I canNOT believe it.  Tomorrow I will no longer be Miss Valerie Russell, but Mrs. Valerie Cooper.  AHHH!!!

Everyone keeps asking if I’m ready and excited or if I’m nervous.  Definitely all of the above!  I’m super nervous about being the center of attention tomorrow. 500 eager eyeballs staring at me is NOT anywhere near my comfort zone.  Funny because I used to be so much more confident.  Heck, I sang the National Anthem at my high school graduation (a class of 850 students, I’d say more than 2,000 people including families and friends.) But the difference is I wasn’t in the spotlight the whole time. I had 2 minutes on the mic, and was able to vanish forever into the sea of goldenrod gowns.  Tomorrow will be MUCH different. No vanishing – which is exactly what I’ll want to do if I flub on my vows. (We’re writing them ourselves.) Or if I trip on my dress.  Or if my dad steps on it.  Or if I can’t stop bawling during the ceremony. Or Father-Daughter dance. Or the toasts. OH THE POSSIBILITIES!!! Hahaha… I’ll be okay.  I have Xanax in my wedding day “Survival Kit”.

I’ve had so many people give me wedding day advice (both welcomed and unsolicited.)  I’m trying to soak everything in now, capture memories in my head, relax, breathe, smile… and realize in the midst of all the chaos and fine details, the only thing that matters is the fact that God is joining Mitch and I together to be man and wife, to live our lives together in such a way that honors God and blesses people.  That’s all that matters. BUT! There are things that I want to focus on at the wedding. Small things. Simple, yet so meaningful.

Here are a few pieces of advice I’m going to do my best to follow tomorrow:

1.  Take a minute every so often (every hour if possible) to STOP, look around and just take in the moment, making a special note of the happiness and joy you feel.

2.  When walking down the aisle, look at no one else but your groom.  Focus on him and not the hundreds of people surrounding you.  Note the joy in his eyes, you’ll remember that forever.

3. Don’t stress about ANYTHING. Let this be a day you will ENJOY. Relax and realize that whatever happens is meant to be.  Little glitches simply add character and charm to the reality of true love.

And that’s what this is… a celebration of true love.

I’ll love ya tomorrow, Mitchell Cooper!

I’ve been running around like a headless chicken for the past couple of months, but we’ve now entered the period of planning and preparing known as “CRUNCH time”.  There’s SO much to do before the big day.  I’ve averaged 5 hours of sleep for the past 6 nights, and if you know me at all, you know this is NOT how I like to operate.  Tonight, I promised Mitch and my parents I would go to sleep early.  (I think people are getting concerned I’m going to get sick from exhaustion, and I totally understand…) So I am going to bed early(er) tonight… just as soon as I get this blog posted.

I’m in my parents’ house,  sitting in the upstairs bedroom that has been MINE for 14 years.  I’ve already moved most of my belongings out and the quiet of the night make this already surreal experience somewhat eerie.  I’ve been so busy running around for the past 10 months, planning this wedding of our dreams, that I haven’t really taken a moment to JUST BREATHE.  And now that I am (for JUST A MOMENT, of course) I’ve gotten this vision…

A solitaire red balloon has been released from the hand of a child. It floats up into an endless cobalt sky. While the release brings tears, the contrast of colors is captivating, the ascent is fairly smooth and the moment …is altogether beautiful.

The wedding is in 3 days away. And I feel…

READY.

Fred and Audrey in Funny Face. Love her.

Mitch and I knocked out that crazy To-Do list I posted on my last blog (patting us on the back!) Today, when I got off of work, we tackled some more wedding-related tasks.  Bought some snacks and candy to add to our gifts  for our flower girl and ring bearer (princess type stuff for her and a remote controlled helicopter for him!)  Finished buying his groomsmen’s gifts (really nice leather journals for 5 of ‘em and then monogrammed cufflinks for his brother, the Best Man.)  I’m not blogging about what I got my girls because there’s a chance they actually read this and I don’t want to spoil the surprise!  (I really have no idea who, if anyone, is keeping up with this blog.  Oh, except for you, Roxanne. Lol.)

We also picked up my wedding/engagement ring, which I FINALLY got re-sized!  I’m a 4.75, a size and a half smaller than the original ring I had been wearing! I took it to this sweet little jewelry store in downtown Ventura called Fox Fine Jewelry.  My dad recommended it, and I’m so glad I went with their business!  They were able to get the ring re-sized, cleaned, re-plated (white gold) and lookin’ as good as new in only 3 days!

What else, what else can I tell you…

Oh I’m getting my herr did tomorrow!  My girlfriend Cara’s coming over to do the cut and color, as well the trials for my wedding hair and makeup!  Super exciting!  I’m going with a rich and vibrant but very natural look.  Best to keep everything on the classy rather than trendy side, I think. Especially when it comes to hair and makeup.  No one wants to re-live the 80s.

We’re working on getting our final numbers now, so we can work on seating… this is much more difficult than it appears, especially with 250 guests!  Who will sit where? And with whom?  Of course, there are always the complications when it comes to table arrangements. (I.E. Uncle Jasper can’t stand Cousin Velma, so we better keep them as far apart as possible.)  It’s impossible to please everyone, but we are trying our best to keep everyone sane and smiling.

