Earlier this summer, I spoke to a group of interns at my former place of employment, Essence magazine. Immediately following the discussion, several of them approached me about contributing to Triple B. One of those ambitious folks was Janine Rayford. Janine explained that not only was she interested in media but was a nearlywed herself and fan of BlackBridalBliss.com. (Swoon!) Janine pitched me the below piece and managed to make her deadline in the midst of all her other responsibilities. This impressive bride-to-be jumps the broom this weekend and has promised to share her wedding with Tie the Knot Tuesday in the coming months.

Janine and her fiance Doug countdown to their big day. Follow her tips so you don't miss out on all the bliss in the midst of your planning!

When my fiancé Doug proposed in May 2010, I was smack dab in the middle of my last year in graduate school.  On top of my studies, I had work, internships and a truck load of other obligations on my plate.  But once that sparkling ring slid on my finger, I happily added wedding planning to the top section of my to-do list. It was tough at first – meeting with venues after school and work, scheduling tastings around Doug’s work schedule, scolding myself for studying bridal magazines rather than my textbooks – but as planning wore on I discovered the best ways to balance it all. Now graduated, working and just a few days away from a 200+ guest wedding, I’m here to share my tips on how to fit wedding planning into an already jam-packed schedule.
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