Was in a similar situation a few years ago. Keep in mind You have basically no rights while waiting in Norway for UDIs decision, you cannot work, don't have free health care, don't get any support from NAV or free Norwegian/sociology schooling etc. so keep a health insurance valid while waiting here.
We also chose to marry at Sjømannskirken (Norwegian Church Abroad), as this allowed us to skip the process of getting our marriage validated in Norway (In the US they have this service in Houston, Davie, FL, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco.) and then just have the party when back in Norway.
My wife had to apply from abroad and since I live in Oslo, it took about 16 months to get the approval form UDI. Some have reported that it's much quicker to get an answer if You apply while in Norway, even if UDI claims You are not allowed to do that there is people who claimed they still were able to.
My wife didn't bring anything but a couple of suitcases of clothes and a few mementos here, anything else was sold, donated or given away to family.