It's tough, but we've mastered the art of planning a week in advance. When distance is necessary, we're more apt to handle it well simply because we both understand the rigors of grad school.
Congratulations! I got engaged to my wife while we were long distance, due to medical school (her). I had made plans to ask her, but she suddenly got into school and had to move 600 miles away! Everything was put on hold.
We made it work. We had a very extraordinary engagement, wedding and honeymoon, but it was very "us" anyway. We actually reserved the venue and put down a non-refundable deposit before I actually proposed! All the ladies who read this can back me up on this, but they like to be asked in person! Who knew? With me working two jobs to save up and her in med school in another state, we couldn't be together to "make it official."
We wouldn't change a thing. One thing that I am sure you can agree to (and will only grow as time goes on) is the appreciation that distance and time adds to the relationship. As my wife just said, "You really learn to appreciate and value every minute with the other person." We never sweat or fight over the small stuff anymore. We know that every moment is precious, even though we've only spent a few weeks apart, here and there, since we married. Besides, I can't lose her. Since meeting my wife, I have become relatively useless on my own! I am a study in entropy whenever she is away.
We were married on 08-08-08, not for symbolism or anything, but because that was the best time between board exams, honeymoon, moving to a new medical rotation and starting the next year of school. Most of the engaged student in her class were married that weekend. You see... To a grad student (especially a med student), school is the hub everything hangs on.
If I can provide any advice, it would be to find a venue that has all of the arrangements, caterer, etc... all figured out. While my wife was in med school, she didn't have time to figure out music, caterer, tables and chairs, and the like. We chose a venue that happened to have a contract caterer who arranged the desserts and rentals, and venue, and staff, and all the trimmings. It saved on tons of stress. My wife picked the dress, hair, flowers and colors. We both picked the food and music. The rest, minus a few items, was done by the caterer/venue. It was absolutely perfect!
Good luck! I wish you both the best. Again, Congratulations.