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In 2003 Justin took me to Haiti to visit for three weeks. He wanted to show me where he had lived and served for two whole years. He wanted to show me the beauty of the county he felt was his second home. He wanted me to discover the culture and people he had fallen in love with while serving selflessly. On that trip I saw the most amazing sites, met the most lively and spirited people, and saw why my husband loved the Haitian people so much! I also saw the deplorable conditions these people lived in and was in awe at their strength and endurance and happiness, despite their lack of living supplies.

This is Justin and I in a river swimming with the Haitians, that was a really great day!
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Justin had tried to make his way back many times and oddly enough became friends with Wyclef Jean just by approaching him and talking to him in his native language (Haitian creole...Justin is fluent). In 2006 Justin was invited to go with Wyclef (now an ambassador for Haiti) back to Haiti to be Wyclef's personal photographer. Justin documented the trip while Wyclef's non-profit organization Yele served the people, and as Wyclef performed at the big Carnival celebration that year.
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On January 12th, 2010 the earth shook beneath the Haitians and left their entire country in shambles and left nearly 50,000 dead. Justin heard about this and IMMEDIATELY began pulling from all of his connections (anyone who knows my husband can attest to the fact that he definitely is a man with connections) to organize clothes, shoes, and funds to be donated to help those in need. He also began researching how he could make his way back to Haiti to help the people he once served with love. On Saturday, January 23rd, Justin received word that he would be able to go with a group to travel to Haiti to help translate and offer a helping hand. Today Justin is on his way to Haiti for another three weeks! This is part of the email he sent out to all of our friends and family:

"Hello Friends and Family!!! I am writing this email as I prepare to go down to Haiti for 3 weeks to help with the Earthquake Relief efforts! As many of you know, I did missionary work down there for 2 years, and have a sincere love and affection for the Haitian people. I have been heartbroken since the devastating earthquake, and have been anxious to get down there to be of service to my Haitian friends and family. I speak Haitian Creole fluently and have found a group going that is in dire need of translators. There are 150 of us going (50 translators, 50 medical professionals, and 50 construction professionals) under the banner of Utah Hospital Task ForceThe Utah Hospital Task Force will be traveling to Haiti within the authorization of USAID, and operating under the umbrella of Healing Hands for Haiti.

Through USAID, our tasking is highly organized. Upon arrival we will first set up camp as expeditiously as possible, then begin to serve as directed by USAID and UN officials. Our first priority is life saving - to get the Healing Hands clinic operating so that it can treat patients. We are also going to be bringing Orphans back on the plane that drops us off! ForEveryChild.org has confirmed 70 orphans cleared for release. A large percentage of these are two or so years old!

THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH in advance for supporting me and my family as I embark on this sure to be life changing trip! I look forward to telling you all about it!

Please follow along at http://www.facebook.com/justinlyon and http://www.twitter.com/justinlyon for my personal account.You can also see what the group is up to at http://www.utahhospitaltaskforce.blogspot.com and follow them at http://www.twitter.com/uhtf

Mesi Anpil Zanmi'm Yo!!! (Thank You So Much My Friends!!)"

I am SO PROUD of my husband for giving up his time and talents to go help those in need. I feel such a deep love for my husband and see what a huge heart he has. I know he will be doing the work of God and helping the people of Haiti. I only have 21 more days until I get to see him again and I know he'll do an amazing job. I love you sweetheart! The boys and I will be praying for you to have a safe and successful trip and to arrive safely back home to us!
61 Comments
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Manon said:
That is really amazing. Was Great Reading about that. Hope He will Be Save. Amelia you really have a great husband.
(01.28.10 11:49 AM)
Joanna Garcia said:
Wow Amelia! I would have never known he spoke Haitian creole, thank you for sharing! I'll be praying for his safe return. I know he will definitely make an impact! Hugs!
(01.28.10 11:52 AM)
lydia said:
we are so blessed to have people like you and justin. huge hearts like yours' are few to find. so thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. will keep justin and your family in my thoughts for a successful trip and a safe one back too.
