Genuine joy is truly contagious. Time and time again I’ve looked through the images from this beautiful Atlanta History Center Wedding, and it makes me smile just thinking about how happy these two were to celebrate their Wedding.

Even more than that, though, are the looks on the faces of their friends and family: everywhere you turned was genuine joy – the kind that makes your cheeks hurt from smiling so much – hand-lifting, heart-opening joy. That kind of happiness is passed down from generation to generation. It’s the happiness that you choose even when it’s hard, and it’s one of the most beautiful things in the World to get to document.

So it’s fitting, then, that they choose to have trees built to decorate their reception. Because trees are different than flowers. Flowers are beautiful, but Trees have depth; they have strong roots. They dig down deep before they ever grow up. They provide shade and protection. They last. And this kind of love is much more of a tree than a flower.

Event Planning: Suzanne Reinhard Events / Ceremony Location: All Saints Catholic Church / Reception Location: Atlanta History Center / Bride’s hair: Shayna / Bride’s makeup: Amber, Brushworx / Dress Designer: Anne Barge / Dress Store: Guffey’s Bridal / Bride’s shoes: Jimmy Choo / Groom’s attire: Men’s Wearhouse / Florist: Heath, Jackson Durham / Caterer: Bold American Catering / Cake: Heather / Band: The Rupert’s Orchestra / Videographer: Dave, EVAD Production

To see the rest of Maddy and Clay’s images when they become available, click here.