Layla Grace – Cypress Children’s Photographer

Friday, February 19, 2010

We never quite know what it is that God gives us, why He choses certain things for our lives. But we have faith that His plan is for us, that He loves us so much and He knows what is best. And so we believe that He makes all things happen for our good. The wonderful thing about God’s love is: even when we’re feeling down and we have moments when we question His motives, He still loves us.

There are so many things I want to say about this session, this person, this family. They are courageous, they are faithful, they are hopeful. She is amazing, she is a fighter, she is a beautiful little girl who God sent here for a purpose. Her sisters are wonderful. The oldest is such a sweet sweet girl who seems to be a little mother hen. The middle sister is full of life and character and beautiful grins. The love that mom and dad have for each other and their girls is so evident.

This family. They’ve changed me. They have me on my knees for them; for her. I am so beyond humbled that they asked me to photograph them; to capture this important moment in their lives.

If you haven’t heard of them, you can read sweet Layla’s story at http://www.LaylaGrace.org or follow them on Twitter: @LaylaGrace. And please, if you feel the need to drop on your knees for them, please join me in praying for peace, strength, faith, comfort and a miracle.

by Christie Lacy Photography

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March 19, 2010 - 7:05 pm

Christina - Thanks so much for sharing this sad yet beautiful story. Hopefully her memory will live on through all these lovely pictures.
I love the music in the slideshow. Can I ask you sings this wonderful song as I would love to give this song to my cousin you recently lost her 18 months daughter. Thanks again for sharing.

March 13, 2010 - 1:36 pm

http://kristenisblessed.blogspot.com');” rel=’external nofollow’ class=’url’>Kristen - I cannot quit weeping for this family. I think your photos are just beautiful! You seem to capture this family perfectly. I am sure they are extremely happy with the job you did. I think your amazing for picking up your camera and getting these photos done within two hours of Shanna calling… that is a true blessing for this family right now.

March 10, 2010 - 9:23 pm

Jill Lepow - You are truly amazing. Layla’s family will forever cherish the wonderful photos you took of their family. May God bless you as you have blessed this family. I have been following Layla’s story for about 2 weeks and I am heart broken.

March 10, 2010 - 2:52 am

Peter Nielsen - Stunning photos of a very special little girl and her family. You can almost touch the love they feel for each other. The story of the Marsh family has reached the heart of the world and through your beautiful photos we get a small glimpse of their love. You have not just given them pictures, you have given them memories of a special day. God bless you and the Marsh family.

March 5, 2010 - 2:53 pm

Kim Crowley - I got this by chance trough a prayer change — no accident
I am a stronger believer in the LORD and all he does
the pictures alone say so much Christie thank YOU for allowing GOD to use your talent —prayers are sent up a sweet aroma to our heavenly Father on behalf of Layla & her family
GOD bless!!!

March 5, 2010 - 2:03 pm

http://www.schonakesslerphotography.com');” rel=’external nofollow’ class=’url’>Schona Kessler Photography - It’s amazing the difference a slideshow can make. I saw these on their website yesterday because your blog wouldn’t load…then I got it to load today and am about to cry….the music is perfect and the pictures are so touching knowing what the family must be going through. Layla looks like a little princess. I can’t imagine how it felt to be their photographer…Yay for them finally being able to get a family of 5 portrait!~

Amazing job.

March 4, 2010 - 7:42 am

http://www.sarahhendersonphotography.com');” rel=’external nofollow’ class=’url’>Sarah Henderson - Layla and her family have been in my prayers. Bless you Christie for these treasures you have created for them! You have taken your talent and done amazing things with it!

March 3, 2010 - 10:22 pm

http://jeannettechirinosfotos.blogspot.com');” rel=’external nofollow’ class=’url’>Jeannette Chirinos Gold - what a sweet session
praYING FOR LAYLA TOO AND THE WHOLE FAMILY

March 3, 2010 - 10:17 pm

http://www.Amber-Debyah.com');” rel=’external nofollow’ class=’url’>Amber Debyah - What a sweet, beautiful family! They have been in my prayers daily!!