(01.28.10 12:00 PM)
Kristi Montague said:
I follow you both on Twitter, and I think it's amazing Justin is able to go for 3 weeks! I've been to Port Au Prince on medical missions the past three years, and will be going back (Lord willing) in March for a fourth trip. We support Roberta Edwards, an amazing American woman that runs a foster home for 30 kids and a nutrition program that feeds around 100 kids 2 meals a day. (More info at www.estes.tn.org.) Haiti and her people hold a very special place in my heart, and I'm so excited for the good Justin will do when he is there. I'll be praying for your family!
(01.28.10 12:00 PM)
Anna said:
Its really noble of Justin to drop everything to volunteer in Haiti. Sure is a reminder that one person can make a difference. Here's wishing him and the rest of the group a safe mission.
(01.28.10 12:01 PM)
Jessica Feely said:
What an amazing effort he is making along with all those other people! He is truly a missionary of god and will be able to help so many people while there. It fills my heart with joy to hear this story and I know him, the others helping and your family will be blessed for all your efforts! Thanks for sharing and keep us updated!!
(01.28.10 12:05 PM)
Augusta said:
Whoa, cool! That is so awesome that he has the opportunity to go back and serve!!! Can't wait to hear about his trip. I love how God works everything together so perfectly.
(01.28.10 12:08 PM)
Natalie Norton said:
WONDERFUL. Amazing in every way. We'll add Justin to our prayers. What an inspiration you are Justin!
(01.28.10 12:15 PM)
debra parker said:
I have tears running down my cheeks. this is so near to my heart. My husband is currently at the Embassy in Haiti trying to bring home the son we have been in the process to adopt for over two years. I wish your husband the best as he goes to help. Please keep us updated. I have always told my man that if I could photograph like anyone I would choose it to be like you. Your photos are inspiring.
(01.28.10 12:31 PM)
Shannon said:
What a great way to be involved and to help others. It always gives me goosebumps when I see so many people helping so many others. It's great that you guys can give back in this way. Also, Wyclef? That's awesome!
(01.28.10 12:34 PM)
Marissa Rodriguez said:
This is so amazing! You guys are amazing!
(01.28.10 12:57 PM)
Becka @Studio222 Photography said:
If you guys need ANYTHING at all while Justin is passing through Orlando please let us know. We live close to the airport and would love to help if you guys need it.
(01.28.10 01:04 PM)
Tiffany Anderson said:
That is so awesome. I've followed your blog for a while and I really think that is so great that Justin is going to go serve his second family. I hope he will be safe and your little family will cope well with him gone.
(01.28.10 01:28 PM)
Kat Speyer said:
That is absolutely amazing and wonderful. :)
(01.28.10 01:44 PM)
kayleen t. said:
What an amazing, kind and generous thing Justin is doing! I really admire the people who are there in Haiti giving up their time and resources helping!
(01.28.10 02:02 PM)
Shaylene Carter said:
Thank you for this story. I have felt bad about the situation in Haiti, but nothing has touched my heart like a missionary returning to his home of 2 years. (I am at BYU and had a class with your cousin. He shared your blog with me, and I follow you on Google Reader. Congrats on your success!)
(01.28.10 02:24 PM)
Kristen said:
What beautiful photos. So glad your husband is able to go and help, especially since he speakes Kreyol.
(01.28.10 02:25 PM)
Kirsten Staggs said:
Okay, your blog is officially under my "Favorites". I mostly was interested in your wedding photography, but this is awesome. Thank you for the inspiration. Kirsten www.photography-kirsten.blogspot.com
(01.28.10 02:29 PM)
Omi said:
Amelia! I know and love the Trinnaman's who run ForEveryCHild and one of my firends mothers left today with Utah Hospital Task Force. What a beautiful work Justin is doing! Best wishes. Our prayers are with you!!
(01.28.10 02:38 PM)
brooke bowland said:
utterly amazing. thank you for sharing this story. your husband is truly awesome. i will keep you all in my thoughts.
(01.28.10 03:03 PM)
Ashley said:
Go Justin! This is so awesome! We'll be praying for his safe return. We can't wait to see all the good he's going to do for all those people in need.
(01.28.10 03:20 PM)
angelique said:
What A BEAUTIFUL and AMAZING story Amelia. Your husband's kind heart is beyond words...and so is your support!
