3-Day Arctic Engagement in Finland: Winter Proposal in Äkäslompolo

Winter Proposal in Äkäslompolo

Dale first reached out to me because he was planning something big and a little intimidating. He wanted to propose in Finnish Lapland, in the middle of winter, in a place neither of us had ever been before. He didn’t just need a photographer, he needed someone who could really help him plan this epic proposal from start to Finnish (get it 😂).

We clicked right away. I told him straight up that I had never photographed in Äkäslompolo before, but I also told him I’d help him plan all the way through, obsess over the details, and make sure Mariah had no idea what was coming. I’ve had lots of experience in doing this before, and luckily I was legally allowed to work there (being an EU resident). Also, I wouldn’t have the jetlag and I really know the mentality and how things work in Nordic countries.

Dale and Mariah traveled from Austin to Äkäslompolo for a three-day engagement experience that was emotional, cozy, adventurous, cold, joyful, and deeply real.

The Proposal Setup at Arctic Skylight Lodge

Dale booked a glass cabin at Arctic Skylight Lodge, hoping for northern lights on their overnight stay. Before they arrived, I stepped in to help set the scene.

I decorated their cabin with roses and champagne so everything felt super romantic, and the vibe was set. When I knew they were coming, I hid in the snow, covering myself with my white umbrella since all I had was black clothing. I waited for the right moment, signalled to Dale, and I started photographing as he drop to one knee.

Mariah immediately dropped to hers.

She cried. He cried. They hugged. She said yes to forever. It was one of those moments that feels completely suspended in time.

Afterward, we took a few celebratory photos inside the cabin, soaking it all in, then called it a night and saved the rest of the story for the days ahead.

About the Northern Lights (The Honest Part)
This engagement took place in February, which is prime northern lights season in Lapland. We tracked solar activity closely using an aurora forecast app, and there was aurora activity during their stay.

Sadly, sometimes weather can get in the way. So the dream of getting photos under the northern lights was not possible on this trip.

The nights with strong aurora activity were cloudy, and the clear, sunny days didn’t line up with solar activity. That’s Lapland. You can do everything right and still need a bit of luck on your side.

And that’s important to say out loud. Not because it took anything away, but because it shows that not everything can go as planned, and you can’t always get those exact photos you saw on Instagram. I wouldn’t go as far as to say it’s Instagram vs. reality, because those photos are definitely possible, but luck was not on our side. But I mean come on, I got some epic photos despite that!

A 3-Day Engagement Session in Finnish Lapland

Instead of cramming everything into one rushed shoot, Dale booked a three-day engagement session. That gave us space to explore, slow down, and actually enjoy what Lapland has to offer.

Snowshoeing Through Silent Winter Forests

Quiet trails, deep snow, and that soft Arctic light. Snowshoeing gave us calm, connected moments where they could just exist together without thinking about the camera.

Snowmobiling Across Open Landscapes

Fast, fun, and slightly unhinged in the best way. Snowmobiling brought movement, laughter, and maybe some slightly wind-burned cheeks (I wasn’t so covered up).

Dog Sledding Adventures

Dog sledding added energy and excitement to the session. Big smiles, happy chaos, and a very real “we can’t believe this is our life” feeling.

Time With Wild Reindeer

One of the most grounding parts of the experience. Calm, respectful moments with reindeer in their natural winter environment, adding a quiet magic that didn’t need to be staged. To actually see them in the wild is so much more special than at a farm.

Why This Engagement Worked So Well

Dale and Mariah trusted the process completely. They weren’t chasing perfection or forcing moments. They leaned into the weather, the cold, the unpredictability, and the experience itself.

We laughed a lot. We froze a little. We created something that felt true to them.

They loved their session not just for the photos, but for the memories, the adventure, and the way everything unfolded naturally. That’s always the win.

Their 5* Review for Me

“I do not have enough words to describe how awesome Shawna was in helping me bring a dream proposal to life, but I’m going to try!

Shawna’s photos of my proposal to my fiancee turned out so incredible that I immedately ran out to get our favorite shot printed and framed the very next day after she sent them. It’s currently hanging up in our bedroom and I still look at it everyday. And even before she sent all the final photos, she got a batch of “sneak peek” photos the very same day that we could post on Instagram and we each set one as our phone background.

Shawna made us feel relaxed and confident in front of the camera, and she gave clear and easy direction to get the best shots fro us. My fiancee and I also talked about great it was to have that photoshoot time after the initial proposal because it allowed us to be close and kiss as much as possible for all the photos. Naturally you’re excited to tell all your family and friends after, but it keeps you off your phone for a while and focused on embracing in eachother presence while she gets some amazing photos.

Also, our location was NOT the most forgiving being in Akaslompolo, Finland during winter. BUT Shawna handled it like a champ. Not only did she get in contact with our glass cabin company to arrange flower petals and wine in the room for us before we arrived, she also sat outside in the snow with a white umbrella to make sure she was hidden and waiting for when I popped the question. And in freezing temperatures with the sun going down… thats serious dedication. She got so many different types of shots for us and directed us through every second of it, and her husband Harry (who happened to work for the travel company we booked with) even got a fantastic drone clip of us from above.

She and Harry also knew about a secret spot in the forest where you could find wild reindeer and invited us to come get some photos there the next day as well. And boy did they deliver… We came out to a clearing and saw hundreds of wild reindeer and did a full on photoshoot in front of them and the photos turned out INCREDIBLE! We were able to get within a few feet of them. It was magical to say the least.

If you’re considering hiring Shawna for a proposal, elopement, wedding, engagment photos, etc than take it from me… you will not be dissapointed! I am so incredible thankful I hired her not just for the amazing photos and dedication she put into capturing the moment, but for all the extra help with planning and setting up this incredible moment for my fiancee and I.

Thank you Shawna!!”

Thinking About Proposing in Finland?

Äkäslompolo is an incredible place for a winter proposal or engagement session, especially if you want something intimate, adventurous, and deeply memorable. Northern lights are never guaranteed, but the experience always is. Hit me up if you want to learn more about their experience, and how I can make a unique experience for you!

And yes, I will absolutely hide in the snow for you.

Check out more of their gallery below!