March 2, 2010 - 9:13 am

betsy - God-filled…God was in those pictures. Thanks for your blessing you gave to this sweet family going through so very much. May your business be blessed because of your service to Him and to this family. I will hug my girls for Layla. they are 17 and 25 and mean the world to me. Prayers to the family. When God decides to take Layla home…my mom and dad will hold her tight and love on her. But til then…everyday is a gift..every moment a blessing! God is still on His Throne. No answers for now.

March 1, 2010 - 5:31 pm

http://www.cassandra-m.com');” rel=’external nofollow’ class=’url’>cassandra-m - hear about her via facebook, twitter & Ryan Seacresst. FOund your website & blog. GORGEOUS photos and very POWERFUL words in your post. MANY PRAYERS coming from Savannah, GA!!!!!!!

March 1, 2010 - 11:46 am

Melanie Ashcraft - ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL! This family is so amazing. You did a fabulous job!!

March 1, 2010 - 9:45 am

Leigh - They had me on my knees as well!
I saw the update and understand that you are overwhelmed with requests! But I would love to offer my Children’s Boutique to you to host a party for Layla in Brenham. The business would be a great place to host this. Our community has always shown support for things like this and I know we would love to help this precious little girl and her family!

February 28, 2010 - 10:28 am

Melissa Crowder - And God bless you for dropping everything and moving up that photo shoot! Those pictures captured the love of a family and the Grace of our God in Layla’s beautiful blue eyes and that look she gave her Daddy….Priceless!

February 25, 2010 - 7:06 pm

Lee Silgado - So Beautiful and Steven Curtis Chapman’s song was perfect. Well done good and faithful servant! Thank You so much, such beauty and talent I loved the way you put it together with the black and white shots fade into color. WOW

February 25, 2010 - 1:04 pm

Chanell Wells - I would love to book to help out this family. This is such a great thing that you are doing. Please let me know what I need to do. Thanks.

February 25, 2010 - 12:09 am

http://www.mestisainsuburbia.blogspot.com');” rel=’external nofollow’ class=’url’>Laurie Devine - WOW! What amazing images you captured for Layla’s family. Absolutely beautiful work!

February 24, 2010 - 12:11 am

http://www.reneewhiting.com');” rel=’external nofollow’ class=’url’>Renee - Your work is always amazing, but more amazing here is the wonderful story of love that these photos tell of the family! Down on my knees for sweet little Layla!

February 23, 2010 - 7:11 pm

http://www.kimbphotography.net');” rel=’external nofollow’ class=’url’>kim burnham - these are stunning – what a beautiful slideshow – great images christie – congrats!

February 23, 2010 - 3:30 pm

Vicki Seal - Absolutely beautiful!! Words cannot express the beauty of this session.

February 23, 2010 - 2:26 pm

http://jemaimages.blogspot.com');” rel=’external nofollow’ class=’url’>Jeannette Chirinos Gold - amazing work

February 23, 2010 - 2:25 pm

http://jemaimages.blogspot.com');” rel=’external nofollow’ class=’url’>Jeannette Chirinos Gold - beautiful

February 23, 2010 - 2:21 pm

courtney b - There are no words….praying for that little angel & her beautiful family. Once again, you never cease to amaze me Christie! Your work is a blessing to so many!Thank you for sharing your gift!

February 23, 2010 - 2:15 pm

http://www.feather-nest.com');” rel=’external nofollow’ class=’url’>Allison Parker - Oh Christie, they are beautiful. I knew they would be. Theirs’ is such a bittersweet story to capture & you couldn’t have done it better. I’m so heartbroken along with everyone else over their story. This sweet little girl has touched so many lives. And this sweet family is on our hearts in big ways this week. I don’t know that I’ve ever prayed this hard. Lovely job as always – I’m so proud to call you a friend now;o)

February 23, 2010 - 8:39 am

http://www.petrakingphotography.com');” rel=’external nofollow’ class=’url’>Petra King - Beautiful work…keep it up!

February 22, 2010 - 8:10 pm

Roxana Martinez - My prayers are with this family every night. May God give you the strenght and courage to continue in this rough journey.