(01.28.10 03:41 PM)
debra parker said:
Amelia. I have an urgent request. Is Justin in Haiti yet? My husband is at the Embassy with sick children and pregnant women all sleeping on floor waiting to be signed out. Ambassador Joseph is not doing it for reasons noone knows. All paperwork is ready and complete. CNN said they would do story but need photos. None of their phones will send photos out today..service is sketchy. Do you think Justin could help? ernest.debra@gmail.com @debraparker
(01.28.10 03:45 PM)
Keri Welch said:
This is awesome. I have followed your blog for a while and am also a fan of The Mammoth Men. My prayers are with Justin and your family. God Bless
(01.28.10 03:47 PM)
amelialyon said:
Debra, Just sent you an email!!!! Let's see if we can do something to help out!
(01.28.10 04:01 PM)
stacy benintendi said:
WOW!
(01.28.10 04:30 PM)
Emily Faulknor said:
Amazing! Blessings upon these efforts!!
(01.28.10 04:34 PM)
Melissa@ The Loveliest Day said:
Amelia, thank you for sharing this! I think it's wonderful and selfless what Justin is doing and both him and your family will be in my thoughts.
(01.28.10 04:41 PM)
Lisa H. Chang said:
This is really wonderful! Will be praying for Justin ~ it's so great to hear he has the opportunity to do this and the ability to really be of help!
(01.28.10 05:10 PM)
Heather Maynard said:
What an awesome thing you are BOTH doing! Prayers to your family and the task force!
(01.28.10 05:19 PM)
heather williams said:
i'm so happy you guys have the means to send justin to help! i have not been able to get the people of haiti off my mind and just feel so helpless as to what i can do. we even donated about 20 pairs of shoes to the "soles for souls" at sports chalet today. good for justin and good for you- having no husband is a definite sacrifice.
(01.28.10 05:42 PM)
Macy said:
What a fabulous family you guys are. Thanks for sharing the photos. There is a huge Haitian population here in Boston, and our LDS stake has one of the few branches outside of Haiti. We've been feeling really close to all that has gone on. Every member of the branch has lost at least one family member. Will be thinking of and praying for all of you.
(01.28.10 06:33 PM)
jessie said:
Amelia, THANK YOU!!! for posting beautiful, happy joyful photos of the people in Haiti, it is so awesome to see what was such a happy although very poor place. This really helps show their hearts, why Justin fell in love with them and why he feels so strongly about serving them again. And THANK YOU for being so supportive of him and letting him go. We love you dearly.
(01.28.10 06:40 PM)
karly spalding said:
really amazing!
(01.28.10 11:20 PM)
Mike Cunningham said:
This is so rad. I look up to you guys for a lot of reasons, but this truly shows the quality of people you are and emulates your finest qualities. Thank you for making a difference on so many different levels.
(01.29.10 12:00 AM)
kay* said:
thank you thank you! these pictures show a different side to haiti than we are used to seeing - how nice to see all the smiling faces, joy & laughter. & thank you for your efforts now. my thoughts will be with you & your family.
(01.29.10 07:53 AM)
Krista Photography said:
That's awesome that he is able to go down and help! I was in Haiti in 2008 and have been wanting to return ever since I heard about the earthquake. I'm excited that Justin is actually able to go and be of some real help in this critical time!
(01.29.10 09:34 AM)
connie' said:
such a beautiful and wonderful thing justin is doing. i pray for a safe and successful trip as well. :) much love to all.
(01.29.10 10:11 AM)
punam bean said:
That is so incredible! Here's wishing a safe and successful journey! My thoughts are with you!
(01.29.10 10:19 AM)
Carl Reid said:
I know it's been a trying year for both of you but you and Justin are awesome...keep staying strong for you and the family. Regards, Carl from T.O.
(01.29.10 12:33 PM)
Michelle Guzman said:
What special images. It makes me happy to see ow so many people are helping in this situation in Haiti.
(01.29.10 02:21 PM)
Jasmine* said:
I love you guys!! I'm proud you're my friends and seeing how much you bless others! :)
(01.29.10 03:12 PM)
Julie Parker said:
I am enjoying following his adventure on FB! You must be so very proud of him!
