Winter Engagement at Hartwick Pines State Park | Náiade & Andrew
When I first met with Náiade last summer, she was visiting her mom here in Grayling, Michigan, and beginning plans for their Northern Michigan fall elopement. From the start, she told me something that stuck with me:
They’re not traditional.
Because Náiade and Andrew live in Florida, they wanted their engagement session to feel different, too. Not the typical summer beach session or peak fall colors.
They chose winter.
Not because they don’t love warm weather, they live in it every day, but because they wanted to experience something completely new.
Planning for Snow in Northern Michigan
We talked through timing carefully. If you know anything about Northern Michigan, you know one thing is guaranteed:
Mother Nature does whatever she wants.
The last few winters have been mild, with very little snow. We chose mid-to-late January as our best chance.
And this year? Winter showed up in full force.
We had our first snowstorm of the season on Thanksgiving, and it basically hasn’t stopped since. There was no easing into the season. Just deep snow, cold temperatures, and that classic Michigan winter feeling.
Náiade got exactly what she hoped for.
A True Michigan Winter Adventure at Hartwick Pines
The day of their session, another snowstorm rolled in.
- Temperatures: 10 degrees
- High winds
- Thick, heavy snowfall
Most people would reschedule.
Náiade and Andrew grabbed some winter gear, hand warmers, a little liquid courage, and hot coffee, and we headed into the woods.
We explored the winter trails at Hartwick Pines State Park, one of the largest state parks in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, wandering along sections of the Au Sable River Foot Trail as snow fell steadily around us.
The tall trees shielded us from the worst of the wind. As the snow fell around us, the world softened and turned the forest quiet and still.
Instead of fighting the weather, we leaned into it.
They pulled each other close to stay warm, laughing as they wandered the snow-covered trail. And somewhere between the trees, a snowball fight broke out, the kind of unplanned moment that ends up being everyone’s favorite part of the day.
Honestly, it was magic.
Why Winter Photos Can Be So Special
There’s something about winter that strips everything down to what matters.
No crowds.
No distractions.
Just quiet woods, falling snow, and the two of you.
For couples traveling from warmer climates, a winter session in Northern Michigan isn’t just about photos. It’s an experience.
Some of the most emotional, connected moments happen when conditions aren’t “perfect.” When you’re a little cold, a little adventurous, and fully present together.
That’s where the real story lives.
Thinking About a Northern Michigan Engagement Session?
If you’re planning a Northern Michigan elopement and want your engagement session to feel like an experience, not just photos. Winter might be worth considering.
Sometimes the most unforgettable moments happen when you choose the unexpected.
