wolfarth
HON. THEODORE E. DEUTCH of Florida
in the House of Representatives
June 9,
2015
Dear Mr. Speaker:

I rise today in honor of the upcoming nuptials of Alex Fernandez and Robert Wolfarth.
Robert Wolfarth and Alex Fernandez of south Florida will be getting married in the District of Colombia
at the Florida House on Capitol Hill. Their wedding ceremony marks the first same-sex marriage at the
Florida House following its lawful recognition in the state through judicial ruling.
Giving back to their community has been a centerpiece of Robert and Alex's professional lives and of
their relationship. Robert, the grandson of former Miami Mayor William M. Wolfarth, and Alex, a public
servant since the age of 15, met on September 25th, 2006 at Miami-Dade County Hall where Alex
worked at the time as a Press Secretary. The two were immediately bonded by a shared passion for public
service.
Alex proudly served as an aide to Miami Beach Mayor Matti Herrera Bower and was her liaison with to
the LGBT Affairs Committee playing an instrumental role in the inaugural Miami Beach Gay Pride. As a
successful real estate entrepreneur, Robert's most cherished professional accomplishment has been hiring
an undocumented immigrant, helping her become an American citizen, obtain a real estate sales person
license, and achieve the American Dream of homeownership. A member of the Miami Beach Hispanic
Affairs Board, Alex has been an active advocate for workforce housing for residents being displaced from
their homes and community by the rising cost of living and real estate values.
Among their many professional and civic endeavors, Robert and Alex are most proud of their mutual
service to the communities they love, Miami-Dade County and Miami Beach. Whether it be through the
rescue of their three dogs from the shelter, or the distribution of pumpkins pies to the less fortunate on
Thanksgiving, or through their past service on the Planning, Affordable Housing, or Charter Review
Boards, Robert and Alex find in each day of their relationship the opportunity to make a positive impact
in the life of others.

 Through their marriage and the continued support of their friends and love ones, Robert and Alex hope to
demonstrate that as a nation, states, and communities we are strengthened through the contributions of

 countless loving and committed American same-sex couples seeking the fundamental right to the pursuit
of happiness.
On this special occasion I wish Robert and Alex many continued years of love, health, and happiness as
they enter this blessed new stage of their lives t o g e t h e r .

Ted Deutch
MEMBER OF CONGRESS