(01.29.10 04:17 PM)
Cynthia said:
This warms my heart to no end! I am headed to Haiti on Monday to see my family and help out in the local community of where I grew up in Delmas, Port au Prince. It is a wreck and I'm seeking to prepare my heart to be broken. Thank-you for posting this! I didn't know he was fluent in Creole! It's always so shocking for me to see someone from a different country speak our language. It really shows that someone cares, when they bother to master our language like that. Amazing! Thank-you for your heart to help my very dear people, and supporting your husband as he goes out. May God bless you guys! =)
(01.29.10 08:19 PM)
Brooke Romney said:
So great to hear it from another perspective. What gorgeous pictures and beautiful experiences you must have had. I'm so glad your husband went down with mine. I'm sure they were so happy to see each other! I'll have to check his facebook updates too!
(01.29.10 09:30 PM)
jen berry said:
incredibly sensitive. incredibly giving. incredibly appreciated. all 4 of you.
(01.30.10 08:27 AM)
nancy {so happi together} said:
Amelia, you and Justin are amazing and in my prayers. Please let us know if there is anything we else we can do. xoxo!!
(01.30.10 05:11 PM)
karin dailey said:
this makes me love you guys even more.
(01.31.10 06:58 AM)
Jalyn Guidangen said:
You are both such amazing, giving, loving people. The world seriously needs more people like you. I know we'll be thinking of Justin. He's going to be able to do so much good out there!
(01.31.10 10:18 AM)
Amy Martin said:
That is so awesome! I LOVE Wyclef! We took our kids to a concert called groovin on the grounds at LSU and Wyclef is who we went to see. We stayed out there SOOOOO late. Finally he was on. I had my son at the front with me.... He was maybe 7 almost 8 at the time and he was bouncing his hand and wyclef grabbed him up and brought him on stage with him! He held wyclefs hand and was doing some hand raising bouncing thing... Wyclef said this kid has rythym. It was so awesome! What your husband is doing is amazing!! I am a little jealous too. We have a missions heart and know someday we will be doing that alot more in our life.
(01.31.10 08:55 PM)
Amy said:
Wow...its encouraging, touching, and at the same time challenging to read how your husband is really putting LOVE into action. So selfless as well. I will truely remember your husband in my prayers and Haiti as well. You guys are both amazing and its truely a blessing to see how you and your family are being used to touch the lives of others. God Bless You Guys!~* =)
(02.01.10 02:47 PM)
Sun Kwon said:
you and your family are so supremely blessed. glad to read that your husband is using ALL of his abilities to help God's people. what a blessing! what a great testimony! thanks for sharing. i heard wyclef jean on npr the other day talking about haiti. can't believe justin knew him so well! all in God's providence.
(02.01.10 09:24 PM)
Aria said:
Wow, I'm so impressed and proud of you guys! I look forward to seeing photos and hearing how things went. I just discovered your blog and LOVE your work! Every single photo is a piece of art! Great job!
(02.03.10 10:25 PM)
Vania -SimplyBloom Photography, LLC said:
wow. Justin is amazing. talk about making a difference!
(02.04.10 09:47 PM)
Catalina said:
What a giving heart. I will pray for his safe return Amelia! xo
(02.05.10 01:10 AM)
kyla said:
These are all such wonderful joyous photos! My prayers are with all those who are struggling to get things back to "normal" once again. God Bless you both!
(02.05.10 06:08 PM)
rog said:
you guys are still the best.
(02.08.10 09:30 PM)
Mese Ugapo said:
Justin we love that you are out there helping our brothers and sisters in Haiti. As a returned missionary I appreciate how much you love the Haitian people and want to help. Stay safe and we'll see you soon.
(02.15.10 04:06 PM)
Orlando Wedding Photographer said:
After reading your blog, I thought your articles is great! I liked your articles and Photographs. Your blog is very useful to me. Here you are provideing such a greatful information. Thanks for sharing.......
