Romantic Hometown Wedding: Georgina & Haavard's Love Story

GEORGINA WEARS OUR MELODY HEELS IN CHAMPAGNE

Photography by Lachlan Chatfield Photography

How was your experience as a Forever Soles bride?

So incredibly special! I knew I wanted my shoes to be a statement and for them to represent me – and they absolutely did! I had so many compliments all day.

Which shoes did you wear for your wedding?

I wore the Melody Heels – but they were a special sample pair from the Forever Soles Etsy Studio! So it felt really special that they were so unique. Mine were Champagne Velvet.

What was your favourite thing about your shoes?

I loved that they had so much personality, and elevated my look into something really fun! They were also so sturdy (I love the block heel!) and I wore them for well over 12 hours. I loved them so much, they influenced my dress; we kept the hem intentionally shorter, so you could see my shoes poking out!

How did you and your husband meet?

It's actually a bit of an old-fashioned love story! My mum was giving a speech at an event (I couldn't attend), and Haavard was the videographer capturing it. During her speech, a photo of me popped up on the slideshow, and he said at that moment he just knew and thought, "I've got to meet that girl." It was a bit serendipitous because that day I'd decided I was going to move back to our hometown. A month later, I'd started as a journalist, and he reached out via Facebook (my sister-in-law popped up as a mutual friend, so I accepted!). He was so sweet and polite, I thought he was angling for an article, so I showed up super relaxed to coffee, in Lorna Jane leggings and a sweater. We got along so well (and it turned out his mum had been my VCE Music teacher!). At the end, he gave me a hug, and I realized it had been a date! When I dropped in to see my mother afterward, she was mortified that I'd rocked up in what I was wearing (Haavard later said he thought I was refreshingly natural and beautiful as I was!). As I stood there in my parents' kitchen, he sent me a message: "Loved meeting you, can we catch up for coffee again next week?"

How long have you been together and how did he propose?

We've been together for five years in November. Haavard was born in Norway, and last year we went to visit his extended family with both of our mums, and stayed in his hometown, Bergen. On the top of one of the mountains, Fløyen, he took me for a wander through a fairytale (Disney-like!) forest with tall pines covered in moss and mushrooms. In the beautiful quiet, with just the two of us, he got down on one knee. It was an absolute dream come true.

What is the most amazing thing about your man?

Haavard is the most kind-hearted person I've ever known, and such a gentleman. He has often said to me, "We were given two ears and one mouth for a reason: because we're meant to do twice as much listening," and he made me feel heard from the moment I met him. He's bright and driven and always supports me in being the truest, happiest version of myself.

How would you describe your wedding in one word?

Joy

What is your favourite memory from your wedding?

The whole day is comprised of all different kinds, so it's genuinely hard to say one above all others! So I'll give you a sentimental one, and a fun one:

It was overcast all day, but at the end of the bridal party photos Haavard and I were standing together, and the sun peeked through and shone down on us. I felt like it was kissing my cheek! We all said it was my late Dad, Gary (who passed away ten years ago, in my last year of high school), sending his love and blessing.

And for fun – I serenaded my husband singing and playing piano, Lover by Taylor Swift. He ran up at the end and gave me a love-dip smooch, and it felt like every chick-flick 00s movie dream.

Where was your wedding located? What made you choose this location?

We were married in our hometown, Hamilton, Victoria. (For those who aren't familiar, a friend of mine described it as like 'Stars Hollow' from Gilmore Girls!) We married in the church my old school used as a chapel (significant on both sides of the family!) and to incorporate some Norwegian traditions and music, and had the reception at my parents' private property. We chose these locations because we love where we live, and we wanted the wedding to feel like us.

Haavard's parents have an amazing background in music, and arranged the most beautiful repertoire for us (we had a staff member and student from the College on organ/piano and violin, a flugelhorn orchestra player, Haavard's brother playing jazz guitar, and a family choir!).

My parents, Sarah and Pete (also Dad to me for 20+ years!) did the most phenomenal job making their home into our dream venue, and worked so tirelessly with the help of family and friends. Flowers were done by my grandmother, Sue, aunt, and dear friends; Dad built the dance floor; Mum created a whole range of stunning ceramic Ball Vases from our Hope & Co. Studio. and styled the entire wedding. My parents also created an unreal light feature with helium balloons that were designed to look like a constellation floating above the courtyard!

The whole day was a representation of our story, and everyone who has been part of our lives. So many people rallied to help give us the day of our dreams. We felt (and still feel to this day) incredibly lucky for all the love and care our special people and local / small businesses put in for us.

Who created your gorgeous gown?

It was actually my Mum's beautiful gown, which was created by a dressmaker near Geelong in the early 90s. The Thai Silk was purchased by my grandmother, Sue, from Frankie Stuart in Hawthorne back then, and she was able to return to the same store in 2023 and match it with the exact amount we needed, from an old roll they found tucked away! (Mum and I had a theory it was the same roll!) The French cuffs were originally embroidered by my Sue, and her sewing group embroidered the skirt. It was altered for me by Claire Holme Designs – she's such a talent, and did an amazing job retaining the original integrity of the dress, while breathing new life into it and making it feel like 'me'.

You're a wife now! How does it feel to finally tie the knot?

I wake up every day with gratitude for my beautiful husband, and all the joy and love he brings into my life. When I moved home in 2019 I was searching for peace, and I found it with Haavard; it exists all around us, in the life we've built together (with our pupper, Piper too!) in our little Victorian house, Henderson Cottage. We're loving each chapter as it evolves, and excited for our future as a family.

Where did you go on your honeymoon?

We went on what we called a 'Mini-Moon' for a few days after the wedding, to one of our favourite places, Robe, in South Australia. And we're heading on our 'Mega-Moon' in 2025, through the US, and back to UK/Europe – especially Norway! – next year.

Any advice for our brides-to-be?

💍Your wedding is yours and belongs to the two of you, not the industry or trends.

💍 Focus on how you want the day to feel, because everything else follows that.

💍 Enjoy the fleeting time when everyone you love is in the same place; that exact group of people will never all be in the same space again!

💍 Protect your peace and your love bubble together on the day, and in the months afterwards. It's your time.

There is a deafening quiet afterwards that feels really bizarre, especially after the bustle and lead-up to everything, but remember to reflect on all the goodness of the day, and don't focus on the things you felt like you missed, or any hiccups (it's often inevitable, almost every bride does it). It's a moment in time, but your marriage is for a lifetime – so whenever you need a reminder, look down at that beautiful ring on your finger and anchor yourself in everything it represents.