By Jean Bonchak

To plan a perfect wedding, woman connects with bride

Face the matrimonial music, folks - the "perfect wedding" event just doesn't exist. Lopsided cakes, torn gowns and countless snafus can lead to the toppling of the idyllic ivory tower of bridal bliss.

Enter Kristen Tiber - a resourceful and experienced wedding planner who skillfully assists the newly betrothed aspiring to achieve a fairy tale-like day. Tiber coordinates social affairs at Legend Lake Golf Club on Auburn Road in Munson Township.

The club was established on the grounds of a former dairy farm built in the 1940's. Once used as a storage facility for golf carts and other equipment, a large barn was restored and opened to the public for meetings and social gatherings in 2003.

Matching to the serene setting of the facility's pastoral location is Tiber's calm and reassuring manner. The Munson Township resident guides patrons through the planning process with a soft-spoken and warm style. Consideration of details and the efficient addressing of unforeseen needs rank high among her skills.

At a certain wedding festivity, participants overlooked bringing along a garter, an article often used in the light-hearted tradition of tossing it to an amassment of unattached men in attendance. The quick-thinking Tiber explained she hastened to dispatch a "big and burly" limousine driver to the closest craft store to purchase one. Within 40 minutes of noting the absence of the small and dainty, yet largely important item, the situation was resolved and the memorable custom carried through.

"She connects with the bride in such a way that they really feel like she is not just an advocate, but someone who is genuinely interested in making their day a very special event," said Legend Lake General Manager Patrick Alexander about his employee. "We literally get flowers and letters from brides who are so thankful." He maintains that her attention to detail is "as acute as I've ever seen."

The nuptial expert graduated from Chardon High School and Grove City College in Pennsylvania as Kristen Lockitski. The name change occurred after her own matrimonial proceedings took place about a year ago.

Tiber is an active member in the Association of Bridal Consultants and a graduate with distinction in a related professional development program. She claims that the mix of ingredients helping the gathering to flow with minimal hitches is "attention to detail, flexibility and a genuine interest in wanting to make the day special and easy for the bride and groom."

Recently wed Jenn Fogler of Cleveland was extremely satisfied with the individualized and professional assistance of Tiber. "The second I stepped into the reception everything was taken care of. I didn't have to worry about anything," the new bride noted. "She (Tiber) is absolutely amazing. You feel like you're working with a friend."

Sentiments between patrons and planner appear to travel a similar path. "Seeing her (the bride) happy at the end of the night and giving her a hug is wonderful," Tiber said. "Taking what the bride wants and making it happen is very, very fulfilling."