(02.22.10 02:19 AM)
amanda said:
I'm glad you have such a generous spirit, Justin! Amelia - I hope your family finds comfort in Justin's caring nature when you're missing him as he works to help others. And you're generous for sharing him :)
(02.22.10 06:22 PM)
Mike@ collage photo frame said:
Wyclef is not only a great artist but also compassionate, giving back to where he comes from. And of course the shots are pretty amazing, the colors are so vibrant, very nicely done.
(05.20.11 05:31 AM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Justin and Haiti! . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.amelialyon.net/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/232
Behold....the last wedding of 2009!!! Amanda + Ray were married on November 21st and we had been anticipating this wedding for quite some time! Amanda + Ray booked us at the beginning of 2009 when they attended the one and only bridal show Justin and I have ever been a part of at The Mission Inn in Riverside. We're so glad that we participated, otherwise we would have never met this sweet couple! At the end of their wedding day we were super pleased and felt even more accomplished that our last wedding of the year was fantastic! I'll say it again, 2009 was an amazing year!
arwed001.jpg
Nicole DeAnne did the hair & make-up...of course!
arwed002.jpgAmanda was beyond giddy to get married, I loved hearing her squeal with excitement once she had her dress put on!

arwed003.jpgSince Justin was m.i.a. that day I had Jason Roger and Emily Ruth of RogerRuth photography come out to help me, I love these next three shots Jason Roger took of Ray getting ready. I thought it was rad that Ray scheduled an old fashioned shave for his big day!
arwed004.jpgarwed005.jpgarwed006.jpgThis was an emotional moment. Since Amanda's father had passed away three years prior, she walked with her mother and had her father's two best friends pass her a white callalily as she made her way down the aisle toward Ray.
arwed007.jpgarwed008.jpgarwed009.jpgarwed010.jpgarwed011.jpgarwed012.jpgarwed013.jpgarwed014.jpgarwed015.jpgMy favorite item of the day...Amanda's late father's restored 1956 Ford Pick-up! "Angel" is Amanda's father's name and it was one of his dreams to restore this Pick-up, but unfortunately circumstances did not allow enough time, so Amanda's Uncle had it restored just in time for the wedding! It was a great addition to the wedding day!
arwed016.jpgarwed017.jpgarwed018.jpgarwed019.jpgarwed020.jpgMy favorite shot of the day!
arwed021.jpgarwed022.jpgarwed023.jpgarwed024.jpgarwed025.jpgarwed026.jpgarwed027.jpgarwed028.jpgMy second favorite shot of the day!
arwed029.jpgThe reception was held at Vellano Country Club in Chino Hills.
arwed030.jpgarwed031.jpgarwed032.jpgarwed033.jpgarwed034.jpgarwed035.jpgarwed036.jpg
Glad we ended the year on a good note! Click here to view their online slideshow!
37 Comments
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George said:
Outstanding work. I check your blog daily!! You're a great inspiration. I'll check back in tomorrow...and the day after...and the day after that!!
(01.21.10 06:20 PM)
Paco and Betty said:
This is one of your best shoots ever and you are my favorite photographers ever!!!
(01.21.10 06:51 PM)
Melissa@ The Loveliest Day said:
I love the second photo of them between the pillars and the bride is seriously adorable!
(01.21.10 06:56 PM)
Jennifer Grigg said:
ohhhhh, I want that truck! Beautiful work. great one light work. Where did you learn off camera flash?
(01.21.10 07:33 PM)
jenny said:
Love the variety you have in the photos !
(01.21.10 07:35 PM)
amelialyon said:
Jennifer, I originally learned the basics of off camera flash from the amazing Nate Kaiser of The Image Is Found. From there Justin and I have been experimenting and come up with a few of our own twists.
(01.21.10 10:06 PM)
kayleen t. said:
I love it! She makes a beautiful bride and her smile is warm and friendly! Your fave is my fave!
(01.21.10 10:36 PM)
John Johnston said:
Your work is outstanding. I know you run workshops etc in the US. Do you have anything like that available on dvd or some other medium for folk who cant make these workshops, pretty tough when you stay in the UK :) Id love to see how you work and also your use of OCF, Post Processing and what gear you use. Keep it up. John
(01.22.10 01:07 AM)
shirley said:
man... the photo of amanda holding the calla lily pulled at my heart strings in a major way. what a beautiful way to honor her father...
