A Photo Montage Ketubah with Hidden Symbols for Cori and Steve

Like so many couples during the pandemic, Cori and Steve first met through their screens on Hinge. They had an instant connection and found it was easy and fun to talk about everything and anything. 

I was so excited to work with this travel-loving couple who who share my affection for our mutual hometown, Sweet Home Chicago! 

When we started planning their ketubah, they wanted to make sure their ketubah expressed a few specific things:

• Their love of travel
• Their love for  Chicago 
• How important Judaism is to them 

Cori and Steve loved the idea of a photo montage ketubah. Photo montage ketubahs are when I create a composition based on specific photos or images that the couple provides. It's a great way to create a ketubah that is specific and tells a couple's story through their own lens while still being a one-of-a-kind hand-painted work of art.

When we brainstormed for their ketubah, we came up with a list of things they wanted to incorporate:

• Chicago skyline with bike path
• New Mexico — Bandolier State Park
• Utah ski slopes
• New Zealand
• Nice, France

They sent me their inspiration photos and I got to work creating their photo montage layout.

We had a winner with Sketch C, but Cori and Steve had an unusual request. Could I add hidden Jewish symbols throughout? As a sample, they sent me this Disney Snow White image and told me to find the gnomes and Prince Charming. 

Challenge Accepted! 

And so I got to work. 

Can you find the hidden Jewish symbols? 

I was thrilled with Cori and Steve's reaction to seeing their ketubah reveal video:

Now that they had their unique and personal ketubah, it was time to celebrate! 

I asked Steve and Cori to tell me the most important value as a foundation for their marriage. 

Cori and Steve: Commitment. Our marriage is about the decision to commit to putting each other first every day. As a couple, we are committed to building a beautiful life together - this includes showing up for our friends and family, prioritizing our physical health, working hard, and having fun!

The happy couple tells me that their favorite part of the wedding day was being on the dance floor surrounded by their family and friends. I can see why! 

These beautiful photos are by Alyssa Armour - Enduring Moments

What advice would you give to couples just starting out with the wedding planning process? 

Try not to get too caught up in the to-do lists and just enjoy every part of the process. And also, get a photo booth and look at the photos the next day. It's absolutely hilarious! 

Cori and Steve, thank you so much for choosing me as your partner for this beautiful project! 

I hope your life together is full of more travel, adventure, and laughter! May your ketubah stay in your home through many fulfilling memories and may it serve as a reminder of the joy and celebration of your special day. Wishing you many more simchas ahead! L'chaim!