Everything will be just fine in the end, this we know. But until then, our to-do lists seem ENDLESS.  I’ve spent many a lunch hour for the past couple of months shopping, emailing, researching and organizing my butt off for this wedding!  It’s definitely not easy being a bride while working 40 hours a week!  Especially if you don’t have internet access at work! (They ACTUALLY expect you to WORK! BLAH. Lol. )

So by the time I’m liberated each day from the terribly  monotonous torture chamber known as my job, I rush over to the gym and do my 30 minutes of cardio and – if I have time – abs, arms, legs and derriere.  (Mitch is convinced I need not even lift a finger in order to look good for the wedding, but that’s a bunch of beans! I want to look and (even more importantly) FEEL my best on our big day.  I’ve been working out regularly for 4 and a half months now, and feel great! Exercise also helps alleviate some of the stress and tension of wedding planning.  Oh and I’ve felt the stress for sure!  As I type this blog, an herbal heating pad makes itself at home where my neck meets my right shoulder.  I’ve never been so knotted up in my life!  (Deep tissue massage is scheduled for 2 days before the wedding. CAN’T. WAIT!)

Anyway, so there are just loads and loads of things to check off our lists.  Tomorrow, Mitch and I BOTH have the day off (This has not happened in a VERY LONG TIME) so we’re going to be running around, calling it a productive “day date.”  Here’s on the agenda for tomorrow:

9am –  My Nanay (mom’s mom) has been visiting for the past week.  I’m planning on having oatmeal with her in the morning.

9:45am –  Dermatologist appointment for a microdermabrasion treatment. Scrape all this dead skin away and get nice and glowy with a natural pumpkin peel (which smells suprisingly amazing.)

10:30am – Mitch and I will hit up the bank to deposit his paycheck (cha-CHING!)

10:45am – Then we’re off to get his tux fitted! (Friar Tux in Thousand Oaks.)

11:30am – One (or more if possible) of the following errands:  Pick up a few more needed pieces of wedding decor, look for a swimsuit for me and trunks for him, buy him a new couple shirts for our honeymoon (and maybe pick me up something too, he he!), OR purchase gifts for people in our bridal party (we’ve already started, but only halfway done.)

2:30pm – Get our marriage license! So exciting! Except the price… $95!  Gee whiz, California.

3:30pm Run another errand off #5′s list.

5pm – Appt at The Bread Basket, in Camarillo, the bakery that’s making our cake!  We’re having a dessert bar at the wedding for our guests, but we’ll also have a traditional cake for the symbolic cutting.

6pm – Oh I haven’t scheduled any FOOD yet. That can go here.

7:30pm – Meeting with our marriage counselors.

9:00pm – REST???

Whew!

As Mitch’s mom put it, “This last month is going to feel like ONE MINUTE…. UNDER WATER!”  And I can attest, this is a very accurate description of the final days of planning a huge wedding!

P.S. Bachelorette weekend is THIS weekend!!!  Details (with discretion) to come… he he he… Jk. It will actually be pretty classy.  (It better be, girls!!!)

My shower was pretty much everything I hoped it would be.  Simplicity in decorations, a familial atmosphere, laughter and cocktails… Oh, and a chocolate fountain with all the proper dippings, of course. (Strawberries, bananas, rice krispy treats, pound cake and pretzels!)

Ivory tablecloths and ribbon-tied mason jars full of green button mums and white daisies sat atop all the tables in the backyard.  Some umbrellas had been set up for those who wanted to soak up the shade.  ;)  Atop two long tables lay a spread of delicious summer lunch foods… chicken salad sandwiches, crisp spinach salad with a light viniagrette, macaroni salad… And to compliment the food, champagne cocktails made with peach schnapps, orange and pineapple juice!  (Roxanne, our bartending bridesmaid, deemed it “Val’s Specialty”  )

Everyone gave me (us) such wonderful gifts… Irish coffee mugs, slow cooker, wooden salad bowl set, digital griddle, waffle maker, toaster oven, vases, hurricane glasses, pasta dishes, blender, shoe organizers, iron, salt and pepper shakers, Pyrex bowls, pitcher, a Barefoot Contessa recipe book… the list goes on and on!  We are so blessed!  Can’t wait to put everything to use in our new HOME.

Thank you to every lovely lady who honored me with her presence that beautiful day.  I am so grateful for your friendship and love, and that you’re part of this very special time in our lives.

Special thanks to:

My mom, Auntie Sally, Beth, Cass, Wendy, Roxanne and Miss Lisa.  You ladies mean so much to me and I’m just overwhelmed by the love you poured out to make my bridal shower such a special day.

We’ll be living in Camarillo, the city where we both (currently) work.  Well, Mitch is still working in Long Beach right now as well, but only for 2 more weeks.  We’re sad the LBC didn’t end up panning out as we had hoped (that city is simply incredible) but we know God is taking care of us – and Camarillo is GREAT!  It’s basically home for me.  Mitch is going to be living a couple hours away from his family, which will be tough because he’s so close to them, but we’ll visit (and hopefully they will too!)

