When you talk about wedding photography in Southwestern Ontario, one name that stands out is John Lyons. Based in Windsor and Toronto, John’s work captures the essence of family, love, and those fleeting moments that make weddings unforgettable. His journey from a high school kid with a camera to one of the region's most sought-after luxury wedding photographers is a story worth telling.
From Snapshots to Stories
Long before digital cameras and iPhones, John was the guy with the camera in his friend groups. He wasn’t a "camera nerd," as he likes to clarify, but a "photo and memory nerd"—someone who felt compelled to capture the memories of those around him. “I’ve got 40 or so years of just great memories on printed prints with my friends and family,” John reminisces. “And even now, I'm always the one with my phone out, just capturing great times as they happen.”
His love for photography didn’t immediately translate into a career. John went to film school, dabbling in the tech side of things and storytelling, which later became crucial in his work. After university, he found himself in TV and radio (desperately wanting to be a MuchMusic VJ) and even launching a graphic design company, which allowed him to hone his visual storytelling skills. It wasn’t until a fashion brand company client asked him to photograph their collection that John took his first serious steps into photography. “We didn't offer photography at the time, but I said yes anyway,” he recalls with a chuckle.
Finding His Groove in Weddings
John’s transition to wedding photography was serendipitous. A wedding photographer friend with a broken ankle asked John for help. Skeptical at first, John was immediately hooked. “It was everything I loved about photography—beauty, elegance, fashion, emotions, and most importantly, storytelling,” he says. This chance encounter shifted his career focus entirely. By 2006, he was photographing weddings full-time.
Weddings, for John, are more than just events; they’re a testament to his own family bonds. His website mentions the Hawaiian concept of Ohana - family in a broader sense - encompassing those bound together by compassion, culture, loyalty, and love. This philosophy permeates his work. "My hope is that years from now, a great-grandchild of one of my couples will find an old printed wedding photo that I took decades earlier and get a glimpse of a sweet moment in their family history," John says. It’s this long-term vision that drives him to create timeless images.
Navigating the Ever-Changing Landscape
The world of wedding photography has evolved drastically, and John has adapted every step of the way. From the rise of social media to the changing tastes of clients, staying relevant requires constant evolution. "I never wanted to be the old guy who said, 'Oh, this is the way I always did it.' I always wanted to keep growing," John explains. This mindset has kept him at the top of his game, even as the industry shifts.
John’s experience, having photographed over 450 weddings, gives him an edge. He knows the rhythm of a wedding day, can anticipate moments before they happen, and his camera has become instinctual. “Handling the emotions of people on a wedding day is second nature to me,” he says. His focus is on ensuring the couple is relaxed and having fun, trusting him not just to capture great photos but to manage the day smoothly.
A Heartfelt Approach
John’s approach is deeply personal. He values the importance of the role photographers play as documentarians of one of the most important days in a family's history. “We get those calls where a family member has passed away, and the photos we took are the last ones they have,” he reflects. This responsibility is one he takes seriously, and it's evident in the emotional depth of his work. “After nearly 20 years, I still tear up at weddings, especially during father-daughter moments,” he admits.
The Man Behind the Lens
John Lyons is not just a wedding photographer. He’s a storyteller, a memory keeper, and a family man who brings his own experiences and values into his work. His love for capturing the essence of family and celebration is evident in every photograph he takes. For John, it’s about more than just taking pictures—it’s about preserving the moments that matter most.
In a constantly changing industry, John’s ability to adapt while staying true to his core values sets him apart. His work is a testament to the power of photography in capturing the essence of love, family, and the timeless moments that define our lives.
Website: Johnlyonsweddings.com
Instagram: @johnlyonsphoto
