Briar Rose Photography: Surprise Proposal Under the Northern Aurora Lights In Yukon

Surprise Proposal Under the Northern Aurora Lights In Yukon

How We Pulled Off the Impossible

When Patrick messaged me weeks before his trip to the Yukon, I knew this wasn’t going to be an ordinary proposal. Travelling all the way from Australia with his girlfriend Ally, Patrick had an ambitious dream: to propose under the dazzling aurora lights in Yukon, Whitehorse, and he wanted a photographer to capture every moment. That’s where I came in!

Now, I’ve photographed surprise proposals before, but one under the northern lights? At night? In -20°C weather? That’s a completely different challenge. The aurora is unpredictable and can’t be guaranteed, especially on a specific night. But Patrick’s vision was so magical that I couldn’t resist helping him bring it to life.

The Plan

Patrick and Ally had booked a three-night aurora tour with Yukon Wild and Elevation Sled Dogs, and I joined them as a “top-secret agent.” My mission? Stay under the radar so Ally wouldn’t suspect a thing while helping Patrick pull off his fairytale proposal.

On the first night, we headed out to the dog sledding base and warmed up in a cozy tent before venturing into the cold to hunt for the lights. I set up my camera and casually suggested they model for me, claiming a friend who was supposed to join had cancelled at the last minute. Ally agreed, completely unaware of what was about to happen.

As if the universe was in on the plan, the most vibrant and mesmerizing aurora I’ve ever seen began to dance across the sky. It was truly magical, and the perfect moment was unfolding right before our eyes.

We had a secret keyword—“popcorn.” When I was ready, I casually said, “The owner mentioned snacks earlier, maybe he has some popcorn? Let’s pull up some chairs and watch this show all night!” That was Patrick’s cue.

With the northern lights painting the sky above, Patrick got down on one knee and asked Ally to marry him. Her reaction was pure joy, and the moment couldn’t have been more perfect.

The Celebration

After capturing the proposal, we returned to the tent, where Aaron the owner of Elevation Sled Dogs had prepared a locally made bottle of champagne and a bowl of freshly popped popcorn. (He didn’t even know about the popcorn code word, it was just a happy coincidence!) We couldn’t resist placing Ally’s ring in the popcorn for a playful and memorable photo.

More Magic Under the Aurora Lights In Yukon

On another night, the tour took us to Lake Laberge, where Aaron built a fire on the ice. We sat together, sipping hot chocolate and coffee, as the aurora danced behind the mountains. It was a breathtaking scene that felt straight out of a dream. By then, Patrick and Ally were seasoned models, and we captured stunning portraits with the Yukon’s magical landscape as the backdrop.

Wrapping Up the Fairytale of then Aurora Lights In Yukon

After the tour ended, Patrick and Ally met with me for a final engagement session overlooking the Yukon River. Patrick had arranged for Ally to visit Lavish Beauty Bar for hair and makeup before the session (seriously, this man planned every detail!). The session was filled with laughter, love, and incredible moments that I’ll never forget.

A Week to Remember under Then Aurora Lights In Yukon

This experience was truly unforgettable—from the magic of the northern lights to the love and joy shared between Patrick and Ally. Thank you both for trusting me to capture such a special moment in your lives. It was an honor to be part of your northern lights fairytale!

If you’re dreaming of a one-of-a-kind proposal or engagement session in the Yukon, let’s make it happen together.