18th May 2024 the sun was beaming, with a cool breeze, as you would expect for May.  The vibe of Harry and Johanne’s wedding was a mix of relaxed, and something that doesn’t feel too formal, with everything handmade and traditions that incorporated a mix of both English and Norwegian heritage. 

Harry and Johanne met a few years prior at work. Johanne clumsily hitting her head and causing concussion prompted Harry to check on her wellbeing.  From then a friendship grew, attending the same work events they found a common joy for all things active.  This spark became a flame, and eventually romance blossomed.

Harry proposed to Johanne on the 28th November 2023, just a short 6 months prior, it was a crisp evening in Harry’s mothers home town, following a lovely walk.

Johanne was relaxed, but you could see the excitement oozing out of her. An early start for make up prep, but nearing the end of this transition from fiancé to bride Johanne was ready for the next stage of the day.  Jokes about Harry being at home, getting some last minute DIY done instead of the typical Groom prep kept us all laughing.  A standing joke that has been going on far too long now, much like Harry’s prep work.

Make up done, Johanne looking radiant, all that was left was for hair.  So off she goes in an Uber, to the hairdressers.  If that doesn’t scream calm and content on your wedding day, we don’t know what does.

At the hairdressers Johanne is met by her sister and mother and some very much needed snacks.  The struggle to find time to eat on your wedding morning becoming a reality.  The calm and joy continues at the salon, words spoken in their native tongue echo around the hustle and bustle of the hairdressers. 

After the hair its time to get into the dress, the moment we have all been waiting for.  Its back to the Air BNB to await the rest of the bridal party.  Johanne is helped into her dress by her sister, there were tears of joy over this precious moment, and once everyone was present, Elise introduced Johanne, with proud little sister vibes.

Johanne enters with gasps of wonder, looking radiant in a two piece bridal dress and emerald green shoes. She turns elegantly to show off the back of the dress which is just as stunning as the front.  Again there are more tears of joy and hugs to follow.  It is now time to meet Harry.

Harry has managed to pull himself away from the DIY and get dressed with plenty of time.  Looking sharp in a black suit with mustard yellow tie Harry is joined by his best men, Ian and Leslie, at Highbury Hall. The back drop of the wedding reception, and Harry and Johanne’s choice for first looks.

There is only enough time for a few jovial remarks between long standing friends before Johanne arrives.  Harry with his back turned, already understands the vow to honour and obey, we like to think it has more to do with the adoration and love for Johanne that he was willing to be filmed and photographed all day.  The look on Harry’s face when he first saw his bride, was of true love, embracing Johanne in a hug that embodied feelings of the day that only they could know and share together.

Following on from the first look, there was enough time to enjoy some intimate moments together before heading to Christ Church Summerfield for the ceremony and being the centre of attention. The wedding party rallied around, providing much needed support and laughter, helping ease nervous excitement.

The transport to Christ Church Summerfield was second to none, a big red double decker bus, a perfect city wedding transport decision.  It shone bright against the backdrop of a beautiful blue sky.

Harry and Johanne had decided to walk down the aisle together, a beautiful moment for them both, and those who were privileged to have been invited to share in this moment.

The service was poignant to both Harry and Johanne, which was largely due to it being their home church, their love and relationship had blossomed here, with the congregation having a front row seat. A great mix of Norwegian and British music, adding to the aesthetics of the day, the colour pallet of mostly greens, with pops of yellow and orange flowers lined the aisle, lovingly put together by Johanne’s mother Rut and good friend Yasmin.

At the end of the service there was a bang, followed by plumes of confetti raining down on them, with funky recessional music as they left.

Following the service everyone was invited round to the side of the church where a glorious spread of tea, coffee and home made treats, lovingly made by Johanne’s parents, were handed out, and time for the newly married couple to catch their breath and greet their guests.  Before long it was time to board the big red bus and head back to Highbury Hall, this time the bus was full with all the guests.

At Highbury Hall it was cocktail hour, the sun still shining and the weather was glorious. As Harry and Johanne invited everyone to take a seat the extent of the 150 bud vases made their impact.  Scattered over all 5 long tables the pops of colour made quite the impact.  Johanne had made much of the decoration herself, including the napkin rings, lovingly handmade with each guests name on their own to double as a place setting.

The meal was enjoyed by all, especially the home made Norwegian food, prepared by Vidar, Johanne’s father.  The afternoon reception was slightly different to that of a typical British wedding. We had the normal speeches, Father of the Bride, Best Men, Groom, and Bride, but the speeches didn’t stop there, according to Norwegian wedding tradition, all the guests had the option of contacting the Toastmaster prior to the day, and putting themselves down to give a speech. Not only this, but on the day, anyone can speak to the Toasmasters and say they would like to give a speech and the Toastmaster would plan out the day to include everyone willing.  On this day there was upwards of 12 speeches, a play, a game of Mr and Mrs, and a comedian on a Ukulele.  Not to mention the enormous spread of desserts, the evening was not short of good food, company and entertainment.

As the evening turned into night, it was time to bid the newly married couple farewell, and what better way to do this than with a sparkler exit.  As guests lined the walkway outside Highbury hall, there were cheers, hoots and sparklers in every direction as Harry and Johanne walked off hand in hand as husband and wife.

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