Davi & Josh -- who were brought together by USY, Tinder, and...lice!

When Davi and Josh texted me that they had found me online and would I be able to make a ketubah with their spirit animals on it, I have to be honest -- I had to google what exactly a spirit animal was. Little did I know that the ketubah I would eventually make for them would turn out to be one of my favorite projects of all time -- featuring a Banyan tree, a fox and a bear. 

How did the two of you meet?

Joshua and I went to the same synagogue growing up, and the same youth group! He's actually 4 years older than I am, so when I was a freshman in USY he was one of the "cool" senior boys. Years later, I right-swiped him on Tinder -- I knew he wouldn't murder me if we went to the same synagogue!

photo by Michelle Lawson Photography

How did you know he/she was the one?

OMG this is awful. I had broken up with him for about a week (we were long distance), and he drove 3 hours to come meet me after a wedding that I had uninvited him to. He then spent the whole night picking lice out of my head -- one of my young nieces had given it to me. We never broke up again. Aw.

photo by Michelle Lawson Photography

What did you want your ketubah to tell about your love story?

Since we started dating we have always associated each other with a specific animal! We love the outdoors, and hiking/being outside is a huge aspect of our relationship. We wanted to incorporate our spirit animals to signify that our spirits were meant to be together -- bashert.

What is the most important value as a foundation for your marriage and why?

Friendship. We don't just love each other, we genuinely like each other. He's my best friend.

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

Pick your battles! Also, once you hit 2-3 weeks out, STOP worrying -- the day will be amazing regardless of how much panicking you do, so might as well just skip the panic.

photo by Michelle Lawson Photography

What was your favorite moment of the wedding day?

Our first look. We had both been with family all day, so we were wound up pretty tight. I had anxiety all morning, but the minute I saw Joshua (looking dapper as hell in his tux), I felt 100% relieved. I had not a single worry for the rest of the day.

So I had my seamstress sew sleeves onto my dress, that way I could be covered under the chuppah. She did an amazing job, but we couldn't figure out how to take them off for the party. My amazing photographer literally pulled a knife from his back pocket, and cut my sleeves off of my dress while Joshua tried to maintain my dignity (I was braless).