Our first apartment together is going to be TINY!  But it’s so cute and cozy… and just perfect for the two of us.  We were able to get our first choice apartment in that complex – it has new granite counter tops, new black appliances (refrigerator, stove and DISH WASHER!), dijon yellow cabinets (which I just love) as well as new bathroom stuff (mirror, sink, shelves, etc.)  The complex also has this amaaazing sun deck complete with umbrella’d tables overlooking the really nice (fairly new) swimming pool!  We’re DEFINITELY going to be making use of that ASAP… Who’s down for a house-warming/pool party???

Mitch is moving in on July 1 and then I’m moving in after we tie the knot (which is SOON!)

Oh, we have been so blessed.

The lovebirds... right before the evening broke loose with craziness and hilarity!

Those who know me well know that I’m a huge Audrey fan, and it just so happens that our lighting will be much like this scene in Roman Holiday!  (How lovely!)

Audrey and Gregory Peck’s character have been flirting all day at this point, and here, we see them falling for each other.  Of course, the moment is ruined and an over-the-top boat brawl begins.  I won’t say anymore for those who haven’t seen the movie.  (It’s an absolute MUST-SEE, people!  It’s Audrey’s first starring role and she won an Oscar for it!)

Anyway, Mitch and I won’t be dancing the night away in Italy but we just know our summer evening will be as memorable and ROME-antic as ever.

So exciting! (There's really no pink on the invitation, it's just how the picture turned out)

My soon-to-be sister-in-law, Beth, did an amazing job with these!

Love the detail at the bottom.

DO: Come ready to SIMPLY RELAX.

My bridal shower is already NEXT SATURDAY!!! I’ve never been a huge fan of bridal showers, I must inform you (although if you know me well, this is old news.)  It’s not that I’m opposed to lovely luncheons complete with bruschetta, fondue and seedless grapes. In fact, I’ve love the food served at all the showers I’ve been to.  Mostly what I despise are the games.  Toilet paper wedding dresses.  Bridal bingo.  The secret word. Etc. Etc.  Part of my problem is I’ve been to SO many bridal showers in the past couple of years, I’m probably just tired of the repetition.  For this reason, we’ll be keeping the games to a minimum. Most of the afternoon will be spent eating, mingling, and sipping on champagne… with some great tunes in the background, of course!

DON’T: Be afraid of not knowing many people!

Considering my extensive bridal shower experience, I know it can be quite awkward having to interact with the friends and family of the bride. Some of them may be quirky.  Some straight up strange.  Some overly friendly (to the point where you are forcefully smiling, fake-laughing and silently praying that God has mercy on you and makes her disappear.)  And then some are just boring (poor them, poor YOU!) That said, I shall offer a word to the shy, socially awkard and anyone coming who feels they’ll be a stranger to most: no need to fret! I’m blessed with an amazing circle of friends and family who are coming to my shower – and I’m absolutely positive that everyone who comes is going to have a blast because of the people there.

DO: Bring an appetite!

My mom and Auntie Sally will be preparing all the food!  Here are the 2 things everyone needs to know regarding this:

1. My mom and Auntie Sally are AMAZING cooks.  We didn’t “hire” them for no reason, he he he!
2. There’s going to be a chocolate fountain.

DON’T: Worry about what to wear!

My shower will be at my Auntie Sally’s house, so come cute but comfortable!  Throw on a pretty sundress with some strappy sandals and a cute little cardigan (although you might not need it at the end of June!)  Here’s a little glimpse of what I’m going to wear:

Lace top, patterned skirt and turquoise jewelry.

If you’re looking for a little inspiration, here are some outfits that would be perfectly shower-appropriate:

Don't forget the sunscreen!

Let Jessica Alba inspire you!

Rock a summer dress!

Or go a little glam!

So fresh and so clean clean!

I LOVE this outfit!

And this one too.... I want this dress!

Here's Cass in her dress and shoes! So pretty! Can't wait to see them all!

Wendy's shoes: Cute gold wedges!

Wendy might do these earrings. Aren't they great??

Click HERE to purchase those earrings!  (They come with 2 other pairs of very versatile, classy earrings!)

Necklace idea for someone who likes simplicity.

Your kinda thing?  Click HERE.

I love these vintage flower earrings! Sorry, don't know where to buy 'em! Just found the picture online!

Our invitation fiasco has been put on hold for a few days, of course.  We’re running behind according to our own timeline, but we’re still okay according to etiquette (which suggests that invitations be mailed 8 weeks prior to the big day.)

Selfishly, I was praying he would last until the wedding. It would have been wonderful… but I trust the Lord’s timing and I know He is in charge, and that He is GOOD.

Long conversations we did not have. But your love and presence in my life will always speak loud and clear, as it always has.

The earth was blessed with a century of you. And now, heaven rejoices as you are with our Father.

Rest in peace, my dear Tatay.

Estanislao Andreyes Edejer (5.7.1910 – 6.8.2010)