Helge and Karalee's love story began in 1986. Helge was an exchange student, at Juanita High School in Kirkland, WA. That is where he and Karalee met for the first time. They dated for a few months until Helge returned to Norway. They continued their relationship that year by writing letters and sending mixed tapes. They were in LOVE.

They were then reunited, a year later after Karalee graduated high school. She was invited to visit Helge in Norway by him and his parents. She saved all of her money from working at the grocery store so she could travel. She had never before been on an airplane let alone travel far from home.

They spent the summer of 1988 sailing the coast of Norway from Oslo to Lyngor. Helge took Karalee to see many wonderful places. They enjoyed time together that summer and had many adventures exploring Norway. Karalee returned home with her heart full.

Helge and she wrote letters and kept in touch for a while. Eventually they both lost touch as they were only 18 and trying to figure out their paths in life.

Fast forward, or Slow forward, 36 years later. It was Karalee's Birthday, April 24,2024. She received a message on Facebook from Helge. She said she was so surprised and excited to reconnect with him. He wished her a Happy Birthday and they texted a bit. They then decided to talk on the phone as it was easier to catch up, and Helge was working offshore at the time.

Karalee traveled to Norway 5 weeks later and they began their new LOVE STORY.

In October, Helge met up with Karalee and her friend Heidi in Alicante, Spain. After, they then went to Portugal to meet up with another friend, Donna. They spent 2 weeks enjoying Spain and Portugal and creating new adventures.

In November Helge came to the states to see Karalee for the whole month. They spent time traveling around and spending time with friends and family. Helge was reunited with his buddy Karl Kristiansen and family, with whom hosted him in 1986 while he was in the states.

Helge also popped the question and asked Karalee to marry him!

In February, Karalee and Helge met up in New York city. Neither of them had ever been to New York and it seemed like a great place to meet each other halfway. They had been talking about where to get married, and the Bahamas was mentioned, as it also was another place neither of them have been. It was also halfway for both of their families to travel for a destination wedding.

Helge found a cruise from New York to Nassau, Bahamas and booked it for them. They cruised to Orlando, and then to Ocean Cay and Nassau and back to New York. They then spent time exploring New York for a few more days.

Karalee just spent spring break in Norway with her two kids, Aleigha and Nate. It was their first time traveling overseas. They were able to visit Helge's family while there and had quite the adventure climbing the famous Pulpits Rock! (Preikestolen)!!

They now are also making plans to be together permanently as Karalee will move to Norway in June.

They are both looking forward to starting their new life together there.

They are very excited to share their upcoming wedding with you.

Our Love Story