(01.22.10 02:09 AM)
Ashley said:
Love the centerpieces - that's how they should be done! What a great shot of the dress! Your photography is amazing.
(01.22.10 08:08 AM)
Kourtney said:
absolute perfection!
(01.22.10 08:41 AM)
Cindy said:
This is a darling couple. Photographs are gorgeous. Brought serious tears to my eyes.
(01.22.10 08:44 AM)
Danielle Simone said:
Beautiful work Amelia! Amanda you look stunning! You chose a phenomenal photographer...I am so proud!
(01.22.10 09:20 AM)
lydia said:
such a beautiful wedding. and as always, you've captured it spot on. i especially love the walking down the aisle story. how bittersweet.
(01.22.10 09:42 AM)
Char Baiz said:
I LOVE these photos! Totally breathtaking!
(01.22.10 09:51 AM)
Leif said:
Great stuff as usual. Just curious, what strobes and triggers do you use?
(01.22.10 10:33 AM)
Alyse French said:
What an absolutely adorable couple! Amazing job at capturing their day!
(01.23.10 12:12 PM)
Micah Cordes said:
I love this set!! I love the color.
(01.23.10 06:55 PM)
jean smith said:
GEEZ. i can never get sick of looking at your work. this wedding is JUST gorgeous.
(01.23.10 10:17 PM)
imthiaz houseman said:
wow, beautiful as always...
(01.25.10 12:00 PM)
Jamie said:
Gorgeous!!! Love that second image!
(01.26.10 08:57 AM)
Marissa Rodriguez said:
This is one of my favorite weddings of yours! AMAZING!
(01.26.10 10:55 AM)
ReneeW said:
I check in on your blog fairly frequently and just realized today that your husband is going down to Haiti, and that he speaks Creole! Between me and my husband, we've been to Haiti 7 times in the last four years and we would be there right now if we could. It helps me not feel so helpless to know that there are people I "know" who are there, especially people who understand the people and the culture. I think so many want to go but once they get there, won't know what to do because they don't understand Haiti. So thank you.
(01.26.10 11:54 AM)
Catalina said:
Amelia as always! outstanding and breathtaking work. Loved that truck!!!!!!
(01.26.10 03:37 PM)
Kara said:
The bride's as gorgeous as the photos! I know that church she had her wedding at and it's a simple church. Super impressed with the fantastic shots taken at the church. Kudos!
(01.26.10 04:22 PM)
blues marquez said:
Hi! I'm a huge fan of your work! I'm also a freelance wedding photographer in the Philippines and I must say, your work is an inspiration!
(01.26.10 05:11 PM)
Christie Mumm said:
Okay, I don't know if I have ever seen a cuter bride than her, what a beautiful smile, she seems to glow and you really capture that, beautiful beautiful beautiful!!!
(01.26.10 08:24 PM)
ReneeW said:
side note* by "know" I meant that we're friends with the Parsons and so are you guys, and anyone they love and trust must be quality. The point is, thank you.
(01.27.10 05:38 AM)
paul said:
The column shots as well as the truck bed shots are my favs
(01.27.10 10:02 AM)
Feuza said:
the one of the truck and her veil is my favorite! you guys so rock
(01.27.10 12:34 PM)
Peter said:
Great blog, I really enjoyed the wedding photography. Keep posting new photography, I like to see all the different pictures of the weddings.
(01.28.10 05:35 AM)
Michelle Guzman said:
What a beautiful couple. The portraits are amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(01.29.10 02:21 PM)
Stephanie Osborne said:
The shot of the bride getting ready with the shallow dof is stunning. What an absolutely beautiful composition!
(02.01.10 07:41 PM)
The Memory Journalists said:
What a great couple. This is the most adorable bride ever! Love that smile. Thanks for sharing.
(02.01.10 08:45 PM)
Julie Hill said:
Pure insanity here! You are one talented chick :)
(02.03.10 04:34 PM)
rog said:
you guys are still the best.
(02.08.10 09:29 PM)
jude said:
AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!
(04.01.10 01:49 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Amanda + Ray Married! . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.amelialyon.net/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/231