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Photos is the ultimate therapy for me, but telling the stories to go along with every session I have is also a fun way to document the amazing humans I get to work with, the gorgeous places we visit, and all the details that make the memories whole.
Who knows, maybe you'll find some inspo here along the way!
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It’s not every day you’re in Alaska, but it’s even more rare that you’re in Denali National Park on a glacier. If you’re planning to propose, then you need to prepare before you’re in backcountry. Here’s some pointers on how to plan a surprise proposal in Denali National Park.
Why Plan a Surprise Proposal in Denali National Park?
Alaska is arguably one of the most stunning places on Earth. I may be biased, but anyone who thinks otherwise is wrong, just saying! Alaska is wild and draws in the most rugged adventurers and elite athletes. But it is also the perfect place for planning a surprise proposal. Read more on WHY Alaska is perfect here.
When you plan a proposal, you go into it wanting to make sure the moment is exactly perfect, exactly authentic to who you and your person are together, to the life you’ve built together and the future that awaits. You want your plan to be epic, but over anything else — memorable.
Where in the World is Denali National Park?
Denali National Park is located south of Fairbanks, Alaska and just north of Talkeetna, Alaska. While you could drive to Denali National Park, it’s still a LONG hike to reach the mountain. Learning how to plan a surprise proposal in Denali National Park is not a feat for the faint of heart, but proposals are a big deal and worth the extra logistical hoops.
The fastest way to land at the base of the mountain is by plane. There are several small flight companies that offer trips daily between May and September. The rest of the year the weather is too harsh, cold, and snowy to land safely. K2 Aviation is the tour operator I have used multiple times, flying from Talkeetna. The tours range 1-2 hours long and the pilots are personable, well educated and very experienced in backcountry navigation.
When scheduling your reservation, I recommend mentioning that you’re planning a surprise proposal in Denali. These planes are much smaller than most people are used to, so pack light. You’ll be required to weigh yourself when checking in for the flight. You’re required to have everything on you that you plan to bring on the plane. Small planes have to balance properly for safe take-offs and landings.
How to Plan Your Time on the Glacier
Denali is remote – so remote there is no cell phone service, bathrooms, or other amenities – but this is also what makes it so beautiful and wild. When you plan a surprise proposal in Denali National Park, you need to dress for the weather. The weather could range from single digits to 50* at any given time, and change in an instant. Ensure you and your partner are comfortable, warm, and able to enjoy your time in backcountry by wearing an extra layer. Some days may be colder than others, but landing on a glacier is rarely warm by any standard. Here are ways to make sure you stay warm:
- Battery-operated heated layers
There are so many options for heated gloves, socks, vests and hats nowadays. Or rock it old-school and prepare to shake your little Hot Hands packets to slide in your pockets. Heated layers or hand warmers are very helpful to stay warm while taking photos after you propose. - Base Layers
Purchasing high quality polyester or wool base layers will keep heat close to your skin and is still light enough that you can layer over it without looking too bulky. Nobody wants to look like the Michelin Man or Pillsbury Doughboy for their proposal day. And yes, get the pants AND the top layers. - Down-filled Layers
Down-filled jackets, vests, and pullovers will surely keep you well insulated and warm, are easily layered, but can also be packed down into a small bag and are very lightweight. Highly recommend.
The Perfect Shot of the Surprise and Proposal
When you land on Ruth Glacier, you’re essentially in a bowl that is surrounded by mountains. The area around the plane is where you’re asked to stay (glaciers are unpredictable) due to safety reasons. When choosing where you’ll propose, decided if you want the plane in the shots or not. On clear days, Denali is out in the background and makes a stunning backdrop. Also consider where the sun is at to make sure you avoid harsh shadows on your faces or squinting. If you have questions, your photographer (ahem, me!) should be able to set you up with the perfect spot for light and scenery.
Your photographer should also be subtle enough to make it all seem unsuspecting until THE MOMENT you drop to your knee. Did I mention I am great with secrets?
Planning a surprise proposal in Denali National Park will come with challenges – weather is often the biggest of them. Weather around Denali can change in a blink of an eye and become dangerous quickly. So, what happens if the plane can’t fly due to conditions? Often, the flight charter will try to reschedule you for a later flight the same day. If another day is not an option, there are places surrounding Talkeetna that still have views of Denali and would be excellent locations for your surprise proposal.
What NOT to Forget when Planning Your Surprise Proposal
As long as you come prepared with layers, a ring, and a knowledgeable photographer then you will be set to pull off a proposal with the partner of your dreams. Knowing how to plan a surprise proposal in Denali National Park is whimsical – the perfect start to a new beginning as a fiancé.
Fabi and Brooke reached out to schedule an Alaskan engagement session while they were traveling to visit family. When asked, Brooke and Fabi knew exactly where they wanted to have their engagement session. A year prior Fabi had proposed among the gorgeous mountain peaks of Hatcher Pass, Alaska.
Weather had been stunning for a fall day in Alaska. As I drove closer to the base of Hatcher Pass, the clouds continued to darken then unleashed. Torrential downpour pelted my car the entire drive to our meeting point. I always come prepared because weather in Alaska changes constantly.
We met at the iconic red A-frame cabins in Hatcher Pass before we continued our journey further up the pass. The ground was wet, but vibrant and full of fresh, wild blueberries. Brook and Fabi laughed, snuggled, played, and soaked (literally) in every moment as I gave prompts. These two easily went from a lot of spicy to a lot of laughter throughout the entire session. It’s not every day you get to have an engagement session in Alaska, especially when you’re from Texas.
As we ventured higher into the pass, the clouds finally opened and the sky lit up with drama. Brooke and Fabi meandered while I documented their love in their special place.
The sky illuminated the scraggly mountain and illuminated the golden grass of the surrounding summit.
This spot— THIS SPOT — I have been trying to locate for AGES and we happened to literally stumble upon it. What ensued was Brook and Fabi standing on the edge of this ledge (safely), while I hopped, skipped and ran around to the opposite side of this location to capture some of the most epic and scenic images I have ever taken.
The sun wrapped its warm arms around them as they soaked in the moment, the location, and their love for each other.
Brooke and Fabi met while working together and, over the years, would occasionally bump into one another. The timing finally lined up and these two fell head over heels for each other.
We wrapped up the session popping bubbly on top of Hatcher Pass and toasting to their future and their love.
Having someone ask you to spend your life with them is, for lack of a better term, exciting! Each engagement session in Alaska that I document is wholly unique. From the couple, to the the location, and how the time together unfolds. There are plenty of reasons why Alaska is the perfect location for your engagement session or destination wedding.