February 22, 2010 - 2:29 pm

http://sweetandsassyphotography.com');” rel=’external nofollow’ class=’url’>Rhonda - Just beautiful! Great job!

February 22, 2010 - 12:47 pm

http://www.sueannhollandphotography.com');” rel=’external nofollow’ class=’url’>Sue Ann - These are wonderful Christie. The ones of her and her daddy really opened the flood gates for me. What a beautiful family. I pray God will show them that He does do miracles.

February 22, 2010 - 12:42 pm

Sara Brown - What a wonderful gift to capture such sweet images of the family. The ones of Layla Grace in Daddy’s lap just made the tears flow. So beautiful and so tragic … My heart hurts so badly for these circumstances. But I truly think you captured the essence of sweet angel Layla in those pictures. She is so amazing.

February 22, 2010 - 10:30 am

Chevonne Potter - in tears…absolutely amazing!

February 22, 2010 - 10:28 am

http://www.jaynemaltbie.com');” rel=’external nofollow’ class=’url’>Jayne Maltbie - Christie! I’m so glad you had the opportunity to do this for them. The images are beautiful! Your slideshow made me cry. I’m praying for this beautiful family. Thank you for your gift.

February 22, 2010 - 10:26 am

Sherry - AMAZING…. What a gift for this family. Jenna, Clarie and Layla all look adorable and the music was perfect. Of course, by the end it was all blurry through my tears. I will have to watch it a few more times. Amazing job!

February 22, 2010 - 8:52 am

http://www.awisemanphotography.com');” rel=’external nofollow’ class=’url’>Amber Wiseman - Good is so God!!! Despite sickness, heartache and hurt He remains constant. These photos are the perfect reflect of His love!!! Beautiful!!!

February 22, 2010 - 8:47 am

http://www.awisemanphotography.com');” rel=’external nofollow’ class=’url’>Amber Wiseman - This brought such tears…God is so good!!! Despite sickness, heartache and hurt…He remains a constant and is good!!! I too will pray for this family. The photos are amazing and will forever be cherished I am certain!!!

February 22, 2010 - 8:22 am

Leigh Ann Dyer - Once again Christie you amaze me with your talent! These photos are priceless for this family. I thank God that He has given you the amazing talent that you have. It is truly His Gift to you and to all of us. I cried through this whole slideshow. They are a beautiful family and the girls are so precious. Praying for a miracle for little Layla.

February 22, 2010 - 7:10 am

http://www.homegrown-photo.com');” rel=’external nofollow’ class=’url’>Britney - These pictures are beautiful! I’m so glad you were able to get family pictures for these sweet people. I’m praying for them everyday that a miracle comes their way!

February 21, 2010 - 7:31 pm

Maggie - What a beautiful and moving tribute!! Especially love all the group shots and then Layla with mommy and daddy. My heart is breaking at all that sweet baby has endured. Praying with all my heart for Layla’s miracle to happen NOW!

February 21, 2010 - 6:08 pm

http://www.summerlaceyphotography.com');” rel=’external nofollow’ class=’url’>Summer - These are priceless!! My heart goes out to this family, they are in my thoughts and prayers! Christie you did a beautiful job on these!

February 21, 2010 - 11:39 am

lauren - layla is such a pretty little girl she is always in my prayer

February 21, 2010 - 10:58 am

Tyjuana Hill-Smith - Christie…you did an amazing job! The series of pictures with the dad reading to the little girl is just precious! The way she looks at her daddy…melts my heart!

February 21, 2010 - 7:28 am

http://www.eviecurleyphotography.com');” rel=’external nofollow’ class=’url’>Evie - I have followed this families story also and these pictures really illustrate the beauty and courage they all possess. Amazing, Christie!

February 21, 2010 - 6:16 am

http://staceylundphotography.blogspot.com');” rel=’external nofollow’ class=’url’>Stacey Lund - Beautiful Slideshow! Beatiful girls!!!

February 21, 2010 - 2:23 am

http://www.lemondropsphotography.com');” rel=’external nofollow’ class=’url’>Jenica - This family and their story is so beautiful. I’ve been praying for this little one since you started posting about her. Thank you so much for sharing her story. God bless you all!

