Congratulations to our new Kiefer Couple: Stephanie & Tom!
Stephanie’s daughter, Morgan, gives us a peek behind the scenes of her mom’s very own fairytale romance. "If you’ve ever met my mom, you know she’s the woman who brings everyone else’s dreams to life. For over 10 years, she’s been one of the most sought-after wedding planners in Tampa—turning venues into fairy tales, timelines into art, and chaos into calm. She’s built a business on love and magic, and she believes in it with her whole heart… at least for other people. But when it came to her own love story? She honestly thought her chapter had already closed. Then one ordinary day, something extraordinary happened. She got a sweet message on Zoosk—yes, Zoosk—from a man named Tom. She hadn’t even been on the site for long, and she wasn’t expecting anything. But his message stood out. It was kind. Gentle. Genuine. She decided to respond. After a few conversations, they made plans to meet in person. And where did this first date happen? Of course—the most magical place we go every year—the Christmas stroll in Dade City. Imagine a historic little town lit up like a Hallmark movie: real-life carolers, glowing homes, live nativity scenes… it’s pure nostalgia and magic. My mom’s favorite night of the year. So there she was, surrounded by friends (and yes, me—her daughter/best friend—and all our people), waiting to meet Tom for the first time. And he showed up. Right there, in front of one of our friends’ houses, wearing a nice shirt, nervous smile, and just the right kind of warmth. They clicked immediately. They wandered through the lights together, shared their love for Christmas, and ended the night at Cracker Barrel, talking for hours. The next night? Another date—this time walking through our own neighborhood looking at more Christmas lights. That night, he told her he loved her personality, and I think something in her shifted. For the first time in a long time, she thought: “This man might really like me.” From that moment on, things grew fast—beautifully fast. Tom lives 40 miles away, but every weekend, he came to visit. He went to church with her. Took her to dinner. Helped around the house. He showed up again and again. And as someone who lives with my mom, works with her (I’ve worked in her wedding business for over six years), and knows her better than probably anyone else—I saw it. So did my best friend Janelle. We both knew from the beginning: this was it. But of course, my mom had her walls up. She’s been hurt, and she was fiercely protective of her heart. She even tried to friend-zone Tom at one point - But Tom? He didn’t flinch. He just kept loving her the same. He helped us move to a new city in March—He kept showing up. Kept being himself: gentle, funny, kind. The exact kind of man my mom always hoped for but didn’t believe existed anymore. They started to realize how weirdly perfect they were for each other. Same taste in food (they even order the exact same veggie delight sandwich from Subway). Same go-to deli order from Publix. Same favorite vacation spot: Orange Lake Resort in Kissimmee. Like, down to the same resort and same love for Christmas decor. It started feeling a lot less like coincidence and more like divine timing. And then came the proposal. Tom took her back to Dade City—under one of the beautiful gazebos on the same street where they met. He asked her to marry him. As if that wasn’t magical enough, the owner of the home nearby—who’s part of the historical society—came outside, congratulated them, and gave them a Christmas ornament of that very home. A keepsake to remember the night their new chapter began. When word spread through the wedding industry that my mom—our beloved planner—was finally the bride, people showed up for her in the most incredible ways. Florists, caterers, venues—they all rallied behind her to make sure her wedding would be just as magical as the ones she’s created for others. She’ll be marrying Tom on the perfect date: 12/12/25. A day that feels like Christmas without actually being Christmas (she says the 21st was just too close). It’s poetic, really. Like the holiday spirit waited all year just to celebrate them. Her dress? Well, The moment she walked out of the dressing room in it, we cried. All of us. It was one of those moments you never forget. I already know Tom’s going to cry when he sees her. Honestly, I’ve never seen a man love a woman the way he loves my mom. So yeah… a lot can happen in a year. From a message on a dating app to a wedding surrounded by friends, family, and the entire Tampa wedding community—this story is proof that love doesn’t follow our timelines. It shows up when you least expect it, in ways you never saw coming, and sometimes… it brings all the Christmas lights with it. Their message to everyone? Never give up. Never say never. God can do BIG things in small windows of time. And this love story—my mom’s love story—is one of those big things. So celebrate with us, because this isn’t just a wedding. It’s the ending we always hoped for and the beginning we almost didn’t believe was possible. It’s a match made in heaven—wrapped in twinkle lights and tied with a bow."
Stephanie & Tom said “I do” on 12.12.25 at Rusty Pelican Tampa. Stephanie's gorgeous rings include a stunning 5.40CTW oval lab-grown diamond ring in 18K white gold. Her band is a beautifully matched 14K white gold diamond enhancer, completing the perfect bridal look. Tom chose a 10K white gold Florentine finish men’s band from our Malo Collection.
Click below to see the beautiful rings that sealed Stephanie & Tom’s love story!
18KW 5.40CTW Oval Lab Grown Diamond Ring $7,999
Diamond Enhancer Ring $2,189 or $547.25/month
18KW 5.40CTW Oval Lab Grown Diamond Ring $7,999
Diamond Enhancer Ring $2,189 or $547.25/month