AUTUMN VOW RENEWAL IN AKASLOMPOLO LAPLAND
Tiia & Jukka
How it started
Tiia, Jukka, and I weren't strangers anymore. I had photographed them a few years earlier, so when we discussed renewing their vows in Lapland, I already knew what mattered most to them. Both have spent their lives deeply connected to the wilderness, making Lapland's endless rolling fells the only place that felt truly fitting this part of their story.
Why did we choose this location
Although both of them were born in Lapland, I wanted them to discover somewhere new. I wanted them to experience that childlike sense of wonder again, to stand above endless landscapes and gaze across the forests as if they were seeing them for the very first time. This is one of those places I find myself returning to again and again, not only for its breathtaking views but also for the feeling of venturing deep into the wilderness while still being accessible as a day hike.
Why in autumn?
September is one of the most beautiful times to visit Lapland. It marks the arrival of ruska, Finland's spectacular autumn season, when the wilderness transforms into a sea of vibrant color. The depth and richness these colors bring to the landscapes make autumn one of the most photogenic seasons in Finland.
Beyond its incredible beauty, autumn in Finland offers some of the best hiking conditions of the year. The temperatures are cool yet comfortable, making long days outdoors enjoyable without the harsh winter cold. As the nights grow darker again, the Northern Lights return. And, after the summer months, the mosquitoes have finally disappeared.
If you're dreaming of a hiking vow renewal in Lapland, or simply want to experience Finland's untouched nature at its most colourful, September is hard to beat. It combines breathtaking scenery, crisp fresh air, peaceful hiking trails, and the possibility of witnessing the Aurora Borealis.
Their vow renewal itinerary
9.00 : Hair & Makeup for Tiia
11.00 : Departure to the National Park together
12.00 : Lunch on the way
13.30 : Start of the hike
14.00 : Writing your vows in the forest
15.00 : Changing outfits in the open hut
15.30 : Ceremony and vow exchange
16.00 : Champagne!!
16.30 : Cooking dinner over the fire in the open hut
17.30 : Sake toast
18.00 : Hike down and quiet moment by the lake
19.00 : We make our way back home