February 21, 2010 - 1:46 am

http://kaylarenckly.com');” rel=’external nofollow’ class=’url’>Kayla Renckly - I’m speechless-there’s nothing I can say that can even express how I felt watching the photos. What an amazing gift you’ve given them. I cried the whole way through. I am amazed by their strength and the beauty that is Layla Grace. There are few chances to see an angel on earth and I truly believe I just saw one. I’ll keep praying for their family-for a miracle, for peace and comfort.

February 20, 2010 - 7:57 pm

Jennifer Martin - These photos are beautiful. I especially love the ones of Layla and her daddy. We are praying so hard for a miracle.

February 20, 2010 - 7:38 pm

Jeana - Wow – those tell a great story. What an amazing family. They are in my prayers. Great job, Christie!

February 20, 2010 - 7:04 pm

Denise - Absolutely beautiful you have given this family something that will last a lifetime. These are simply amazing

February 20, 2010 - 6:24 pm

http://www.michellemonsonphotography.blogspot.com');” rel=’external nofollow’ class=’url’>Michelle - Beautiful! Layla Grace will be in my prayers!

February 20, 2010 - 6:04 pm

Betty Prichard - I have been sitting here stareing at my computer….trying to figure out what to say…this little girl has touched my heart so deeply….I have a 3 year old granddaughter and she is my heart…..I can’t even begin to imagine what this family must be going through. Layla Grace is so beautiful….and such a miracle. She is a very special little girl…and God only gives special little girls to special people. He gave her to you because he knew you carried that special love in your heart…..Be strong Little Layla Grace……The world is praying for you

February 20, 2010 - 10:52 am

http://www.mazukins.com');” rel=’external nofollow’ class=’url’>kat - beautiful pictures….layla is a little doll…I so wish there was something I could do to wish things right for her…..i was up hours last night imagining her with long curly hair-playing-laughing….waking up eating & drinking & having those nasty cancer cells bursting and disappearing & her getting a miracle. I will continue to pray for Layla & her family ~hugs~

February 20, 2010 - 10:40 am

Elizabeth - Wow. These pictures brought tears to my eyes. All i can say is amazing job. Layla Grace is a beautiful little girl and i will continue to pray for her and her family. God bless.

February 20, 2010 - 10:25 am

http://leprakans.com');” rel=’external nofollow’ class=’url’>Jodee - These pictures were so beautiful they brought tears to my eyes.. beautifully done.

February 20, 2010 - 8:49 am

Angela Wood - This is beautiful work. The children are precious, however I also loved how you captured the parental love in the eyes of the parents. Shanna is beautiful. I have followed this story for some time. I have never really seen many photos of Shanna. She seems as beautiful as we all know she is strong. God Bless you all.

February 20, 2010 - 8:43 am

http://www.purewonderphotography.com');” rel=’external nofollow’ class=’url’>Erin Cutts - breathtaking

February 20, 2010 - 8:16 am

Jenni - Absolutely Beautiful. I cried through the whole thing. This family has such strength. I’m on my knees praying for the Marsh family and sweet Layla Grace. She has changed my life.

February 20, 2010 - 8:06 am

http://communityoffaith.tv');” rel=’external nofollow’ class=’url’>Laura Shook - Christie, these are beautiful! I love you for doing this.

February 20, 2010 - 7:22 am

http://www.colesfoundation.com');” rel=’external nofollow’ class=’url’>Lindsay Manfull - Amazing. The pictures of sweet Layla Grace and her daddy reading the book just broke my heart. Thank you for giving this family the gift of memories. God bless you and thank you for lifting their family and Layla Grace up in prayer.
COLEs Prayer Team
http://www.colesfoundation.com
Lindsay Manfull

February 20, 2010 - 6:47 am

Fran Reichel - Beautifully amazing, touching, joyous, and moving at the same time. I cried and prayed through the slideshow. My prayers will continue for this faithful, courageous family and Layla Grace.

