Featured Vendor Profile: Modern Ketubah
16 Sep
Daniel Sroka’s work at Modern Ketubah speaks for itself – inspired by nature and his beautiful photographs, they are truly works of art.
First, for our readers who aren’t familiar, what’s a ketubah?
A ketubah is a work of art that uses images and words to express the love and commitment of your marriage vows. While the ketubah has its roots in the Jewish wedding tradition, its beauty has become embraced by couples from all different religions and cultures.
Please tell us a little bit about your business!
I am an artist and designer who creates fine art wedding ketubahs from my abstract photography of nature. My ketubahs are designed specifically for non-traditional couples, such as interfaith, multicultural, and same-sex couples. My ketubah designs combine beautiful images of flowers, leaves and nature with accessible, modern language, making them perfect for couples from all different backgrounds.
How did you get into doing what you do?
I made my first ketubah for my own wedding, after my (then) fiancée and I couldn’t find one that we liked. We had looked through hundreds of ketubah designs, but all of the ones we found were either too old-fashioned looking, or just something we would not want to hang in our home. We are also an interfaith couple, and most of the ketubahs relied on Jewish symbolism and language that ignored this important part of our relationship.
Since I am an artist and a designer, I decided to make one for us, that we would consider both beautiful and meaningful. After our wedding, so many people asked me to make a similar ketubah that I was inspired to create more ketubot from my photography. Building on my experience as the original creative director for Yahoo!, I launched my own online business, and have been making ketubahs ever since.
How is your business “pro-gay”?
I have been creating ketubahs for same-sex couples since I started. I try to create ketubahs that can be customized to fit any couple’s needs, and my gay customers have appreciated this. Recently, I started working with a celebrant and wedding planner who specialize in same-sex weddings, creating new texts and options for gay couples.
What do you love about what you do?
The best part of making ketubahs is that I am creating something that will be cherished by the couple for the rest of their lives. I am creating a piece of art that will symbolize their wedding for them. It is an incredible honor.
If you have done work for a gay wedding, what is one thing you had to change your assumptions about?
I really haven’t had to change any assumptions. I find that wedding couples are all the same, whether gay or straight. They have specific ideas of what their marriage means to them that they wish to express, and I try to help them do that.
Do you have a favorite “moment” that happens while you’re doing your job?
I love when a couple sends me photographs from their wedding. I love having the chance to see my ketubahs being signed, and then hung in their homes.
Showcase time!
