Aller guten Dinge sind drei. A Shoe Story.

No, I don't speak German. However, I was happy to discover the origin of the idea that "all good things come in threes." Things like:

Image via SodaHead

Image via Maximumdonline

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Three little kittens, the Three Stooges, and ...huh?! Let me explain.

I've spent the greater part of two days in bed trying to kick this cold to the curb. I've had zero reserve energy for TV watching, message board posting, or surfing the web. Don't get me wrong, sleeping is my favorite hobby, but this was getting ridiculous!

There was only one thing that could get me out of bed today, and I totally forgot about it until Mr. Hot Tea came home from work. He greeted me with a bedside kiss and told me a box came in the mail. Bolting upright, I jumped out of bed to break into my newest wedding treasure.

Those of you who have accepted the challenge of finding your wedding shoes will likely agree -- this is no easy task. Those who haven't are probably wondering "What's the big deal? No one will see your shoes under your dress anyway." Let me attempt to persuade you with something fellow fanatics affectionately refer to as shoe porn. Not only are they lovely, they make for a great photo op!

Image via ShoesCoupon

Image via CherryTreeLaneBridal

Image via Elizabeth Anne Designs / Photo credit: Michele M. Waite

You'll soon come to learn that I have fully exercised my right to change my bridal mind with all things wedding related, and shoes were no exception. My first pair were the charcoal gray Badgley Mischka 'Frank'. I fell in love with the color to match Mr. HT's wedding suit, and the fabric rosette complemented my wedding gown sash.

Image via SHOPSTYLE

Unfortunately, these shoes were sheer torture when it came to wearing them for my hour-long dress fittings. Though sad to admit it, my pretties had to be replaced. Good fortune struck when I came across the Miss America 'Zuma' at DSW. Double score - they were tall enough to wear with my dress and were on clearance for $30. Mr. HT thought my feet looked sexy in them - added bonus!

Image via SHOPSTYLE

I thought the search was over, but it was not to be so. Remember this?

Image via Woodox

I hope you will agree that these shoes are 'the ones.' They have received Mr. HT's stamp of "sexy feet" approval, and even better, they are comfortable! Without further ado, I'd like to introduce the pink sequined peep toe from Ann Taylor.

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Well, whaddya think? How have you experienced the phenomenon of threes in your own wedding experience?

By Hook or By Crook, a hair-y tale

It's time to create my wedding day look! No intentions to accomplish this 'by any means necessary,' though I always enjoy a good rhyme...

I've chosen the dress, which shall remain unposted here until W-Day. Mr. Hot Tea reads my blog and prefers to be surprised, so we'll honor his choice for another three months. And like my three pairs of shoes you'll soon see, I said yes to the dress...twice. Sensing a theme here? [Ed. note: I probably should have considered 'indecisive bride' as my screen name - LOL!]

Image via Amazon

The challenge is that time is quickly ticking down and it's imperative to make decisions that I can stick with. Instead of over-thinking each task and forcing a choice in my quest for these...

Image via Our Crooked Tree

...it's more important to take a deep breath and really feel that the choice is a reflection of me. I rarely approach everyday decisions with my heart, which may be why I find wedding planning so maddening. I'm learning that it can serve as a means to self-growth if I choose to accept the challenge.  om.

Image via Detavio Samuels

Whoa. Now I'm on a journey not only to find my inner voice, but to listen to it, too?! I didn't know I signed up for this when I said yes to the proposal and the ring...who knew decisions like flowers and shoes and makeup could be so deeply affecting?

With this in mind, let's get to it, shall we? First stop is hair. Here's my everyday look for reference: long bangs and an annual Japanese straightening job because I'm lazy like that.

For the wedding, I'm thinking to wear it down but with some curl and volume. I affectionately call this my "party hair" like in my profile pic and I've narrowed 75 photo inspirations down to three distinct styles. 

We'll start with the loose, wavy locks of Beyonce. Very sexy, I'm wondering how much hairspray will be necessary to keep the curl fresh all day. Sounds like mission impossible.

Image via Long Hairstyle Trends

Next up, the Hollywood glam of Anne Hathaway. This look has potential: it's polished and more finished than my everyday hair. And it may stand the test of time. Bookmarked!

Image via Real Beauty

And finally, who didn't love the sleek look of Sandra Bullock at the 2010 Academy Awards. Absolutely gorgeous in its sophisticated simplicity.

Image via Spa Esthetic

So now, dear Hive, I turn the choice over to you. I think I've already decided and would love to hear which celeb you think has the most wedding-worthy hairstyle for my big day!