February 20, 2010 - 6:39 am

http://www.momiboutique.com');” rel=’external nofollow’ class=’url’>Rachel McPherson - You did an AMAZING job capturing this moment. Just gorgeous. These photographs will be forever cherished.

February 20, 2010 - 12:22 am

Aunt Jean - Wow! what a great set of pictures!!beautiful work.
Thanks for making it possible for us to see these sweet pictures.
Praying for a miracle for sweet Layla.. love and prayers.

February 19, 2010 - 10:32 pm

http://www.ellabellaphotos.com');” rel=’external nofollow’ class=’url’>Elle - Beautiful work! What sweet sweet moments you captured! Layla and their whole family are in my thoughts & prayers.

February 19, 2010 - 10:20 pm

Tracie - Wow, thank you so much for sharing. I’ve been praying for sweet little Layla Grace for a long time now. I continue to pray for her & her family. Again, thank you for sharing this…

February 19, 2010 - 10:17 pm

http://jenniferbertochphotography.blogspot.com');” rel=’external nofollow’ class=’url’>jen - Christie- your words and images brought tears to my eyes. Will keep dear Layla Grace and her family in my prayers. Beautiful, beautiful images.

February 19, 2010 - 10:17 pm

http://www.caringbridge.org');” rel=’external nofollow’ class=’url’>Mae - Those are beautiful photos, very very well done! They captured such emotion and beauty. Layla is a beautiful and strong little girl, with a beautiful and strong family. These photos, captured it! Well done!

February 19, 2010 - 9:59 pm

http://www.twitter.com');” rel=’external nofollow’ class=’url’>tess fox - Layla Grace is an angel that is being cared for by the family best suited to LOVE her with all their hearts. It’s so evident from the photos that she is pure joy! My prayers go out for a Pain Free journey for Layla Grace. i love her. xoxo

February 19, 2010 - 9:56 pm

Edie Hunter - Absolutely beautiful. Keep praying for Layla Grace. God is good. Love to all.

February 19, 2010 - 9:51 pm

Dawn Young - What a gift you’ve given to this family Christie…beautiful pictures. Every day begins and ends praying for all of you – for strength, courage, peace and a miracle. Layla Grace has touched so many hearts…special place in mine just for her.

February 19, 2010 - 9:50 pm

kristi hill - Priceless….amazing moments…

February 19, 2010 - 9:46 pm

http://www.bellasbowtique2008.etsy.com');” rel=’external nofollow’ class=’url’>Kristie - Wow! I am literally speachless! Beautiful photos! I think I lost it on the very last photos of mom, dad and Layla! I am in tears. Very powerful slide show!
God Bless this family!

Kristie

February 19, 2010 - 9:17 pm

Erin Carlyle - WOW is all I can say!!! I’m sobbing after reading your beautiful words and watching your amazing slideshow. You captured such beautiful memories for this family. I have been following Laylas story for quite some time and I join you on your knees praying for a miracle for this family. You are a true talent with such a giving heart!

February 19, 2010 - 8:56 pm

Heather - I cried my way through the slideshow. The photos are beautiful, and the music was so touching. Way to go, Christie.

February 19, 2010 - 8:47 pm

Kristy Owens - Beautiful. I’m sure they will cherish these for a lifetime. Continued prayers for this sweet family. Great work Christie.

February 19, 2010 - 8:45 pm

Heather - I’m speechless….absolutely amazing.

February 19, 2010 - 8:38 pm

Christina Flanagan - This is why I love photography and why I have always praised your work Christie. Time holds still in these photos. Thank you so much for sharing. Just beautiful!

February 19, 2010 - 8:32 pm

Eva Gomez - Wow – those pictures are so beautiful. The family is beautiful and sweet layla – she is in my prayers.

February 19, 2010 - 7:49 pm

Tracy Brooks - WOW! Simply beautiful Christie. Jenna looks gorgeous,Claire is a “hoot” and then there’s sweet Layla! Awesome job.

February 19, 2010 - 7:44 pm

kim milburn photography - beautiful work christie

Houston, TX Children and Family Photography | Christie Lacy

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Layla Grace – Cypress Children’s Photographer