A new year always encourages us to reflect on the one we just left. We’re 9 days into 2012 and as I attempt to strategize on ways to make Triple B more helpful and efficient for you (and make a profit in the process), I’ve been forced to reevalute why this site was launched in the first place. We can all agree that the Black bride is rarely ever acknowledged and when she is it often seems like an afterthought. But here are some other reasons I think often go unnoticed:

1 – Seeing is Believing: Yes we all have a friend, neighbor, co-worker or cousin who could easily fit in with the cast of Love & Hip Hop. I’m not judging those women because I certainly don’t appreciate anyone judging me. But the current lack of balance to shows like Love & Hip Hop is dangerous. When we only see ourselves portrayed as violent, bitter, money-hungry, no goal having women; it starts to seem normal. Images are far more powerful than most of us realize. Through Tie the Knot Tuesday and even Marriage Matters, we get to see and celebrate folks who could also be a friend, neighbor, co-worker or cousin. And I’m not just referencing the brides. Tie the Knot Tuesday galleries showcase families and true community. Pay attention and you’ll see what I mean.

2 – Cut Your Clothes to Fit Your Size: A friend’s husband told me that mantra a few years ago in reference to his wedding and it has helped me out in life many times since. It basically means, live within your means. Yes, weddings can be expensive, but they don’t have to be and Triple B’s Tie the Knot Tuesday couples prove this constantly. I’ve showcased weddings on the site that have cost less than $5,000 and others that cost close to $100,000. When I interview couples, I’m so proud to hear them tell me their wedding was paid for in full after the reception. The nifty budget bridal tips at the end of each feature makes this accomplishment a little easier to reach for you, too.

3 – You’re Not the Underdog Here: I thought I made this clear when the site first launched but I must reiterate: BlackBridalBliss.com is an online resource catering to the Black bride. If she chooses to marry a Black man, a Swedish woman with porcelain skin, blonde hair and blue eyes or a Chinese man – she’s celebrated here. Period. That doesn’t mean brides of other races shouldn’t also be celebrated or won’t find this site helpful – all are definitely welcome. But when otherwise esteemed publications like Psychology Today print absurd articles about Black women being less attractive than their peers, a Dutch magazine refers to global pop star Rihanna as a niggerb?tch and politicians make crude comments about the size of U. S. First Lady Michelle Obama’s tush without consequence, it all proves Triple B is still a necessity.

Thankfully, the reasons I launched Triple B in 2010 are still very near and dear to me. However what I’m even more thankful for is the realization that this site touches people in ways far beyond weddings and deeper than even I imagined it would. And the best is still yet to come.

Happy 2012!

Check out Cleo’s wedding story, pictures and video here!