Scene Together: Couples on Their Wedding Day

By Wendy Lyons Sunshine | January 2022

Karen S. McKeivier + Ronald Michael Croce

Married November 19, 2021

A chance meeting between Karen McKeivier and Ron Croce led to late-life love and the adventure of a lifetime.

Karen was still glammed up after a half-day photoshoot—finally updating her professional headshot at the urging of her granddaughter— and ravenously hungry when she stopped at the UTC Capitol Grille for a steak dinner and glass of wine. 

The restaurant was crowded, so she ate at the bar. When the seat next to her opened up, a stranger named Ron Croce sat down. The two chatted, and Karen confessed, “I don’t normally look like this. I had a photo shoot to update my headshot.”  

Karen left without saying goodbye, but Ron found her on Facebook. “It took several months before I would agree to a dinner date,” she admits. But one real date was all it took. “Cupid had drawn his bow and arrow and shot me right in the heart.”

In 2019, Ron proposed in the gazebo at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens during Lights In Bloom. And with her “yes,” the 55-year-old, confirmed bachelorette became engaged to a young 67 year-old.  

Karen says, “If I had to write the script for how my life would be, I couldn’t have been this creative to write the chapters; the universe did it for me. The blessings keep rolling in, one after the other.” 

“In just four short years, we have shared a lifetime of love, romance, and adventure.  He is always planning the next experience, which is bigger and better than the last. There is never a dull moment. Between us we have six children and six grandchildren and plenty of room for more.” 

Karen works as a Senior Custom Cabinet Designer for Sarasota Architectural Woodworking and Ron is Executive Vice President Worldwide Sales and Chief Revenue Officer at Cirrus Data Solutions. 

The couple said their vows at an outdoor, sunset ceremony at Selby Gardens on the Sarasota Bay. The bride was walked down the aisle by her son Charles Thomas DiBiasie II, who wore a kilt specifically designed in Clearwater to reflect the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Mexico. A bagpipist dressed in the same kilt serenaded the wedding party. The groom and his best man wore custom-made Italian suits from Canali that matched the blues in the kilts. Also participating were children Alex Croce, Amanda Croce, Morgan Croce, and Tyler Croce.

“Some people say, ‘You are too old to have a wedding like this’,” says Karen. ”I say ‘You’re never too old to be a princess.’  And a princess I was, even for one day.  It was a magical experience that went flawlessly.”

VENDORS | Wedding Coordinator: Be Wed • Photography:  Alisa Sue Photography • Venue: Selby Gardens • Catering: Michaels on East • Dress: Pronovias • Cake:  Cakes by Ron • Ring: Tiffany’s • Flowers: Flowers by Fudgy

Tricia To + Joel Stillson

May 29, 2021

On a beautiful Sarasota sunset cruise, Joel Stillson surprised Tricia To with an engagement ring and a proposal.  

Although Tricia said yes, the pandemic caused multiple postponements to the wedding. The pair finally said “we do” during a distinctive wedding at Mote Aquarium.

The happy occasion marked the first time many of their beloved friends and family had been together since COVID began. Ideal weather was the perfect topper to the day’s celebration. 

Among the wedding attendees were Tricia’s mother Thuy To, her father Bao To and stepmother Monique, as well as Joel’s parents Connie and Stephen Stillson.

Tricia, a native of Fairfax, Virginia, went to George Mason University. Joel grew up in Naperville, Illinois and attended Eastern Illinois University. The couple met while working together in Chicago, IL. Tricia is currently an enterprise account executive for a software company, while Joel works as a regional sales manager for a manufacturing company.

After the wedding, the pair enjoyed an extended stay in Sarasota and explored local attractions together. By year end, they honeymooned in Hawaii—snorkeling, shopping, relaxing by the pool and beach, and sipping Mai Tai’s—and delighted in an ocean-side concert featuring Dave Matthews.

VENDORS | Wedding planner: Jennifer Matteo Event Planning • Venues:Mote Marine Laboratory, Westin Sarasota • Cake: Sweets Bakehouse • Catering: Tableseide • Music: Breezin Entertainment • Florals: Beneva Weddings • Hair + makeup: Brides by Kelly Anne