Bespoke Ketubah Design
Explore the process and possibilities of ketubah creation with Malka Elah Studio. Each piece is created to be an heirloom, a work of art, and a sacred contract. We take great pride in honoring the traditions of ketubah design. Your ketubah will be fully handcrafted using the most traditional techniques and finest materials.
The Experience
& Inspiration
Rooted in a love of romance, history, artistry, and Jewish heritage, each ketubah is created as both sacred contract and heirloom.
From paper and pigments to calligraphy, composition, and gold leaf, every element is thoughtfully chosen to create something entirely your own. Malka personally guides each couple from concept to completion, offering counsel on text and design and, when desired, collaborating directly with your rabbi or officiant.
The process is personal, creative and joyful. Many couples say that the ketubah design process is one of the most enjoyable parts of wedding planning.
Book a complimentary consult to explore how Malka can create a ketubah that captures your love story and devotion with artistry, intention, and impeccable design.
THE PROCESS
01 — Inquire
Mazal tov on your engagement! Begin your ketubah journey by saying hello & sharing your wedding information via the inquiry form. A fully formed ketubah concept is welcome, but not required. Malka will help guide the creative direction.
*Please inquire at least 8 weeks before your wedding. Rush commissions may be available for an additional fee, depending on timing and availability.
02 — Complimentary Consultation
Meet Malka for a complimentary consultation on Zoom or in the studio to discuss your vision, the ketubah text, and the beautiful possibilities for your piece.
03 — Choose Your Design
Following the consultation, you’ll receive a questionnaire designed to help determine the artistic direction, materials, and final investment. Choose between fully bespoke, a completely original design created exclusively for you, or semi-custom, based on an existing Malka Elah design with personalized modifications.
04 — Commission
To reserve your commission, a $2,500 initial payment is made and short commission agreement signed. Once received, your Ketubah is officially booked the creative process begins.
05 — The Sketch
Malka creates an original pencil sketch and color palette, informed by your inspiration, imagery, and conversation. Malka’s particular specialty is intricate, original pattern design, Hebrew & English modern calligraphy, watercolor painting and gold leaf detail.
06 — The Text
Meanwhile, you’ll finalize your ketubah text with your rabbi or officiant. Malka can offer guidance along the way, but each rabbi has their own requirements and ultimately determines the appropriate text. Your rabbi should provide Malka with the final, complete text in a Word document.
07 — Hand-Crafted Creation
Once the text and sketch are approved, Malka begins the artwork. Each ketubah is created entirely by hand, with the creation process taking several weeks depending on the scale and complexity of the design.
08 — The Reveal
You may choose to see the completed ketubah before it ships, or make the experience a surprise and open it upon delivery. The final balance is due before delivery.
09 — Preparing for Your Wedding
Malka is happy to guide you through the final details, including pens for the signing ceremony, framing for the wedding, and recommendations for preserving and framing your ketubah afterward.
Your finished piece is carefully prepared and lovingly shipped with the utmost care using professional couriers and always insured.
Now you are ready for the ceremony and hold in your hands an heirloom piece embodying your love story and heritage for generations to come! Mazal tov.
Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God my God.
— Ruth 1:16–17.
Client Testimonials
-
Malka created an absolutely beautiful and unique ketubah for our wedding celebration. We wanted something original and Malka created something better than even our wildest dreams! She is amazing at picking up small details to make sure that your ketubah is special and meaningful.
-Susie Amar
-
We love the bilingual Ketubah that Malka created for us! We picked one of her more popular designs (the blue floral Ketubah) and she accommodated all our special requests for personalizing it. She really went above and beyond.
— Clara T.H
-
From the moment I got engaged, one of the first things I thought about was that I wanted a ketubah made by Malka! I showed her portfolio to my fiance and he was also amazed by her work. When we received the ketubah, the result was so impressive, it was above all our expectations. We feel very honored to have this ketubah.
— Rosane
Let’s Get Started
If you're interested in working with Malka, complete the form with a few details about your project. We'll review your message and get back to you within 48 hours.