Every once and awhile I make good on my promises. Last month when Triple B reported Keija Minor historically accepted the coveted position as editor-in-chief of Brides magazine, there was mention of a follow-up with the head honcho herself. Well, here it is — another Triple B exclusive! Read why Keija once took an 85% pay cut (!) to pursue her passion, how she feels about more diversity in the bridal industry plus learn who her dream dress designers are for her own wedding day.

Black Bridal Bliss: Congratulations on your new role at Brides! You’re also an attorney. What skills from your law background are transferable to being editor-in-chief of a magazine?
Keija Minor: As a junior associate at a large firm, I learned how to juggle different tasks under strict deadlines, which certainly helps in publishing. I also learned how important it is to do something you love. To be truly great at something, I believe you have to eat, breathe and sleep it; be passionate about it. I learned early on that I didn’t feel that way about corporate law. When I moved into publishing 10 years ago, I took an 85% pay cut to do it and it was the smartest move I ever made. I don’t take for granted how wonderful it is to love what I do.

BBB: How do you think brides in 2012 differ from brides in 2002 ?
KM: The biggest difference is that an increasing number of couples are paying for their wedding themselves. As a result, they’re throwing the wedding they want, rather than the wedding their parents want them to have. They don’t want their wedding to be like everybody else’s and are focused on incorporating specific details that reflect their personalities. They also want their wedding to be fun. They want their guests to walk away saying “That was the best party ever!”

BBB: There has seemingly been an increase in the amount of diversity on the pages of Brides recently. Is this a trend you intend to continue or even increase?
KM: We have a diverse readership and reflecting that diversity in the pages of the magazine is important. My main focus is to provide the very best imagery, information and inspiration to help brides, not only plan the wedding they want, but also enjoy the planning process.

BBB: Brides are clearly spending a lot of time planning their weddings online. Why and what does this mean for Brides?
KM: You’re absolutely right! We know our audience is searching for ideas and inspiration online and combing sites for the perfect wedding gown. Social media is a huge component of our digital strategy, and is something I will continue to focus on as editor-in-chief. We’ll continue to celebrate talented bloggers in the magazine as well.

BBB: Please describe your ideal wedding day: type of venue, style of gown, color schemes, menu/cocktail options and honeymoon destination.
KM: My dream wedding would take place late afternoon in early September on Martha’s Vineyard in a refurbished barn-turned-event space that I’ve had my eye on for years. I’d have hip-hop violinists play during cocktail hour, my signature cocktail would be something refreshing with ginger and Champagne, and hors d’oeuvres would definitely include mini lobster rolls and scoops of mac and cheese with shaved truffles. (Tip: Serving extravagant food as appetizers rather than as an entrées helps keep one’s budget in check.) Right now my color scheme would be robin’s egg blue, sea glass green and cream—but that changes with my mood. I would go to Morocco or Bali for my honeymoon. And the hardest part would be choosing my dress. Being in the bridal industry, I see so many amazing gowns. My first stops would be to J. Mendel, Jenny Packham, Carolina Herrera, Pronovias, Amsale and to Mark Ingram’s bridal atelier in NYC because he carries gorgeous gowns from a variety of designers. I’d also check out the super-affordable White by Vera Wang for David’s Bridal line. Their spring 2013 collection is really quite pretty. Maybe I’d pull a Kim Kardashian and wear three different dresses!